Chinese Carmakers Prepare Low-Cost Electrics

Several domestic carmakers in China are poised to roll out low-priced electric and plug-in models, The Nikkei reports.

The newspaper says the cars, which will sell for as little as 100,000 yuan ($16,400) after 100,000-yuan government incentives. The price compares with about 250,000 yuan for a Toyota Prius hybrid.

Such models may help revive interest in domestic brands, whose share of the Chinese car market has dropped below 39%.

Beijing Automotive, Changan Automobile, Dongfeng and First Automobile Works all will unveil "green" cars in the next few months. They join BYD, which introduced its e6 electric sedan in China three years ago.

Beijing Automotive will introduce an all-electric version of its Shenbao sedan by the end of 2014. The car, expected to be priced at about 200,000 yuan after subsidies, will have a range of 210 km (130 miles). The Nikkei says the company is targeting government agencies.

Changan Automobile will debut its Eado sedan with a 122-hp electric powertrain and 160-km (100-mile) range by year-end. The car is expected to sell for 100,000 yuan after government discounts.

Dongfeng will test the market at the end of the year with its tiny Fengshen E30L small car. The vehicle is likely to debut in Beijing. Measuring only about 3 meters (10 feet) long, it is intended primarily for use on crowded city streets.

First Automobile Works plans to introduce its Hongqi plug-in hybrid luxury car in 2015. The model can travel 28 km (17 miles) in electric-only mode. The car targets high-level government officials, according to The Nikkei.