Car expert says if new Changan Lumin sells for around $15,000, South Africa may have a cheap EV hit

Car expert says if new Changan Lumin sells for around $15,000, South Africa may have a cheap EV hit highlights debate sparked by a TikTok post about Changan’s small electric hatchback. A creator from TheCarScene said the Lumin has a range of around 300 km but a top speed limited to 104 km/h, suggesting it would be mainly for city driving. The central question is price: the expert argued it could succeed in South Africa if it sells for 250,000 rand or less, about $15,394. The discussion links affordability to EV adoption, noting high upfront costs and the potential benefits of lower fuel expenses and reduced routine maintenance. Commenters raised concerns about safety, citing that the car has two airbags, and some argued even 250,000 rand could still be too expensive.