Low-speed electric vehicles made in China finding favor overseas
2026-08-09 21:46 China Daily
The vehicle comes equipped with a touchscreen displaying speed and battery information, Apple CarPlay, a sound system, LED light bars, side indicators and a charging display that recalls "the digital experience of a Tesla". Its motor can deliver speeds of up to 40 km per hour.
"Overseas demand for eco-friendly, convenient and low-cost transport is surging," said Cao He, an automobile industry consultant, as quoted by China Automotive News. "Chinese low-speed electric vehicles, with their novel designs, quality and high cost-effectiveness, create a win-win scenario."
Supported by the country's extensive EV supply chain, manufacturers have optimized these vehicles and rapidly expanded exports.
The China Automobile Dealers Association said that in May, micro and small EVs accounted for 53.8 percent of total pure EV exports, up from 50.7 percent during the same period last year.
One example of this expansion is Tao Motor, whose brands include Denago and Teko. According to Frost & Sullivan, Tao Motor now holds about 10.9 percent of the global market.
The company has expanded production across China, Vietnam and the US, creating a manufacturing network designed to serve overseas customers.
Last year, Tao Motor's golf cart business generated 1.96 billion yuan ($290.5 million) in revenue, a year-on-year surge of 141 percent.
Total revenue reached 3.94 billion yuan, with the US market accounting for over 80 percent of sales.
The company's growth mirrors an industry trend that Chinese manufacturers are shifting from merely selling products to building ecosystems overseas. They have been developing products designed specifically for offshore markets, with local assembly, service networks and features tailored to different regions.

