Geely Panda Mini Karting Edition: Sporty Looks and CATL Battery Boost
Geely has brought out a Panda Mini Karting Edition in China, offering a sportier, youth-focused spin on the brand's already-popular mini EV. The updated version features a front lip and a large roof-mounted rear wing, adding to its sporty appeal, although these are mainly cosmetic as the car maintains a top speed of 100 km/h.
The Karting Edition is a compact three-door hatchback, measuring 3,150 mm long, 1,540 mm wide, and 1,685 mm tall, with a 2,015 mm wheelbase. Built for narrow city streets and tight parking spots, it rides on 14-inch wheels and is available in five exterior colors. The cabin offers Black & White or Pink & White themes, along with a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen.
Geely claims up to 210 km on a single charge (CLTC), which is equivalent to around 172 km under WLTP testing. The real change sits under the floor, where the car now runs a 17.2 kWh CATL LFP battery, replacing the earlier Gotion pack. This new battery has passed 76 safety tests. DC fast charging at 22 kW takes it from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes, handy for a quick top-up between errands.
A 30 kW rear-mounted electric motor drives the rear wheels, giving the little EV a more playful feel on the road. Other features include a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, and two front airbags. The boot offers 69 liters of space.
In China, the updated Panda Mini range with the CATL battery starts at about USD 6,540, roughly Rs 8.7 lakh at current exchange rates. There's no word yet on a Nepal launch or pricing. Given its size and spec sheet, it could still end up in the conversation for Nepal's affordable EV city-car segment down the line.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
