Chinese electric automaker Superb Automobile Co., Ltd. is currently selling an electric three-wheeler car in the popular B2B marketplace Alibaba. What’s interesting about this listing is the selling price of the model, which only starts at about $1,000.
What’s known about the EV?
The “Minitype 3 Seater Passenger Electric Passenger Tricycle” under the MEIYA brand is a three-wheeled electric car that hardly hits the standards of an average car.
It features a driver’s seat up the front of the cabin with only a narrow bench-like seat at the back, carrying up to three people (including the driver). The driver’s seat declines all the way back.
Instead of a traditional automotive linkage, the system uses a fork to control the vehicle’s front wheels, replacing the steering wheel with a handlebar.
It features windows with windshield and wiper blades. It also has an LED headlight up front, rearview mirrors, and a DVacuum tire door lock.
As for the performance, it has a top speed of only 40 km/h (25 mph) and a driving range of 50km to 70km.
Key attributes
Presented below are the key attributes of the Minitype 3 Seater Passenger Electric Passenger Tricycle:
| Item | Value |
| Steering | Left |
| Type | Sedan |
| Brand Name | MEIYA |
| Model Number | chaofu01 |
| Place of Origin | Shandong, China |
| Battery Type | Lead Acid |
| NEDC Max. Range | 101~200 km |
| Battery Energy(kWh) | 30-50kWh |
| Battery Warranty | <50000 km |
| Fast Charge Time(h) | 1-3h |
| Slow Charge Time(h) | 8-10h |
| Total Motor Power(kW) | ≤50kW |
| Total Motor Torque(N.m) | ≤100Nm |
| Total Horsepower(Ps) | ≤100Ps |
| Drive Motor | Single |
| Gear Box | Automatic |
| Wheelbase | 1500-2000mm |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
| Curb Weight | ≤1000kg |
| Cabin Structure | Non-integrated body |
| Drive | RWD |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link |
| Steering System | Electric |
| Parking Brake | Manual |
| Brake System | Front drum+Rear drum |
| ABS(Antilock Braking System) | None |
| ESC(Electronic Stability Control System) | None |
| Radar | None |
| Rear Camera | Camera |
| Sunroof | None |
| Steering Wheel | Multi-function |
| Seats Material | Leather |
| Driver’s Seat Adjustment | Manual |
| Copilot Seat Adjustment | Manual |
| Touch Screen | Yes |
| Headlight | Halogen |
| Daytime Light | None |
| Front Window | Electric |
| Rear Window | Electric |
| Exterior Rearview Mirror | Manual adjustment |
| Product Name | 4 Wheel Electric Car |
| Color | Customized |
| Fuel | 100% Electric |
| Max speed | 40km/h |
| Battery | 60V Lead Acid Battery |
| Motor | AC Motor |
| Usage | Passenger Car.new Energy Electric Car |
| Charging time | 8-10Hours |
| Name | Mini Car |
| Seats | 4 Seats |
Pricing
The Chinese-made electric three-wheeler’s price only starts at $1,200 for customers ordering at least 1 to 7 units.
Buyers who order 8-15 units can get a $100 discount, reducing the price to $1,100. Its price further declines to $900 for 50 or more unit orders.
Despite these low prices, it may not be ideal for US-based customers to order the Minitype 3 Seater Passenger Electric Passenger Tricycle. Its shipping fee may cost several times its purchase price, making it still expensive for a low-performance vehicle. In addition, the vehicle is not street-legal in the US.
