Car giant Geely, through its subsidiary Geometry in China, has an electric mini that is almost three meters long, has 41 hp and costs only 6,000 euros.
A small car called Panda is all too well known in Europe. This panda comes from Fiat, was introduced in 1980 as the successor to the 126 and has also been one of the Italians' bestsellers in the third model generation since 2011.
Space for 4 at 3 meters
But the Chinese can also panda. In this case Geely, which launched the small electric car Panda Mini under the label of the Geometry subsidiary in China. The two-door car, which is only 3.07 meters long, is almost as angular as Fiat's original panda. With a width of 1.52 meters, a height of 1.61 meters and a wheelbase of just 2,015 millimeters, it is extremely compact overall. Nevertheless, it can accommodate up to four passengers.
In terms of design, Geely picks up on the naming and gives the panda round headlights like googly eyes. The wing mirrors look like ears and the alloy wheels pick up the black and white panda theme. The matching exterior colors are light blue, pink and white.
The cockpit of the Panda Mini is simple and clearly structured. A digital cockpit in front of the two-spoke steering wheel informs the driver. A large touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard bundles almost all operating functions. There are a few additional buttons a little below.
30 kW strong, two battery options
The Panda Mini is powered by a single electric motor on the front axle. The 30 kW and 110 Nm strong electric motor drives the Panda Mini, which weighs almost 800 kilograms, to a limited top speed of 100 km/h. The two battery variants allow ranges of 120 to 200 kilometers, specified according to the Chinese measuring cycle. The battery, which is larger at 17.03 kWh, can be charged with 7 or 22 kW. In the best case, it goes from 30 to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes. A full charge takes 68 minutes.
In China, the Geometry Panda Mini EV is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2023. Prices range from 39,900 to 53,900 RMB. That's the equivalent of around 5,500 and 7,400 euros. An export to other markets is currently not planned. At the latest with a market entry in Europe, Geely should also meet with strong resistance from Fiat mother Stellantis, because as already mentioned: We already have a Panda in Europe.
Conclusion
Geely launches a mini electric vehicle for the Chinese market. At almost three meters in length, it offers space for 4 people. The range should be up to 200 kilometers. With prices around 6,000 euros, this is a great mobility concept. It would probably not be possible to make a state in Europe with just the name Panda.
