How does it compare?
Geely Panda Mini BASE locks horns with fellow contenders in the realm of electric subcompacts like the Smart EQ fortwo, Renault Twizy, and Citroen Ami, demonstrating the prowess of Chinese engineering against the backdrop of European automotives.
Range
When it comes to the terrain-tackling distance, Geely Panda Mini BASE hums along with a decently respectable range of 120 km (74.6 miles). In contrast, the Smart EQ fortwo sprints ahead with a range of 130 km (80.8 miles), while the Renault Twizy offers a more modest range of 100 km (62 miles). The plucky Citroen Ami brings up the rear with a humble 70 km (43.5 miles), making the Pandas range quite competitive within this spectrum of urban warriors.
Acceleration
The Geely Panda Mini BASE might evoke the speed of a lumbering bear rather than a gazelle with its 0 to 100 km/h time being uncharted territory. Meanwhile, its rivals do flaunt their sprint metrics—Smart EQ fortwo bolts from 0 to 100 km/h in a zippy 12.7 seconds, while the Renault Twizy skips to 45 km/h in a mere 6.1 seconds. The Citroen Ami might feel like a leisurely stroll, maxing out at 45 km/h in around 10 seconds. Our Panda might need a bit more honey to match these dash times.
Power
In the power department, our Chinese newcomer, the Geely Panda Mini BASEs 27 horses provide a sturdy yet humble push. Stack this against the Smart EQ fortwo boasting 82 hp, which seems positively herculean. The Renault Twizy manages to squeeze out 17 hp from its buzzing motor, while the Citroen Ami comes in slightly more modest with 8 hp. The Pandas electric heart churns with reasonable vigor, offering a balance of economy and strength.
Charging Time
Now let’s talk the age-old question of charging. The Geely Panda Mini BASE juices up its 9.6 kWh battery in a somewhat laid-back 6-8 hours. On the flip side, the Smart EQ fortwo takes around 3.5 hours for a full charge on a standard home outlet. The Renault Twizy claims up to 3.5 hours as well. The Citroen Ami makes us grin with its quick 3-hour refill. The Panda may need to re-think its nap times to keep pace here.
Price
Bang for buck, here’s where the Geely Panda Mini BASE shows its true prowess. Marketed at a jaw-dropping $5,880, £4,270, or €5,560, its undoubtedly a steal. The Smart EQ fortwo commands a steeper investment at around $25,000, £19,000, or €21,000. The sporty Renault Twizy comes somewhere in the middle at $11,000, £8,400, and €9,600, while the Citroen Ami is an econo-box at $6,600, £5,020, or €5,900. Hands down, the Panda roars as the budget champion in this electric circus.

