YouTuber bought the world’s cheapest electric car from China and it’s shockingly much smaller than expected like a toy

  • The Chang Li is a golf-cart-sized electric car
  • It costs less than $4,000
  • Its small battery capacity has enough range for just 30 miles

Published on Feb 04, 2025 at 4:41 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall

Last updated on Feb 04, 2025 at 4:41 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Renault Twizy - the world's smallest EV - on the streets of London
Renault UK

An American Youtuber and his team bought the world’s cheapest new electric car, a Chinese EV, which can be purchased from Alibaba for less than $4,000.

The Chang Li is a small, low-speed EV with a top speed of 28mph and its designers sell it as a car for short commutes and quick drives.

YouTuber, HeavyDSparks, and his team tested the car in a video, including its weight capacity, top speed, and performance as a short-range commuter car.

The YouTuber also attempts to extend the small range of the Chang Li, by adding some generators to the roof of the small commuter car.

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The Chang Li costs just under $4,000 brand new

The team discovers just what makes the Chang Li EV tick.

From the beginning, it cost just $3,800 and is sold by Electric Import Motors.

It has enough battery capacity for a 30-mile range, with charging taking around three hours from zero to 100 percent.

The Chang Li looks similar to a golf cart, and the YouTubers quickly discover it has a top speed of just 28 mph.

It weighs just 600 lbs, and four of the guys lift it off the ground without any trouble, proving just how lightweight it is.

The battery appears to be relatively inefficient.

After driving for just a few minutes to weigh the Chang Li, the battery indicator is already blinking, which shows it needs recharging.

The YouTubers test the electric car and its practicality by picking up some food

The three men in the car take it to pick up some Taco Bell and then head downtown to test its practicality further.

Before they reach downtown, however, the car runs out of battery, and a speed test shows that, fully loaded and going up hills, it struggles to break 15mph.

The YouTubers attempt to modify the car, adding a couple of small generators to extend its range. These are mounted on the roof, with chargers placed on the side of the small EV.

The range extenders don’t help much, however, as the Chang Li’s battery dies entirely after its trip downtown. The Chang Li is towed back to their shop.

But before wrapping up, they state they plan to jump the Chang Li and take it off-road to really test its capabilities.

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