Dongfeng has announced a new badge for simple and attractively priced electric cars. The name ‘Fukang’ means ‘health and prosperity’ in Chinese and has a history spanning nearly three decades.
Specifically, Dongfeng-Citroen joint enterprise started producing the Citroen Fukang in 1992 as a local version of the Citroen ZX. What used to be a model name now becomes a full-fledged car brand dedicated to EVs.
Opening the lineup is the Fukang e-Elysee, which comes to replace the 4.4-meter long Citroen C-Elysee that used ICE engines and left the market in China a few years ago (watch the video for details). Its electric counterpart debuted as a concept in France five years ago and is now finally coming to the market with a new radiator grille and a digital dash instead of traditional gauges.
The base spec features a clutch pedal and a five-speed manual gearbox. Its motor churns out as little as 62 PS (61 hp / 46 kW) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque. A two-pedal version with a single-range reduction gear – a more typical modern EV setup – costs more, but has 82 PS (81 hp / 60 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft).
Customers can choose between a LiFePO4 battery rated at 38.4 kilowatt-hours or a more expensive 30.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. Both are mounted at the rear overhang and are rated for 300 kilometers (186 miles) of NEDC range. Prices start from U.S. $20,000 for the former variant and $21,500 for the latter. There is only one trim level on offer right now, which includes an AC, two airbags, and ABS.
Next in line after the Fukang badge is the 4.7-meter long Dongfeng E11K, a Chinese Nissan Sylphy twin that went through an update last year. Called the Fukang ES500, the car features a single electric motor rated at 150 PS (148 hp / 118 kW) and a battery sized 53 kWh. Prices start from $22,000.
