Written byQuick Highlights:
- Starts at just $4,800, making it one of the world’s most affordable EVs
- Offers up to 222 km of driving range (CLTC) on a single charge
- Compact, boxy design built for tight city spaces
- Comes in five trims and a range of playful color options
- Smaller than the Honda N-One e, yet seats four comfortably
Bestune’s New City EV Delivers Real Value Under $5,000
In the U.S., new cars under $20,000 are practically extinct. But in China, the EV market is heading in the opposite direction. The newly launched 2026 Bestune Pony EV proves that practical electric mobility can still be affordable — shockingly affordable.
Developed by FAW-Bestune, the Pony is a tiny three-door, four-seater electric hatch priced from ¥34,900, or around USD 4,800. It’s built for dense cities and tight budgets, yet it offers a modern driving experience with just enough tech to feel current.
Small in Size, Big on Function
The Bestune Pony’s footprint is smaller than most subcompacts — just 3,000 mm (9.8 feet) in length and 1,510 mm (4.9 feet) in width. That makes it roughly half the size of the Honda N-One e, a similar city car that’s become popular in Japan.
Despite the size, the Pony seats four and offers a usable 222 km range (about 138 miles, CLTC) from its 18.11 kWh LFP battery. A rear-mounted 42 hp (30 kW) motor powers the car via rear-wheel drive. While it’s not built for speed, it’s more than enough for daily commuting and grocery runs.
Design-wise, the 2026 update brings new color options like “Snow Cherry Pink” and an upgraded “Cocoa Brown” interior. The boxy profile, low-drag wheels, and LED lighting help it stand out among the flood of bland city cars.
How It Compares to Other Budget EVs
In China, the Pony faces rivals like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, Chery QQ Ice Cream, and Baojun Yep — all targeting urban buyers with tiny footprints and simple interiors. But the Pony undercuts many of them in price while offering RWD, a longer 222 km range, and a surprisingly refined design. Compared to European options like the Dacia Spring or Citroën Ami, the Pony is both cheaper and more usable, though it lacks the regulatory clearance for global markets. Still, in its segment, it punches above its weight.
Interior and Features
Base models are kept simple with:
- A digital instrument display
- Manual A/C
- Basic radio with Bluetooth
- Rear parking sensors
Higher trims add real value with:
- A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment
- OTA updates
- Bluetooth smartphone key
- A driving recorder
- Passive entry and low-speed creep mode
The Pony is available in five trims, ranging from ¥34,900 to ¥45,900 ($4,800 to $6,300 USD).
2026 Bestune Pony EV – Key Specs
| Specification | 2026 Bestune Pony EV |
| Price Range | ¥34,900 – ¥45,900 ($4,800 – $6,300 USD) |
| Motor Output | 30 kW (42 hp), rear-mounted |
| Battery Capacity | 18.11 kWh LFP |
| Driving Range (CLTC) | Up to 222 km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3000 x 1510 x 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1953 mm |
| Doors / Seating | 3-door / 4 seats |
| Infotainment (top trims) | 10.1-inch screen, OTA, DeepSeek assistant |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive |
Would It Work in the U.S.?
Honestly, something like the Bestune Pony EV could carve out a real niche in U.S. cities. It’s bare-bones, sure — no fast charging, no airbags — but for short commutes, tight parking, and low-speed neighborhoods, it fits the bill. It’s smaller than a Mini, yet still seats four and can travel over 100 miles on a single charge (CLTC).
That said, it would need substantial updates to meet U.S. safety and emissions regulations. Without features like airbags or DC fast charging, it’s unlikely to be street-legal in its current form. But if imported as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) or under a city-EV program, it could seriously shake up the entry-level EV market.
With new car prices skyrocketing and even budget EVs pushing past $30K, something like the Pony is a reminder: affordable electric cars can exist — if someone’s willing to make them.
Source: Carnewschina
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