The Kailu V3 is a fully electric microcar launched by Joylong Auto in December 2024, highlighting "retro styling + frameless doors" as its key selling propositions, primarily targeting the RM50,000-bracket urban runabout market. Joylong Auto specialises primarily in commercial vans and minibuses; this foray into micro EVs is a cross-segment venture, though market reception has remained lukewarm.
Positioned as an A00-segment fully electric hatchback, the vehicle measures 3226/1563/1436mm with a wheelbase of 2140mm in a 2-door, 4-seater layout. The 2024-2025 lineup is available in two variants: Standard (RM52,800) and Deluxe (RM56,800), delivering a CLTC range of 200km powered by an electric motor rated at 23kW (31 PS). Key rivals include the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, Geely Panda, Changan Lumin, and others.
Up front, it sports a clamshell bonnet with four circular light clusters creating a cute "big-eyed" look, with LED daytime running lights standard across the range. Down the sides, it features frameless doors, a floating roof design, and 15-inch wheels (alloy/steel), while circular tail lamps mirror the front aesthetic. Exterior paint options include Pearl White, Gulf Blue, Sakura Pink, and Lava Orange.
The cabin gets a two-tone finish, fitted with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch floating touchscreen infotainment head unit on higher-spec variants, supporting Gaode navigation, voice control, and smartphone connectivity. Kit-wise, it comes standard with a driver's airbag, tyre pressure display, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control; the top-spec variant adds 6 speakers, ambient lighting, and power-folding wing mirrors. Notable drawbacks: absence of a front passenger airbag, rear drum brakes, and an air-cooled battery pack.
Featuring a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, the motor puts out 23kW (31 PS) and 100N·m, completing the 0-50km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds on to a top speed of 100km/h. Energy is supplied by a 17.28kWh Gotion High-tech lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, yielding a rated CLTC range of 200km. DC fast charging is not supported, and regular AC slow charging takes roughly 8.6 hours. The chassis setup consists of front MacPherson struts, a rear trailing-arm non-independent suspension, and a manual handbrake.
The Kailu V3's primary shortcomings lie in its RM52,800 starting price for just a 200km range and no fast-charging capability, whereas rivals such as the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV (from RM32,800 / 215km / optional fast charging) and Geely Panda (from RM39,900 / 200km / standard fast charging) hold distinct advantages in price and charging convenience. Compounded by Joylong Auto's weak brand presence in the passenger car space, the limited practicality of a 2-door layout, and polarising exterior styling, monthly sales are estimated in the double digits, making it a marginalised product.
All in all, the Kailu V3 serves largely as a "presence-marking" exercise for Joylong Auto. The lack of fast charging is its biggest flaw, and its pricing of over RM50,000 is utterly uncompetitive in this segment. Unless backed by substantial price cuts or a strong personal preference for its styling, it is hard to recommend.
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