๐จ๐ณโผ๏ธChinese cars at smartphone prices: Revolutionizing the budget car marketโผ๏ธ
February 5, 2025
In China, the prices of new cars have reached incredibly low values, which are comparable to the prices of modern smartphones. Chinese automakers have managed to offer vehicles at prices ranging from just $610 to $1,714, making them the most affordable models in the world.
According to the automotive publication Autoevolution, these models are specially designed for urban use and short distances, and their affordability opens the door to a wider population that until now could not afford a car. ๐
The cheapest models on the market in 2025
1. Keyu KBW-4 โ The cheapest car in the world
With an incredible price of just $610, the Keyu KBW-4 is currently the cheapest new car in China, and indeed in the world. This miniature pick-up is primarily intended for urban conditions and short transport tasks. Although it is a simple vehicle, the low price makes it affordable to many who want basic transportation without large investments. ๐
2. BeteTek BD-DB โ Compact electric car
For $860, buyers in China can get the BeteTek BD-DB, a small city electric car. This model comes with central locking and a Bluetooth system, which is surprisingly rich equipment considering the price. It is intended for driving in urban areas, and its small dimensions allow for easy parking and driving in crowds. ๐
3. ChangLi Nemeca โ An affordable model with advanced features
ChangLi Nemeca costs $938 and provides a reversing camera and coilover suspension. These features are usually found on more expensive models, so this car is a great choice for drivers looking for a little more comfort and functionality on a budget. ๐
4. Minghong S1-PRO โ Family car for only $1080
For a little more money, the Minghong S1-PRO offers room for four passengers, making it one of the most affordable models that can transport the whole family. This vehicle is practical for city trips, short distances and everyday needs. ๐
5. Everbright EV-07 โ Economical electric model
Priced at $1,110, the Everbright EV-07 brings electric driving with a range of up to 70 km per charge. Although the range is not impressive compared to traditional electric vehicles, this car is perfect for city conditions and shorter daily routes. ๐
6. ChangLi CLZKC-008 โ Cheap luxury
The ChangLi CLZKC-008 comes with luxury accessories such as a sunroof (port) and alloy wheels, and is priced at $1,295. This model is intended for customers who want a slightly more elegant design and a little more comfort, but still in an ultra-affordable price range. ๐
7. Flistar FSC-LT โ Light electric model
At $1,714, the Flistar FSC-LT is one of the more expensive models on this list, but still cheap compared to classic cars. It weighs just 230 kg and reaches a top speed of 38 km/h, making it ideal for short rides in urban areas. ๐
How come these cars are so cheap?
The Chinese auto industry is known for its aggressive cost-cutting strategies, and here are a few key factors that enable such low prices:
Minimalist Design โ These vehicles are designed with basic features, without unnecessary extras that increase the price.
Use of lightweight materials โ Instead of a classic metal construction, many vehicles use a combination of plastic and aluminum to reduce manufacturing costs and weight.
Electric drive with small batteries - Many of these models use smaller batteries, which reduces the cost but also limits the range.
Mass Production โ Chinese manufacturers build these vehicles in huge quantities, which allows for economies of scale and lowers the cost per unit.
Government Subsidies โ The Chinese government encourages the development of electric vehicles through subsidies, which further lowers costs for end customers. ๐
Who are these cars for?
While they may not be ideal for long journeys or highways, these cars are perfect for:
City drivers โ Compact dimensions and low consumption make them perfect for city driving.
Elderly โ Simple handling and low speed make them suitable for elderly drivers who want a safe means of transportation.
Students and Young People โ Being able to buy a car for less than $1,000 makes them attractive to young people looking for a cheap transportation solution.
People on a Budget โ These vehicles are a great option for those who don't want or can't spend a lot of money on transportation. ๐
The future of cheap cars
China's auto industry shows no signs of slowing down in innovation and production of low-cost vehicles. As the market develops, it is possible that other countries will start introducing similar models for sale. Electrification, simplicity of design and reduction in material costs could enable the global expansion of these ultra-cheap cars.
For now, these cars remain available primarily to the Chinese market, but if demand grows, we may soon see them in other parts of the world. In any case, these models change the rules of the game in the auto industry, proving that a car is no longer a luxury, but a basic necessity available to everyone.
