Garland-headquartered Kandi America, a distributor of off-road vehicle products and electric vehicles, is strategically expanding its automotive business to tap into the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) market.

According to Kandi, growth in the NEV industry has increased in recent years largely due to local transportation demand in cities and communities. But, the company saw a gap—meeting the needs of the “modern-day driver.”

Today’s customers have come to expect technology and safety features on their vehicles, especially when it comes to NEVs.

Think of an NEV like a supplement to a traditional car, rather than a replacement: They’re used by ‘daily drivers’ for short treks around the neighborhood to save gas and keep miles down. Also, NEVs’ size allows drivers to conveniently maneuver them to park in tighter spaces. It’s comparable to an electric golf cart.

Numerous big-name auto companies have forayed into the NEV space, namely Global Electric Motorcar, Eli Electric, and Renault. Kandi is joining the ranks with its NEV K23 and NEV K27 models.

“NEVs provide a viable alternative for people of all ages looking for an environmentally-friendly mobility solution in a world that will soon be dominated by all things electric,” Johnny Tai, CEO of Kandi America, said in a statement. “This includes varying types of use—from city-dwellers with short commutes to leisure drivers in communities to transport and delivery professionals within establishments.”

The NEV K23 and NEV K27, which have been certified to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 500 requirements, are priced at $22,499 and $15,499, respectively. Unique to the industry, according to Kandi, are their safety features (like seatbelts and airbags), HVAC, and enough space to fit up to four passengers.

The back seats also fold down completely for cargo space that becomes a necessity when running errands around town. And, for those “modern-day drivers,” Kandi says both models come equipped with a backup camera, Bluetooth capability, and high-tech touchscreen.

“In the U.S., most NEVs are converted from golf carts and are not as safe or comfortable as regular cars,” Tai said. “We are excited to have harnessed Kandi’s groundbreaking technology used for electric cars to create an elite, industry-leading category of models within the NEV space known for sophistication and dependability.”

To accommodate for its expansion plans, Kandi is relocating its corporate headquarters to a location near the intersection of U.S. Highway 75 and Forest Lane. The 54,372-square-foot space will feature a dedicated area for test drives, a show room, and distribution center.

From here, Kandi expects to continue investing in the development and rollout of electric vehicles and powersports. The Kandi NEV K23 and NEV K27 are now available for order and delivery through select dealerships.

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