The Shandong Keyu KBW-4 is a tiny replica of the American RAM 1500, priced at under £3,000 (Image: Keyu Motors)
With 2025 just around the corner, drivers across the country are set to that could see the for many.
One of the most significant changes set to take place over the next 12 months is the used by businesses, with their status changing from a to a company car.
As a result, those looking to lower the whilst still retaining some of the style and practicality they offer may be interested in a that looks surprisingly similar to an American RAM 1500.
The is a small double-cab pickup truck with the ability to seat four passengers at a cost of $3,724 (less than £3,000) – a stark contrast to the RAM’s starting price of about £45,000 plus VAT.
Whilst some of the proportions are different, the Chinese truck looks almost identical to the American original, even featuring the same ‘RAM’ lettering on the front grille.
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Compared to the real deal, the Chinese car costs 10 times less and is 1.2 metres shorter (Image: Getty)
At just 4.5 metres long, the Shandong Keyu KBW-4 is around 1.2 metres shorter than the real deal, and as a result is not quite so practical. The company claims the model can carry up to 500kg, less than half of the payload the RAM offers.
Nevertheless, the KBW-4 still offers a surprisingly large amount of vehicle for the money, with the manufacturer showing features including a infotainment touchscreen, a multi-function steering wheel, and an anti-roll bar located in the bed of the truck.
Surprisingly for such a cheap model, the Chinese pickup truck also features four-wheel drive. However, a limited amount of power does mean the KBW-4 is unlikely to be particularly capable off road.
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Despite the low price, the KBW-4 comes with a large touchscreen and multi-function wheel (Image: Keyu Motors)
A mini electric vehicle, the Shandong Keyu KBW-4’s 800W set of motors means it has a top speed that has been limited to just 45kph (28mph), similar to quadricycles sold in the UK such as the Citroen Ami and Renault Twizy.
A 72V lead acid battery is also used, compared to the much lighter and more efficient lithium ion power packs seen in modern electric cars, meaning that range is also somewhat limited to just 80km (50 miles).
The older technology also means that the KBW-4 does not benefit from a number of advantages modern electric vehicles have, such as rapid charging – with the Chinese truck needing between five and 10 hours to fully charge the battery.
The Shandong Keyu KBW-4 is one of a wide number of ‘low-speed electric vehicles’ (LSEVs) built in China, which have gained the nickname ‘Old Man’s Joy’ as the majority of them are bought by elderly motorists who want something with similar styling to a western vehicle but on a very limited budget.
Much like quadricycles in the UK, LSEVs are much slower than conventional cars and lack many of the safety features that most drivers take for granted, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Drivers wishing to import an LSEV into the UK would likely also need to have the vehicle undergo a series of inspections to make sure it is safe to use, with no guarantee that it would pass.