๐ท๐บ๐จ๐ณโผ๏ธIt has been decided: Russia stops supplying gas to Europe - All capacities go to Chinaโผ๏ธ
September 2, 2025
While Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping exchanged documents in front of the cameras in Beijing, a topic that had been hanging in the air for years began to turn into a concrete agreement. ๐
In the presence of the two presidents, a legally binding memorandum was signed on the construction of the "Power of Siberia 2" gas pipeline, along with the "Soyuz Vostok" transit leg through Mongolia.
It is a project that is worth more politically and economically than the numbers show - 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year should flow through a new route from Western Siberia straight to the Chinese market.
Alexey Miller, the general director of Gazprom, did not hesitate to emphasize that the Chinese are now receiving gas that previously went to European customers. ๐
"Based on the public statement of the leaders of the three countries, a memorandum on the construction of 'Force of Siberia 2' and 'Soyuz Vostok' was signed," he said, TASS reported. At the same time, he did not fail to mention that the capacity of the Far Eastern route, which is still being developed, is increasing from the originally planned 10 to 12 billion cubic meters per year.
It is interesting that this package is not just about one document. A total of four documents were signed in Beijing between Gazprom and the Chinese CNPC, including an agreement on strategic cooperation. This practically means that space is opened for a wider connection between the two energy companies, not only on the issue of gas pipelines.
And this is happening while the European Union already has a roadmap for the complete suspension of Russian gas imports from 2028. Crossing the European direction, it seems, simultaneously becomes the basis for stronger Chinese deliveries. ๐
๐ท๐บ ๐บ๐ธโผ๏ธThe Russian submarine entered the detection zone of the American aircraft carrier and simulated an attack - the Americans were furiousโผ๏ธ
August 30, 2025
In recent days, NATO had an unusual task in the north. Germany and Britain reported that a Russian submarine entered the detection zone of an American aircraft carrier in the Norwegian Sea and allegedly simulated an attack. ๐
The British "The Sun" reported that the NATO fleet then searched for the elusive submarine for two days, and ships and P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft from Great Britain, the United States and Norway participated in the operation.
The results of the search were never published, which only added to the impression of mystery.
The co-president of the Union of Veterans of the Combat Services of the Russian Navy, Viktor Blitov, explained to "Tsargrad" that there is nothing unusual in everything: "When we conduct exercises, they follow us and train us. When they do exercises - we watch and train them. This is a common practice." According to him, the anger of the American side was expected, because the submarine entered the sensitive zone - close enough to cause concern. ๐
NATO's naval aviation, Blitov emphasizes, is a serious threat because it has the ability to quickly survey vast areas of the sea. "Ships can't move at that speed, and with the planes comes a whole system of hydrophones, communication stations and jammers based in Norway," he noted. This is precisely why anti-submarine aircraft are considered one of the key assets of the alliance.
However, he adds that in this particular case it was not easy for the planes to do the job. If the submarine has retreated under the ice, Blitov says, detection becomes significantly more difficult. Then other submarines have to be involved, and the Russian fleet can react quickly because the Norwegian Sea is in the immediate vicinity. ๐
๐ฉ๐ช๐ฅ๐ท๐บโผ๏ธThe German chancellor stirred up the public: "We are already in a state of conflict with Russia"โผ๏ธ
August 30, 2025
It is not often that a German leader openly admits to a situation that until now has mostly been called something else.
But this time, Chancellor Friedrich Merz didn't mince his words. Speaking to the French television channel LCI, he said: "We are already in a state of conflict with Russia." ๐
His words immediately resonated, as they come at a time when Europe is looking for a way to maintain political and security stability.
As reported by the TASS agency, Merz claims that German services have been inundated for months with reports of constant attacks on infrastructure and attempts to influence public opinion through social networks.
According to his view, this is where the root of the problem should be sought: "Russia is destabilizing large parts of our country," he emphasized, leaving room for interpretations that it is a much more complex process than ordinary cyber incidents. In the background is the belief that digital channels are used as a tool for political pressure. ๐
The LCI journalist reminded him of the recent statement of French President Emmanuel Macron, who described Vladimir Putin as a "predator at the door" of Europe.
Merz answered that without hesitation - that this is exactly how he sees the Russian president. With that, in just a few sentences, he drew a parallel between the German and French views of the current security picture of the continent.
