This little electric run-about started off as a Daihatsu Move, much like the Perodua Kenari we see on our local shores. Chinese automotive manufacturer FAW took it, and rebadged it for the Chinese market as the FAW Xinfu, or it’s direct translation, the FAW Happy Messenger.
Then another Chinese company, Qingyuan ripped out the gasoline engine and put an electric motor in it. The result is the Qingyuan ZX40, which Miles Automotive of the USA is importing as the Miles ZX40. The 40 in it’s name likely refers to it’s 40 mile range, which is about 64 kilometers on a single charge. Or it could be it’s 40 km/h top speed. Not very feasible to replace your car, especially highway driving, but useful for the missus to do her groceries nearby.
The US$15,000 car is street legal in the US, but target customers are townships, military bases, ports and research institutions.
Miles Automotive and Qingyuan has bigger things in the works – the XS200 which will have a 200 mile (320km) range and an 80mph (130km/h) top speed.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
What a funny name !
The looks doesn't looked happy to me!
Hmmmm…looks like a Perodua Kenari to me.
hmm… another lame design from the china automaker…
wow.. electric motor… welll they better improve the milage and speed on this model! i just hope its wont be like GM story! the EV1.. bungkus already!
well done!
GO ELECTRIC!!
ok now i don wanna comment about the look cos its Move facelift. Bout the electric motor, i'll buy it for casual use if cheap. i mean short journeys which u dont hv to rush… better than ride motorbike even though the speed is 40km/h only. n its electric! no fuel required! even the US wants it…
bluek !
my eyes……..
Messenger? Hehehe…I guess they spent too much time chatting on MSN and/or Yahoo Messenger…
Electric car, still long way to go!
looks like it gona break down if u stare at it for too long!
e-nabilll .. a good one! to me its looks pity! same story like unser with that bodykit on it. trying to make it look new..
they should have take the kelisa body and stick the electric motor.. then my gf will jump for joy!
dono how to walk so fast run… later terjatuh baru bagus ah!
If these techies can hantam Sarawak roads,a good buy one….mind the range too…
Nice to know that our kenaris are much better looking than those.. And kenaris looks happier too! haha
electric is a nice thingy.. but adoi.. worry about the electric bill cost pulak? now with the tariff high enough and the car needs to recharge everyday i think its better to stick with petrol since malaysia doesnt cut taxes on hybrid or electric vehicles..
wooow….and i thought the perodua kenari was ugly
erm.. paul.. unless you didn't know.. you got the translation wrong~
XinFu is chinese for bliss.. not happy messenger..