Californians tested an $8,000 EV from China and ended up shocked at how much they loved it

The EV is becoming ever-popular, especially in built-up cities.

From Tesla, to hybrids, and everything in between, electric vehicles are constantly battling and evolving to become the viable future of the automotive industry.

Now, one YouTube channel has decided to test the latest contender.

It’s from China, and it costs just $8,000.

Meet China’s cheapest EV offering

Kyle and Alyssia run a YouTube channel called Out of Spec Reviews.

Essentially, they are a one stop shop for all things electric, hybrid and even hydrogen powered.

Now, they have taken the step of testing China’s latest electric vehicle offering.

Meet the Wuling Binguo, a car with retro-inspired design.

Straight away, Kyle and Alyssa admit the car is not class-leading in any category, except for one – its price.

They are amazed at how China is able to produce electric vehicles so cheaply and so economically.

Kyle noted there were substantial Chinese government subsidies to build the cars.

Additionally, he noted their “very mature supply chain” also contributed to lower costs.

The guys said there were two charging options – an 11kW AC slow charger, and a DC fast charger (10-80% in less than 30 minutes).

Life on the inside of the Wuling Binguo

Alyssia then stepped inside the Wuling Binguo to review the interior of the car.

She said it definitely lacked the ‘premium feel’ of some of its rivals.

In terms of comfort and performance, she found it more directly comparable to a high-end golf cart.

After reviewing the infotainment system, Kyle and Alyssa come to the same conclusion – essentially, it was very basic but also functional.

Performance on the road

Next, the guys took the Wuling Binguo on the road in Southern California.

As you might have guessed, the Binguo doesn’t exactly shape-shift in terms of acceleration.

With a top speed of around 60mph, the Wuling Binguo was never designed to set speed records.

However, the guys were definitely impressed by its responsive steering.

That being said, they also try testing the turning radius, describing it as ‘not bad, but not great’.

Overall, the guys acknowledged that the Wuling Binguo wasn’t the most premium vehicle but said it was fine ‘for getting from point A to point B with groceries’.

Truthfully, whilst the Wuling Binguo didn’t blow Kyle and Alissa away, they said there were definitely positives about the little car, and not just its price.

Could small, cheap and cheerful electric vehicles be the path to the future? China definitely thinks so.

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