What makes his statement particularly sensitive is the fact that European capitals have been under pressure for a long time to explain to citizens to what extent they are really involved in global tensions. ๐
๐ท๐บ๐ฅ๐บ๐ธ๐ฌ๐ง๐ช๐บ๐บ๐ฆโผ๏ธ Moscow's Red Lines โ Lavrov Denies Trump's Optimistic Forecastsโผ๏ธ
During yesterday's joint press conference with the Indian Foreign Minister, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov answered questions about the recent meeting between the leaders of Russia and the United States in Alaska, as well as the prospects for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in the former Ukraine. ๐
The collective West's solutions โ unacceptable
Although Lavrov assessed the meeting between the two leaders as successful and marked by "substantial progress," he nevertheless sharply criticized some of the key points discussed in the West in recent days.
First of all, the entry of the so-called peacekeeping contingent into Ukraine remains absolutely unacceptable to Moscow, and the same applies to any agreement on security guarantees that the West would unilaterally provide to Kiev. ๐
Lavrov assesses that the proposals regarding these issues that could be heard in the Western media in recent days are based on the logic of isolating Russia and practically continuing the confrontation after a temporary ceasefire โ such a position, he explains, cannot be accepted in the Kremlin.
The problem of the legitimacy of the Kiev regime
The conference also discussed the possibility of direct talks between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky โ Lavrov confirmed that Moscow is ready for this meeting, but only after adequately resolving key issues, among which the lack of legitimacy of Zelensky, whose mandate expired in May last year, stands out. ๐
๐บ๐ธ๐ฅ๐ป๐ชโผ๏ธCaribbean Front โ Venezuela once again in Washington's sightsโผ๏ธ
A few hours ago, information appeared in the world media about the departure of three American destroyers armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles to the southern part of the Caribbean Sea, within reach of Venezuelan territorial waters. ๐
This was preceded by the intensification of US reconnaissance aviation operations along the Venezuelan coast, as well as the transfer of additional forces to the region, including tanker aircraft, landing ships, a nuclear submarine, P-8 reconnaissance aircraft and about 4,000 soldiers.
โ Background to the event
According to official statements from Washington, the militarization of the Caribbean Sea is part of a broader campaign to combat drug cartels that control the main black market flows in South and Central America.
However, the nature of the deployed offensive capabilities has led many analysts to suggest that the real target of the US is Venezuela, which is now facing a very serious risk of US military aggression. ๐
This thesis is supported by Washington's recent accusation that Venezuelan leader, sovereignist Nicolas Maduro, is an associate of the Sinaloa cartel โ after this announcement, the US increased the reward for Maduro's surrender to a record $50 million.
๐ป๐ช Caracas' reaction
The Venezuelan authorities took all of this with extreme seriousness โ in an address to the public, the country's president announced the mobilization of 4.5 million people into the ranks of various people's militias operating in rural areas of the country and ordered them to be equipped with the necessary weapons. ๐
๐ท๐บโผ๏ธMW: Admiral Nakhimov is becoming the most heavily armed surface ship in the worldโผ๏ธ
August 21, 2025
"Admiral Nakhimov" reappeared in the waters of the White Sea - a nuclear cruiser that had been in dry dock for decades, and now, after a huge modernization, it has been returned to active use. ๐
American journalist Thomas Newdick, writing for The War Zone, called this event a significant moment for the entire military-naval system of Russia. No wonder: since the last sailing in 1997, the ship has been waiting for a second youth.
When the works began in earnest in 2014, it was estimated that everything would be completed in four years. But the deadlines are constantly postponed. Only now has the ship gone on trial runs, after more than a decade of delays and complications.
It turned out that "Admiral Nakhimov" was practically rebuilt - its cargo space was turned into an unprecedented arsenal. ๐
In the modernization center there is the installation of as many as 174 vertical launch stations. That number puts this ship at the very top in terms of power and capabilities.
For comparison, the Chinese destroyer Type 55 carries 112 such modules, the American "Arleigh Burke" 96, while the American cruiser of the "Ticonderoga" class has 122. "Admiral Nakhimov" becomes a kind of "missile truck", as Newdick puts it.
Of those 174 stations, as many as 78 are reserved for the latest Russian missiles: there are "Kalibr" (long-range cruise missiles), "Onyx" (high-speed vehicles) and "Zirkon" (hypersonic technology that is closely monitored by all world powers). The rest of the space is intended for anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems. ๐