Under-$5,000 Chinese EV seeks route into Japan's minicar kingdom

Hong Guang MiniEV market study finds potential demand among caregivers, small businesses

20221025N Hongguang Mini EV

The Hong Guang MiniEV has been the top-selling electric vehicle in China by volume for 25 straight months. © Reuters

SHUHEI YAMADA, Nikkei Asia Tech chief editor

TOKYO -- The Chinese maker of the Hong Guang MiniEV, one of the world's most affordable electric vehicles, is looking for a niche in the Japanese market ahead of a possible rollout here next year.

Billed as an "alternative to walking," the four-seater went on sale in July 2020 and was the top-selling EV brand in China for 25 months straight through September.

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