Recently, three new models of the Dongfeng Nano Box, a small pure electric SUV, were officially launched in China by Dongfeng EV. The Nano Box is a business unit under the Dongfeng Group that focuses on small pure electric vehicles and is currently building a new platform for small electric vehicles.
The car was originally developed by
Renault, called the Renault Kwid, and the electric version is called the
Renault City K-ZE. This car is made in China by Dongfeng-Renault and was
exported to Europe as the Dacia Spring. Dongfeng’s own brands and sub-brands
make other versions too, called the Dongfeng Aeolus EX1, Dongfeng Fengxing T1,
Dongfeng Fengguang E1, the Venucia e30, and the Dongfeng Nano Box. All are made
in the same factory.
The Nano Box has a round overall shape and
measures 3732/1579/1515 mm with a 2423 mm wheelbase. The charging port is located
in the front of the car. The interior of the Nano Box adopts a two-color design
that is similar to the exterior. The car comes with a 7-inch instrument panel
and a 10-inch central control screen. The car is connected to an app which
provides features like remote door control, remote air conditioning control,
vehicle positioning/car search, charging management, and vehicle condition
inquiry/diagnosis. The seat material is made of fake leather.
The Nano Box is equipped with a front
motor that outputs 33 kW and 125 Nm. Dongfeng claims the car’s official 0-50
km/h acceleration time is 6 seconds. The battery is a lithium iron phosphate
battery from CATL with a capacity of 15.97kWh, achieving a CLTC pure electric
cruising range of 201 km. The entry-level model only supports slow charging
which takes 3 hours to achieve a full charge, the other two models support fast
charging which takes only 0.53 hours to achieve a full charge.
In the next 5 years, Dongfeng EV plans to
launch 3 to 5 new models, covering SUVs and sedans. The price range of the
three new models is 59,700 – 64,700 RMB (US$ 8,800 – 9,600) making it an
affordable electric SUV option for Chinese consumers.