SAIC’s first mass produced electric vehicle was launched yesterday, the E50 has been aired at various auto shows around China over the past 24 month and is now available to consumers.

Priced from 234,900RMB the E50 is good for 190km on a single charge and can hit top speeds of 120kph for those that need to hit the high roads. Power comes from a 16Kw motor in the front with batteries stored in the rear. According to SAIC, 70% of Chinese commuters have daily commutes of under 50km so the E50 is perfect for short distance jaunts.

Will the E50 take off? 234,000RMB is a steep buy in price, a decent compact or small car be bought for circa 100,000RMB and the remaining 134,000RMB can be spent on running costs, if certain test trial cities are still offering subsidies of upto 120,000RMB then the E50 could see some early sales.