Once hailed as a breakthrough in affordable electric mobility, the Kandi K22 made headlines by offering Americans a brand-new EV at a price point that seemed almost too good to be true. But in today’s fast-shifting electric vehicle market, can this ultra-budget, Chinese-made two-seater still hold its own?
Designed for the City, Built for Simplicity
The Kandi K22 delivers exactly what it promises: an easy, electric way to get around town. With a 17.6 kWh battery and an estimated 75-mile range, it’s not made for road trips—but for daily errands, commutes, and city-center zipping, it gets the job done. A 28-horsepower motor powers it up to 65 mph, enough to legally hit the highway, though not exactly with vigor.
Charging is straightforward: five hours on a 240V Level 2 charger. Plug in overnight, and you’re good to go by morning.
Surprisingly Modern Where It Counts
Inside, the K22 skips frills in favor of functionality. Most controls are centralized in a striking 12.1-inch touchscreen—rare in vehicles at this price. Seating is snug, features are basic, and luxury isn’t on the menu—but the cabin is clean, tech-forward, and clearly aimed at minimalist, urban drivers.
Performance: Sharp at Low Speeds, Less So Elsewhere
In dense traffic and tight parking lots, the K22 shines. Its size and instant torque make for a responsive, fun city drive. On the highway? It’ll get you there, but slowly. And long-distance travel? Only for the patient planner with a well-mapped charging route.
The Critical Questions: Safety and Build Quality
For any ultra-low-cost vehicle, questions about safety and build quality are paramount. The Kandi K22 did receive approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for import into the United States. However, it is crucial to note that this approval does not equate to the comprehensive crash-test ratings that consumers are accustomed to seeing for mainstream vehicles. The lack of publicly available crash-test data from the NHTSA or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a significant point of consideration for potential buyers.
Furthermore, some user reviews and reports from when the vehicle was first introduced in the U.S. market raised concerns about the overall build quality and the long-term reliability of Kandi vehicles. A notable report from Hindenburg Research in 2020 also cast a shadow on the company's business practices, a factor that potential buyers should be aware of.
Questions Worth Asking
Safety remains an open-ended topic. While the K22 is approved for U.S. roads, it lacks full crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS. Reports from early buyers and third-party investigations have raised concerns over long-term durability and corporate transparency.
Bottom line: The Kandi K22 still has a niche—especially if your driving is mostly local and you’re budget-conscious. But with new options emerging every month, it’s worth comparing what else is out there before committing.
