Why Are European Carmakers Showing Off Low-Cost EVs in Paris

Curious to see what these new affordable electric vehicles look like and how they compare to others on the market

Here’s an archive link for those without a Bloomberg subscription

Luca said:
Here’s an archive link for those without a Bloomberg subscription

Thanks for sharing the link

Looks like they realize the EU isn’t going to ease up on emission targets

Parker said:
Looks like they realize the EU isn’t going to ease up on emission targets

They won’t stop complaining though. What do you think will happen first? Deny that customers want these cars, suppress demand with tricks, or will we see some shocking sales figures from companies like Kia and Hyundai that prove the narrative wrong

I wish we could see more of the options that Europe has

Dax said:
I wish we could see more of the options that Europe has

We would if our government took emissions regulations seriously

Dax said:
I wish we could see more of the options that Europe has

Absolutely, M3 Touring, RS4 Avant, C63 Wagon. I want a fast small sports wagon but can’t find one in the US

The R5 looks nice but I prefer the Hyundai Soul since it has 5 doors instead of 3, plus the boxy back means more trunk space. I live in a big city, so a slightly smaller vehicle would be perfect. But $38K is a lot, especially with $32K before VAT. The R5 is getting close to being affordable for most, and it’ll probably sell for about $12K used. However, China offers similar EVs for around half the price of these low-cost options, so there’s room for improvement. These are interesting times

Paxton said:
The R5 looks nice but I prefer the Hyundai Soul since it has 5 doors instead of 3, plus the boxy back means more trunk space. I live in a big city, so a slightly smaller vehicle would be perfect. But $38K is a lot, especially with $32K before VAT. The R5 is getting close to being affordable for most, and it’ll probably sell for about $12K used. However, China offers similar EVs for around half the price of these low-cost options, so there’s room for improvement. These are interesting times

Did you mean Kia Soul? The Renault R5 also has 5 doors; the rear handles are hidden in the window frame like the Alfa Romeo 147 or the Seat Leon II

Dustin said:

Paxton said:
The R5 looks nice but I prefer the Hyundai Soul since it has 5 doors instead of 3, plus the boxy back means more trunk space. I live in a big city, so a slightly smaller vehicle would be perfect. But $38K is a lot, especially with $32K before VAT. The R5 is getting close to being affordable for most, and it’ll probably sell for about $12K used. However, China offers similar EVs for around half the price of these low-cost options, so there’s room for improvement. These are interesting times

Did you mean Kia Soul? The Renault R5 also has 5 doors; the rear handles are hidden in the window frame like the Alfa Romeo 147 or the Seat Leon II

I usually think of Hyundai and Kia together, but that’s on me. I didn’t know about the hidden door handles, so I like the R5 more now. But I still prefer a squared back end