Chang S1-Pro: The Chinese Electric Car Making Waves in Mexico

The Chinese electric car Chang S1-Pro has recently become popular on social networks due partly to an alleged MX$20,000 (US$1,131) price tag. However, the car cannot be legally bought in Mexico since it does not comply with local standards. Skeptics also warn that its price cannot be so low.

“It is impossible to have an electric car for MX$20,000 in Mexico. Maybe that is what it costs to manufacture it in China, but you have to add the logistic costs of importation. In addition, it could not be sold legally in the country since [the vehicles] do not comply with Mexican standards,” says Jaime Salazar, Director, 26th edition of Expo Eléctrica Internacional 2023, to El Financiero. 

Electromobility in Mexico is taking off, with production and sales booming in 2023. Electric cars are expected to drop in price over the years but the industry still has much room for growth in Mexico. “The manufacture of electric vehicles in the country alone is expected to increase 179% by the end of the year, while marketing could more than double with the arrival of new brands in the Mexican market,” says Salazar.

The Chang S1-Pro is a compact car with dimensions of 1.4m and a capacity for up to three people, so it should be driven at 35km/h to 40 km/h, with the latter being its maximum speed of 40 km/h. It also has a recharge mileage of 80-100km, according to Alibaba’s catalog. 

However, the Chang S1-Pro cannot be sold in the Mexican market because the Automotive Industry Law states that any vehicle to be imported, whether internal combustion or electric, must include some products manufactured in Mexico. Additionally, NOM-194-SCFI-2015 requires that new units sold throughout the country incorporate several measures that ensure the safety of the occupants of a vehicle. These measures include braking system, lights, seat belts, speedometer, airbags and certificate of compliance with frontal and side impact tests, among others. It is unclear whether the Chang S1-Pro complies with such measures.