Cheaper than a Dacia Spring, here is perhaps the big surprise of the year!

The Chinese manufacturer Xpeng has officially launched its Mona M03 EV at an incredible starting price for a vehicle in this category.

Xpeng invited us earlier this year to a presentation of its activities, and we were able to gauge how well-structured its European ambitions are. This Chinese manufacturer is still little known in Europe, but it is certainly one of the most innovative and is beginning to make a serious name for itself in its local market. So much so that some have dubbed it the “Chinese Tesla.”

It is therefore no surprise that its model attacking the European market is a clone of the Model Y. The Xpeng G6 is now available for order in four European countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The next step will unofficially be France.

Inventive Frugality According to Xpeng

Xpeng has just unveiled its new model, the Mona M03, the result of over four years of research and development and more than $500 million in investment. This is far from a hastily cobbled together Chinese product, as you’ll agree. It features a distinctly modern design that may not appeal to everyone, but it is sure to turn heads for quite some time. Its most striking feature is a very clever rear hatch that completely outshines the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.

But its fatal advantage, as you have guessed, is a rock-bottom starting price of 119,800 yuan, or about 15,250 euros! Equipped with a 62 kWh LFP battery, it promises over 600 km of range in the Chinese CLTC cycle, which translates to around 500 km in the more European WLTP standard. Its designers have focused on efficiency with a weight kept under 1,800 kg and an exceptional aerodynamic coefficient. Xpeng claims to have the best Cx in the entire mass automobile industry, which is certainly a bit ambitious, but the approach is intelligent. Less drag means less energy used for movement, leading to more range. And finally, the possibility to choose the cheapest batteries and motors on the market to lower the cost even further. In addition, an unmatched utilization of artificial intelligence throughout all phases of development has resulted in this price that Xpeng claims allows for a profit margin.

On the other hand, there is no question of skimping on technological provisions with 12 external cameras and 15 radars. Everything needed to make the leap into autonomy, Xpeng’s primary ambition. When you know that the company is at the forefront of research on autonomous eVTOLs or flying electric taxis, there is no reason to scoff or doubt.

With 30,000 orders recorded in 48 hours in China, the car is certainly popular. So, a serious challenger to Tesla, BYD, MG, and others, is certain. The future star of tomorrow… we shall see.

ALSO READ: Tesla Model Y for €36,990 if you order before… August 31, 2024!