GEELY Panda MINI Karting Edition Launches: CATL Battery, Starting at $6,540

Recently, GEELY Auto officially launched the 2026 Panda MINI Karting Edition — a key update to its current micro BEV lineup. The new model is equipped with a 17.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by CATL, boosting its CLTC all-electric range to 210 km. Its starting price is RMB 43,900 (approximately $6,540), with a limited-time promotional period now underway.

The Karting Edition retains the signature 'cute' design language of the Panda MINI, with body dimensions of 3150 × 1540 × 1685 mm and a wheelbase of 2015 mm. It features 14-inch wheels and adds a sporty exterior package — including a front lip and a large rear roof spoiler — though these are purely aesthetic; top speed remains capped at 100 km/h. Five exterior colors are available: orange, black, gray, white, and pink. Interior options include dual themes — 'black + white' and 'pink + white' — and standard equipment comprises a 9.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and dual front airbags. Trunk capacity stands at 69 liters.

Powertrain-wise, the vehicle continues with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout delivering a maximum output of 30 kW (40 hp); peak torque is not specified in the original text. The battery supplier has been switched from original vendor Gotion High-tech Co., Ltd. to CATL. The new battery passes 76 safety tests and supports 22 kW DC fast charging — recharging from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Under CLTC testing, its range is rated at 210 km, equivalent to approximately 172 km under WLTP conditions.

The Panda MINI debuted in the Chinese market in February 2023 as an entry-level micro BEV for urban commuting, directly competing with the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV, Chery QQ Ice Cream, and Changan Lumin. The initial base variant launched at RMB 39,900 ($5,945). According to China EV DataTracker, cumulative domestic deliveries have reached 426,704 units to date. However, sales from January to July 2026 totaled only 23,377 units — a sharp 77% year-on-year decline — highlighting intensifying competition and shrinking demand in this segment.