Even though the China is one of the largest EV markets in the world, it is difficult to sell the Nissan Leaf. It is “too expensive and sophisticated”, says the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.
In an interview to Automotive News, Carlos said that the Fluence Z.E. wont sell either because of the same reason. What sells in China? Low-cost electric cars. Which is why the engineers from the alliance are developing a low-cost Renault Kwid EV for China. He went on to say that he test drove the car (prototype?) in China, and it will be very well engineered car at a very low cost.
And once it works in China, there’s no reason you’re not going to export the car to India, to Brazil, to the Middle East, he said.
Renault has some big targets for China. At the Dongfeng Renault Automotive Company (DRAC) Vision 2022 media briefing in Wuhan last month, Renault announced that it aims to increase annual sales to 400,000 units based on 9 localized products centered on SUVs, including 3 electric vehicles.
In a country like India, where the electric cars are just picking up, gradually, and the charging stations are still non existent, a car like Leaf or Zoe might not work. What works is something in the likes of e2oPlus. For Renault, a Kwid EV might be the one to start with.
Also Read: China wins the first Tesla factory outside US
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