Kandi’s K27 and K23 EVs are currently the most inexpensive entry-level electric car in the U.S. The company’s introduction into the U.S. came as a surprise to many, but that might not be the only thing the company has up its sleeve. The Chinese company has announced it is actively considering a manufacturing facility in North America.
“Kandi plans to more aggressively target the fast-growing North America market and ensure affordability by eliminating shipping costs and tariffs. The Company is in preliminary discussion with various potential partners, including local government agencies from the US-Mexico border, and has received positive feedback. The Company cautioned that the exploration process is in its early stage and any negotiations would not guarantee a North American plant will be built.”
Hu Xiaoming, Kandi Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, added “We have achieved initial success with our strategic decision to expand to the U.S. electric vehicle market. Over the near term, we are confident we can meet the growing North American demand with our existing manufacturing facilities in China. Longer term, however, we are actively exploring the possibility of manufacturing EVs and off the road vehicles locally, as we plan to more aggressively target the fast growing North American market.”
Although the K27 and K23 are the most affordable entry-level electric cars in the U.S. today, there has been no information released regarding EPA range ratings, crash test results, energy consumption rating, or even an independent drive test review. Absence of important information certainly makes it hard to know whether or not it is a good buy.
The decision to house a facility in North America would not only eliminate shipping costs and tariffs, but it would allow the company to respond to local needs at a much quicker rate.