First China-made electric car to hit U.S. next year

The first Chinese-made electric-powered car to hit the U.S. market is on its way.  The Miles XS500 is "rather nondescript," according to Forbes, but "What's sexy is inside: Under the hood is an electric motor powered by a 700-pound lithium-ion battery."  A California-based startup company called Miles Electric Vehicles is importing the car (from China), believing it "is zippy and affordable enough to shake up the auto biz when 4,000 go on sale in as many as 100 dealerships late next year."  If it clears legal hurdles, it will be the first Chinese-made electric car to go on sale in the U.S. 

The company "aims to sell 30,000 XS500s in 2010 to two-car families that are willing to ditch one gas-powered car or hybrid for an electric vehicle. Its 120-mile range (on normal terrain) might be enough for commuters."  It may cost as much as $35,000, though company officials say it will be so much cheaper to own than a gasoline-powered car that it will make the investment worthwhile.

The car has yet to be tested to see if it conforms to American crash standards. Miles Electric officials plan safety upgrades they hope will make the car compatible with U.S. laws. Greentech, however, says "The company already has received more than 10,000 inquiries about buying the vehicle." 

So is a Chinese auto invasion upon the Amercans?  Industry analysts have expected to see Chinese cars for sale in the U.S. eventually. The recent 2008 Beijing Auto Show featured its usual assortment of (somewhat amusing) blatant knock-offs of western-made cars.  But it also offered displays of some serious vehicles that some observers said could almost compete in western markets, all made by domestic Chinese companies.

But Motor Trend says they won't be here anytime soon.  "Perhaps the best way to make sense of China's own-brand automakers is to apply simple math," MT writes.  "Last year, they sold just over 1.5 million vehicles in their home market -- a total market share of less than 20 percent, divided among 24 nameplates. Imagine 24 nameplates fighting for the slice of the market GM owns here in the U.S. It just doesn't add up."  They conclude: Make no mistake, the Chinese automakers are coming, but maybe not soon.