CATL LFP battery, 210 km range and just 5,630 euros at purchase price: this is the Geely Panda we want in Europe
Geely has just launched the Panda Karting on the market. This small electric urban vehicle enters the Chinese market equipped with a new battery supplied by CATL, along with an introductory promotion that keeps its price at an extremely attractive level, likely encouraging more people to switch to electric cars.
The new Geely Panda Karting CATL Edition retains the design philosophy of this unique urban microcar: very compact dimensions, four seats, a look inspired by karts, and a propulsion system designed primarily for city driving. The main innovation is actually in the least obvious area, as it now features a CATL LFP battery.
A small electric car with a kart-style aesthetic and a CATL battery
The design of the Geely Panda Karting CATL Edition features a very square and compact body, a closed front end, black trim, and distinctive round headlights that are key to its identity. This new edition also introduces a specific color called Mischievous Orange, developed in collaboration with Taobao, along with other available body colors.
The body features two doors and a four-seater layout. The 14-inch tires and the large rear spoiler are likely the elements that most contribute to its image as a small racing car, though beneath the aesthetic lies a model intended for daily commuting rather than truly becoming a track car. The top speed is limited to 100 km/h.
Inside, Geely opts for a simple yet far more comprehensive setup than one might expect given the price. The Panda Karting features a 9.2-inch digital dashboard and an 8-inch central screen, along with wireless connectivity to the phone, a rear-view camera, parking sensors, and the ability to control certain functions via a mobile app. It also comes equipped with two front airbags and an uphill assist system.
The car’s compact size does not prevent it from carrying a certain amount of cargo. The trunk starts at 69 liters, but with the rear seats folded down, it can reach up to 800 liters. This is an especially impressive figure for a car that is only 3.15 meters long, although obviously you’ll have to choose between carrying passengers in the back or making use of all that cargo space.
Under the hood, the Panda Karting CATL Edition features a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor located at the rear axle, with 30 kW of power—equivalent to around 41 horsepower—and a maximum torque of 110 Nm. It comes with Normal and Sport driving modes and maintains a top speed of 100 km/h, sufficient for navigating city streets and surrounding areas, but not designed for long-distance travel.
The main highlight of this update is the battery. Geely has replaced the previous battery pack with a 17.2 kWh LFP battery manufactured by CATL, one of the world’s leading experts in this technology. The advertised range is 210 kilometers according to China’s CLTC cycle, a figure that should not be confused with the European WLTP standard.
Charging performance also meets expectations for a car of this size. The Panda Karting supports fast DC charging at up to 22 kW, with an estimated time of about 30 minutes to go from 30% to 80% battery charge. It can also be charged via AC at 3.3 kW, a slower option but sufficient to keep it connected for several hours.
The best part is that this car, which can suit many families as a second vehicle at home, costs 43,900 yuan, which is only about 5,630 euros at the current exchange rate. It’s a truly attractive price for a model perfect for city driving.