How does it compare?
Changan Benben E-Star takes on its electric peers with a promising blend of affordability and efficiency. Lets pit it against the Renault Zoe, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Range
In terms of range, the Changan Benben E-Star covers a respectable 310 km (193 miles). Meanwhile, the Renault Zoe stretches its legs further with a range of up to 395 km (245 miles). The Nissan Leaf stands at 363 km (226 miles), while the Hyundai Kona Electric enjoys a substantial 482 km (300 miles). The Chevrolet Bolt EV spans about 416 km (259 miles). Although the E-Star lags behind the Kona and Bolt, it’s perfectly adept for daily city commutes without breaking the piggy bank.
Acceleration
The Changan Benben E-Star sports a modest acceleration phase, reaching 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) in approximately 6 seconds. The Renault Zoe hustles quicker, hitting 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9.5 seconds. The Nissan Leaf manages 7.9 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph), whereas the Hyundai Kona Electric does it in a sprightly 6.9 seconds. The Chevrolet Bolt EV tops the list, achieving 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a zippy 6.5 seconds. Clearly, the E-Star isn’t winning drag races but its zippier than it appears at first glance.
Power
Under the bonnet, the Changan Benben E-Star delivers 75 horsepower (56 kW). The competition packs quite a punch, with the Renault Zoe at 108 hp (80 kW), the Nissan Leaf at 147 hp (110 kW), the Hyundai Kona Electric at 201 hp (150 kW), and the Chevrolet Bolt EV at a robust 200 hp (149 kW). It’s apparent the E-Star trails in raw power, but then, you don’t quite need 200 horses to navigate through traffic-laden urban jungles.
Charging Time
Charging times can make or break an EV experience. The Changan Benben E-Star, equipped with a 31 kWh battery, requires around 8 hours from a standard AC charger, and about 30 minutes for an 80% top-up using a DC fast charger. The Renault Zoe with 52 kWh takes around 9.5 hours on AC, and 1 hour and 10 minutes for an 80% DC charge. The Nissan Leaf needs around 7.5 hours on AC, and 40 minutes for a fast charge. The Hyundai Kona Electric and Chevrolet Bolt EV, both with larger 64 kWh batteries, take about 9 hours on AC chargers and manage a 1-hour DC fast charge to 80%. If patience were a virtue, the E-Star would be Buddha.
Price
Affordability is where the Changan Benben E-Star truly shines. Priced at approximately $14,000 (£11,200 / €13,200), it’s almost a steal in the electric realm. The Renault Zoe comes in heftier at about $32,000 (£25,600 / €30,100), the Nissan Leaf at around $31,500 (£25,200 / €29,600), the Hyundai Kona Electric tags along at $37,000 (£29,600 / €34,700), and the Chevrolet Bolt EV takes the high path at $36,000 (£28,800 / €33,800). Wallets heave a sigh of relief with the Benben E-Star, which offers commendable features without causing financial heartburn.
To sum it up, the Changan Benben E-Star stands as a budget-friendly, practical choice in the bustling EV market, holding its ground amidst more powerful and expensive contenders.

