Chinese electric-vehicle maker XPeng has announced that its Mona M03 electric saloon has passed the impressive milestone of 200,000 units produced in just 14 months since launch. While the milestone is for the domestic Chinese market, the model’s planned entry into Europe in 2026 makes it highly relevant for European EV watchers and buyers. The Mona M03 is aimed at the mass-market segment, bringing strong specs at an aggressive price point, and it may shake up the lower-cost EV category in Europe. More competition is always better!
Pricing, Battery and Range Details
At launch in China (August 2024), the Mona M03 started at around RMB 119,800, equivalent to roughly €15,600 at current exchange rates. The car offers battery packs of approximately 51.8 kWh and 62.2 kWh, with claimed CLTC-cycle ranges up to 600 km (note: European WLTP figures will be lower for sure). The saloon measures about 4,780 mm in length, 1,896 mm in width and 1,445 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. The front-motor, front-wheel-drive layout supports cost-effective production and entry-level positioning. Early reviews describe it as well-equipped, targeting value-focused buyers.
| Model | Battery Capacity | Range |
|---|---|---|
| XPeng Mona M03 | 51.8/62.2 kWh | 515/600/620 km (CLTC) |
| Tesla Model 3 | 60/79 kWh | 513/528/629 km (WLTP) |
| BYD Seal | 61.4/82.5 kWh | 460/520/570 km (WLTP) |
Sales Momentum & What That Signals
Achieving 200,000 units so quickly suggests that the Mona M03 has found favourable traction in China, and it indicates that XPeng has built up manufacturing and supply capability at scale. The company has also confirmed plans to launch the Mona series in Europe in 2026, explicitly as a more affordable EV option rather than premium positioning. For Europe, that means a possible arrival of a saloon with solid range and mass-market appeal, but also one that must jump regulatory, homologation and tariff hurdles.
Speaking of tariffs: the European Union has imposed countervailing duties of 30.8% (on top of a standard 10 % import duty) on Xpeng, as part of its strategy to protect EV manufacturers. These extra costs will affect the Mona’s price competitiveness in Europe unless local production or tariff exemptions are arranged.
What to Watch & Potential Competitors
If launched in Europe, the Mona M03 would compass the mass-market saloon segment, and it will face well-established rivals. The Tesla Model 3, with WLTP ranges of up to 629 km and starting prices under €40,000 for the smaller pack in some markets, remains a major benchmark.
The BYD Seal, starting in Europe at about €40,000, offers ranges up to around 570 km and is already considered a strong value alternative to the Model 3. For the Mona M03, success will come down to whether it can deliver comparable real-world performance, build a credible service network in Europe, and navigate pricing pressures including tariffs and local taxes. The ability to offer a strong value proposition while matching or beating these competitors will determine whether it can make a significant impact.
| Model | Max Charging Speed (DC) | Battery Capacity | Architecture | Max Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPeng Mona M03 | 72/92 kW | 51.8/62.2 kWh | 400 V | 140/160 kW |
| Tesla Model 3 | 170/250 kW | 60/79 kWh | 400 V | 208/235/366/461 kW |
| BYD Seal | 110/150 kW | 61.4/82.5 kWh | 400 V | 170/230/390 kW |
FAQ
What is the Mona M03?
It is XPeng’s electric saloon launched in China, positioned as a mass-market EV with strong range, compact size and competitive price.
What battery and range options are available?
Battery options include approximately 51.8 kWh and 62.2 kWh packs. The highest-range version claims about 620 km on the CLTC cycle (note: WLTP range in Europe will be lower).
What is the significance of 200,000 units?
It reflects rapid production and volume capacity for XPeng, signalling the model may be viable for export markets including Europe.
Will the Mona M03 come to Europe and when?
XPeng has announced the Mona series is planned for a European launch in 2026. Specific markets, specs and pricing are yet to be confirmed.
What competitors should European buyers consider?
The Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal are major competitors in Europe. Buyers should compare range, affordability, support network and overall value.
How will EU tariffs on Chinese-built EVs affect the Mona M03?
The EU has levied countervailing duties of 30.8 % on Xpeng EVs (on top of a standard 10 % import duty), which will raise cost and impact pricing of the Mona M03 in Europe unless XPeng takes steps such as local production or tariff mitigation.
