The Roewe E1 along with a plugin hybrid Roewe 550 are expected to air at the Beijing Auto Show next week, in the meantime we have a good look at the E1 as it undergoes road testing. The E1 is being likened to an electric Smart by the Chinese press, of course the E1 is a little bit bigger than the Smart as it has double the seat space.

Apparently a production line was set up in May 2011 for the E1 in Lin Gang where other Roewe and MG products are made, Roewe are planning to rename the E1 to E50 and aim to sell just 1000 units when it goes on sale at the end of the year.

Top speed of the mini electric motor has been set at 130kph although we doubt it can do that for its entire 190km range. The E50 will require an 8 hour charge from a home outlet.