Dongfeng has just dropped the 2026 Nammi 01 EV in the Chinese market, making waves with a starting price that is 2,000 USD less than its predecessor. This compact electric hatchback is stepping into the ring with a serious value proposition, aiming to shake up the entry-level EV segment.
Price and Variants
The 2026 Nammi 01 EV arrives with a lineup of eight variants, kicking off with an official price of 59,800 yuan (about 8,400 USD). For early birds, there is a limited-time launch price of 58,800 yuan (approximately 8,250 USD), making it an even more enticing option. This aggressive pricing clearly targets rivals like the BYD Seagull and Geely Geometry Xingyuan, showing Dongfeng means business in the competitive Chinese EV landscape.
| Variant | Official Price (yuan) | Limited-Time Price (yuan) | Approx. USD (official / promo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chuxin 330 Fly | 59,800 | 8,400 / 8,250 | |
| Chuxin 330 Air | 65,800 | 9,270 / 9,130 | |
| Chuxin 330 Plus | 69,800 | 9,830 / 9,700 | |
| Chuxin 430 Air | 69,800 | 9,830 / 9,700 | |
| Zhiai 330 Pro | 72,800 | 10,250 / 9,700 | |
| Zhiai 330 Ultra | 76,800 | 10,820 / 10,250 | |
| Zhiai 430 Pro | 81,800 | 11,530 / 10,960 | |
| Zhiai 430 Ultra | 92,800 | 13,070 / 12,510 |
Design and Aesthetics
The new Nammi 01 EV keeps its friendly, rounded silhouette, perfect for city navigating. But for 2026, there is a fresh “Spirit Green” two-tone paint job that pairs a vibrant green lower body with a crisp white roof. If green isn’t your thing, there are other cool combinations available, such as Fantasy Purple/White, Golden Red/White, and Pink/White. You will find split headlamps and a cool, through-type LED daytime running light at the front, plus a black mesh-style lower grille that adds a touch of sportiness. Top-tier trims crank up the style with LED headlights featuring automatic high/low beams, frameless doors, sleek hidden door handles (a feature becoming more common in EVs like those from Xiaomi, as discussed in our piece on Xiaomi’s EV engineering) and stylish 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
Measuring in at 4,020 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall, with a 2,663 mm wheelbase, the Nammi 01 EV perfectly fits the compact hatchback mold. Its dimensions are a sweet spot for urban driving, offering good maneuverability without sacrificing interior space.
Interior and Tech
Slide inside and you will find a minimalist cabin that feels surprisingly spacious. The 5-inch digital instrument cluster provides all the essential driving info, while a sharper 12.8-inch central display, now with a 1920×1080 resolution, handles your infotainment needs. This system is pretty smart, sporting 8 GB of memory and AI-based voice control with dual-zone voice wake-up. Fun fact, it even has a “pet mode” for when your furry friends are along for the ride. Plus, a new green interior theme makes the cabin feel even more alive.
For those who like a bit more luxury, higher trims offer plush leather seats, 50W wireless phone charging, and ventilated and heated front seats. The driver’s seat even gets a 6-way electric adjustment with memory and a welcome function. And if you ever need to haul more than just passengers, the rear seats fold completely flat, expanding luggage capacity from 326 liters to a hefty 945 liters. It is a surprisingly practical touch for a compact car.
Performance and Range
Under the hood, all Nammi 01 EV variants pack a punch with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor. It delivers 70 kW (that’s about 94 horsepower) and 160 Nm of torque. While it won’t be winning any drag races, it is more than enough for lively city driving and comfortable highway cruising. Dongfeng is also focusing on the practicality of their electric vehicles. You have two battery options to pick from, giving you flexibility based on your daily needs:
- 31.45 kWh battery: Good for a 330 km CLTC range
- 42.3 kWh battery: Extends your journeys with a very respectable 430 km CLTC range
The Nammi 01 EV also supports external power output (V2L), which is super handy for powering external devices, whether you are camping or just need to charge your laptop on the go. Driving safety is covered by a 540° panoramic camera system and a suite of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keeping assist (LKA), integrated cruise assist (ICA), and automatic emergency braking (AEB). These features are becoming standard in many Chinese EVs, as seen in advancements like Huawei’s Qiankun ADS, which aims for widespread L3 autonomous driving.
Market Position
In September, the Nammi 01 racked up 2,625 sales, putting it at 10th place among compact EVs in China. With its updated tech, personalized color options, and those eye-catching sub-60,000 yuan prices, the 2026 model is perfectly poised to go head-to-head with bestsellers like the BYD Seagull and Geely Geometry Xingyuan. It seems Dongfeng is aiming to grab a bigger slice of the budget-friendly EV pie, offering a compelling package that blends affordability with modern features.
This isn’t just about a new car launch. It’s a testament to the fast-evolving Chinese EV market, where innovation, competitive pricing, and rapid product cycles are the norm. With cars like the Nammi 01 EV, consumers get more choices, better tech, and greener rides, all without breaking the bank. The future of urban mobility in China is looking brighter, and more colourful, than ever. It underscores the rapid pace of development in the Chinese automotive industry, which continues to challenge global perceptions and standards, much like brands that continue to push boundaries, such as those discussed in our article on BYD’s Fangchengbao outperforming Xpeng. The continuous drive for innovation and market competitiveness highlights the strength and ambition within China’s EV sector, and with players like Dongfeng making such strong moves, other car companies, such as Changan, are also accelerating their EV push. Furthermore, new EV brands continue to emerge, offering innovative designs and competitive features, as seen with discussions around Leapmotor’s new electric crossover to challenge the market.
