Dongfeng Nammi - Affordable EV charm with real-world practicality

With electric cars still sitting out of reach for most Filipino buyers, the Dongfeng Nammi might be the breath of fresh air aspiring EV owners have been waiting for.

- By JACOB OLIVA

It's one of the most affordable full EVs on the market, especially with the limited-time promo price of under a million pesos this July.

That money gets you 430 kilometers of range, which, according to at least one owner, is enough to get away with just once-a-week charging and spend only P3,000 a month on electricity instead of P12,000 on gas.

But good numbers on paper aren't everything. How does it actually drive? Is it worth skipping over the more familiar gas or hybrid options for something this new? After owning one for a full week, here's what I think.

Design and cabin space: More than just cute

The Nammi leans into the small-and-charming formula, and it works. It's compact at just 4,030 mm long, shorter than a Toyota Vios, but because of the wide body (1,810 mm) and frameless windows, it doesn't look or feel like a toy car. The 17-inch wheels and hidden door handles give it a modern EV vibe. Meanwhile, visibility is surprisingly good. The wide windshield and large side windows make it easy to see out of.

Inside, it's mostly practical. The front cabin is spacious, with lots of cubbies, trays, and usable storage areas. The materials are decent enough for the price. Seats are a bit on the small side and the rear is best for two adults, though the legroom is more than enough.

Tech and Features: Solid essentials, some glaring omissions