Geely’s $5,000 Livan Smurf Micro-EV Revealed in China

Geely Group’s Livan Automotive has introduced its latest player in China’s rapidly expanding micro-EV market: the Livan Smurf.

Inspired by the beloved Belgian comic characters, the Smurf is a compact four-seat hatchback designed to take on urban favorites such as the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.

Essentially a rebadged and restyled version of the Geely Panda Mini EV, which sold over 100,000 units in the first seven months of 2023, the Smurf brings a playful new personality to the segment. Its exterior features a boxy silhouette, round “Forest Spirit Eyes” headlights, a smiling front fascia, and a signature blue-and-white color scheme that nods to its comic inspiration.

Inside, the whimsical theme continues with rounded shapes, a two-spoke steering wheel, a rotary gear selector, a floating infotainment screen, and pastel interior color options. Despite its compact size, Livan positions the Smurf as a practical four-seater for city families.

Measuring 3,100 mm in length, 1,558 mm in width, and 1,610 mm in height, with a 2,015 mm wheelbase and a curb weight of 815 kg, the Smurf is classified as a micro-EV.

It is powered by a single 40 hp electric motor, capable of reaching a top speed of 100 km/h, and is equipped with a 17 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering an estimated range of 200–210 km under CLTC standards.

Priced under 36,000 yuan (around $5,000), the Livan Smurf is positioned to compete aggressively in China’s ultra-affordable EV segment, alongside the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV and the newly launched Bestune Pony.