Bestune Xiaoma mini EV 1200kms on a Single Charge | Price, Specs, Range

In the fast-evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), China’s First Auto Works (FAW) is stepping into the spotlight with the Bestune Xiaoma mini EV. This innovative micro-electric car is being positioned as a direct challenger to the popular Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, which has dominated China’s EV market in recent years.

With pricing between ¥30,000 and ¥40,000 (around ₹3.5 – ₹4.5 lakh), the Xiaoma is not just an affordable EV, it represents a bold attempt to redefine what small electric cars can deliver for urban commuters and sustainable mobility advocates.

FAW’s Entry into the Micro-EV Space

FAW, one of China’s largest state-owned automotive manufacturers, has traditionally focused on mid-sized cars and premium vehicles. With the Xiaoma, the company is making a clear pivot toward affordable, compact EVs that can thrive in crowded cities.

This move reflects the growing demand for small, eco-friendly vehicles in urban environments. According to Statista, China sold more than 9 million EVs in 2023 alone, and microcars accounted for a large share of those sales. FAW wants to capture that demand by offering a product that blends affordability with a surprising range.

The rise of affordable micro-EVs opens avenues for startups and small businesses to explore urban mobility services, EV fleet management, and shared micro-EV rental solutions. Companies can integrate such micro-EVs into last-mile delivery services, creating eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation models.

Design and Features

The Xiaoma was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, showcasing both a hardtop and a convertible version, though the hardtop will hit the market first.

Highlights include:

• A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity
• A dual-tone interior design for a youthful, urban look
• Boxy exterior styling with aerodynamic wheels
• Playful square headlamps and coordinated rear tail lamps

Despite its compact dimensions (3,000 mm length, 1,510 mm width, 1,630 mm height, 1,953 mm wheelbase), the Xiaoma manages to balance aesthetics and practicality.

Built for Range and Efficiency

Here’s where the Xiaoma stands out: it is built on FAW’s Xiaoma FME platform, which supports both fully electric and range-extender models.

• The pure EV variant offers around 800 km on a full charge under ideal conditions.
• The range-extender version goes up to 1200 km, thanks to additional onboard energy support.

It’s important to note that real-world ranges are expected to be lower. Industry analysts predict 150–250 km per charge for the entry-level version, which aligns more realistically with what consumers will experience day-to-day.

This range is still impressive for such a low-cost microcar and could help it stand out in the crowded EV landscape. For perspective, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that range anxiety remains a top barrier to EV adoption globally. Cars like the Xiaoma directly address that concern.

Under the Hood

• Motor: Single 20 kW motor on the rear axle
• Battery: Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by Goshan and REPT
• Charging: 6–8 hours with a home outlet, faster with dedicated chargers
• Safety: Driver-side airbag, ABS, 3-door design

LFP batteries are increasingly seen as the sustainable choice for mass-market EVs because they are safer, longer-lasting, and use fewer scarce minerals than nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries. This is part of a wider industry push toward more responsible battery supply chains.

Key Specifications of Bestune Xiaoma Mini EV

• Price: ¥30,000–¥40,000
• Battery Type: Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP)
• Range: 800–1200 km, depending on the variant
• Motor Power: 20 kW rear-mounted motor
• Charging: 6–8 hours (home), faster with DC charger
• Dimensions: 3000mm L × 1510mm W × 1630mm H, wheelbase 1953mm
• Seating: 3-door, 2–4 passengers
• Features: 7-inch touchscreen, dual-tone dashboard, aerodynamic wheels
• Safety: Driver-side airbag, reinforced body

Price of the Bestune Xiaoma mini EV

In China, the Bestune Xiaoma is expected to retail between ¥30,000 – ¥40,000. That places it among the most affordable EVs worldwide, directly competing with budget models like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.

If FAW can maintain this pricing strategy in other markets, it could dramatically lower the entry barrier for EV ownership and support global sustainable mobility goals.

Why Xiaoma Matters for Sustainable Business

The Xiaoma isn’t just another budget EV, it’s a case study in how sustainability, affordability, and innovation intersect in the EV market. Here’s why it matters for the bigger picture of sustainable business:

• Urban Sustainability: Micro-EVs reduce congestion, parking space demand, and urban emissions, making them ideal for smart cities.
• Green Startups: Affordable EVs open up opportunities for EV rental services, last-mile logistics companies, and shared mobility platforms that want to scale sustainably.
• Battery Innovation: With LFP batteries gaining traction, manufacturers and recyclers are building more circular supply chains. The World Economic Forum highlights battery recycling as a key sustainability driver, and cars like the Xiaoma contribute to that ecosystem.
• Sustainable Growth in China: FAW’s move reflects how Chinese automakers are leading in EV affordability, something that could inspire similar business models globally.

Global interest in micro-EVs is growing, encouraging cross-border collaborations in sustainable transport technology. Businesses can look into exporting micro-EVs, partnering with local EV startups, or creating hybrid mobility platforms combining bikes, scooters, and microcars to achieve comprehensive urban mobility solutions.

For sustainable businesses, the lesson is clear: accessibility drives adoption. By making EVs affordable, companies like FAW are accelerating the transition to low-carbon mobility.

Availability Outside China

As of August 2025, the Bestune Xiaoma mini EV is only available in China. FAW has hinted at potential global expansion, but no official launch dates for India or other markets have been confirmed.

If introduced in emerging markets, especially countries like India, where affordability is key, the Xiaoma could change the narrative around EV adoption. For now, Indian consumers can explore models like the Tata Tiago EV or Tata Punch EV as domestic alternatives.

The Bestune Xiaoma mini EV is more than just a micro-car with a long range — it’s a signal of where the global EV market is heading. Affordable, sustainable, and designed for urban realities, the Xiaoma could reshape consumer expectations and create new opportunities for green businesses.

If FAW executes its vision well, this car could become a model for how sustainability and business growth can go hand in hand, proving that the future of EVs isn’t just about luxury or performance, it’s about accessibility and impact.