Summary of "Driving China’s Cheapest EV in the U.S. Explains Everything"

Bestune Pony (Chinese Micro Electric Vehicle) Review

Main Features

Price:
- Starts at $4,800 for the base “Playful Pony” model
- Higher trims like the “Petite Pony” around $6,300
- All models priced under $10,000
Range:
- Approximately 137 miles on the CLTC scale
- Around 100 miles real-world range
Top Speed:
- Claimed max speed about 62 mph
Size & Design:
- Ultra-compact micro EV with very small 12-inch wheels
- Exterior described as “cute” with a toy-like aesthetic
Interior:
- Basic, plastic-heavy materials
- Seats comfortable enough for short trips
- Second row folds flat
- Can seat two small adults or children in the back
- Car seat latches included
Controls:
- Unique dial for gear selection (reverse, neutral, drive) with no park gear
- Parking done via neutral + parking brake
Features:
- Power windows
- AC controlled by knob
- AM/FM radio
- Small, non-responsive screen (higher trims only), mostly in Mandarin
Charging:
- Uses a Chinese proprietary charger
- Takes 5-6 hours to fully charge
- Not compatible with Tesla Superchargers or US charging standards
Power Outlets:
- 12V and USB-A ports up front
- None in the rear
Practicality:
- Suitable for short urban commutes, suburban errands, or as a secondary/vacation vehicle

Pros

Extremely affordable new car option, far cheaper than the cheapest US new cars (e.g., Nissan Versa ~$18,000, Sentra ~$23,000)
Decent range for city driving
Surprisingly spacious rear seating for a micro EV
Simple, functional interior with basic amenities
Cute and appealing design, especially for those who like pastel colors or toy-like aesthetics
Potentially disposable due to low price—repair vs. replace economics favor replacement
Good for markets with short trips and lower speed requirements

Cons

Limited top speed (62 mph) makes it unsuitable and potentially hazardous for freeway/highway driving, especially in the US
Safety concerns due to minimal crash protection; US regulations would require expensive engineering for micro EVs
Interior build quality is very basic with visible fasteners and plastic parts
User interface and infotainment mostly in Mandarin, limiting usability for non-Chinese speakers
No park gear, which may be inconvenient or unfamiliar
Charging infrastructure incompatibility with US standards
Lack of power outlets in the rear
Not officially available or legal for sale in the US due to regulatory and safety standards
Small wheels and toy-like feel may not appeal to all buyers
Limited speed category in the US means micro EVs must meet full car crash standards, raising costs

User Experience & Impressions

Drivers find it cute and fun, likened to a “souped-up golf cart” or the VW Beetle’s cutesy vibe
Rear seating is surprisingly comfortable for short trips, suitable for small adults or children
Controls take some getting used to, especially the gear dial and parking method
Charging takes several hours, which is reasonable for urban use
Public reactions were positive; people were shocked by the low price and found it adorable
Not practical for typical American driving conditions due to speed and safety limitations
Seen as a potential solution for affordable urban mobility or secondary vehicles

Comparisons

Compared to the discontinued Smart Car (started at $24,000), the Bestune Pony is drastically cheaper but lacks US safety standards
The cheapest new cars in the US cost at least $18,000, making this Chinese micro EV a unique low-cost alternative
Compared to golf carts, it offers more speed, range, and protection but still feels similar in size and simplicity
US market lacks intermediate vehicle categories like Japan’s K-cars or Europe’s quadricycles, which allow for affordable micro EVs
The video mentions Rivian’s sister brand betting on micro-mobility platforms, hinting at future shifts in affordable transportation
Suggests that autonomy and robo-taxis might be the future solution for affordable transport in the US rather than ultra-cheap personal cars

Additional Notes

The car is not officially sold in the US; this is likely the only unit in the country
US regulatory hurdles prevent micro EVs from entering the market
Sponsorship mention: EcoFlow smart home energy products (unrelated to the car review)

Different Speaker Views

One speaker emphasizes the affordability and novelty of a $4,800 new car
Another highlights the safety and regulatory challenges for micro EVs in the US
Public reactions show surprise at the price and appreciation for the car’s cuteness
Some skepticism about the practicality and safety for American driving conditions

Verdict / Overall Recommendation

The Bestune Pony is an impressive example of how Chinese manufacturers achieve ultra-low-cost electric vehicles with acceptable range and basic features. It offers a compelling solution for short-range, urban mobility at a fraction of the cost of any new car in the US.

However, due to limited top speed, minimal safety features, and incompatibility with US regulations and charging infrastructure, it is not practical or legal for widespread use in the US market.

For buyers seeking an affordable, fun, and simple city commuter in China or similar markets, it is a great option. In the US, micro EVs like this highlight the gap in affordable transport and suggest that future solutions may lie in new vehicle categories or autonomous mobility services rather than traditional ownership.