Sales of the lowest-priced electric vehicle in Brazil have been officially halted. This model, imported from China and sold for R$ 69,990, is the JMEV Emova Easy, marketed by E-Motors. The suspension occurred due to a sharp increase in import costs.
Refunds and Initial Disclosure
Initially, Jornal do Carro reported that the company was receiving orders with a reservation deposit payment. However, with the interruption of vehicle imports, the amounts paid by consumers were fully refunded.
Causes of Logistics Suspension
Mercídio Givisiez, CEO of E-Motors Brazil, detailed in an interview with AutoPapo that the strategic decision to suspend sales is directly related to the sudden and exponential increase in international sea freight. He mentioned that the transportation cost of the vehicles recently skyrocketed, coupled with increased competition to import products from China.
In an initial attempt, the executive sought to transport the models using Roll on-Roll Off (Ro-Ro) ships, suitable for rolling cargo and minimizing damage. However, there was no availability in these vessels, forcing the company to use containers, which are also facing high occupancy and high prices.
Givisiez explained that the cost of a 40-foot container jumped from US$ 1,800 at the beginning of the year to US$ 10,200 currently, making the importation of models already ordered from the Chinese factory unfeasible. He attributes this unusual freight situation to the new Import Tax (II) rate for electrified cars arriving in Brazil, which was raised to 35% starting July 1st.
Future Plans and Maintained Prices
Despite the impasse, E-Motors assured that it will not abandon the Brazilian market, planning to wait for the stabilization or reduction of prohibitive international freight costs. As soon as the logistics scenario normalizes, the importer intends to bring in the vehicles that have already been reserved with the Chinese manufacturer.
Mercídio Givisiez predicted that freight normalization should occur between August and September, and that a definitive solution for transport will be found around January or February. He reiterated that until then, the company will continue to bring and sell the cars.
Additionally, the executive confirmed that the announced prices—R$ 69,990 for the Emova Easy and R$ 99,990 for the Emova Urban—will be maintained, indicating that the company will absorb the impact of the new 35% tax without passing the readjustment on to the end consumer.
Impact on Business Planning
The transportation challenge, however, impacts the company's expansion planning. E-Motors' original goal for 2026 was to sell one thousand electric cars in Brazil and establish up to thirty points of sale. Currently, this expansion plan is suspended, and the company operates with only one physical dealership in Pedro Leopoldo (MG).
Details of the Electric Models
The EMOVA Easy serves as the brand's entry point, costing from R$ 69,990. This compact hatchback, fully electric, has a 15.9 kWh LFP battery, offering an average range of 201 km. Its motor generates 41 hp and 8.6 kgfm of torque. With only 3.50 meters in length and capacity for four passengers, the model focuses on urban agility, being smaller than the Fiat Mobi. JMEV and E-Motors guarantee simple and economical maintenance, in addition to offering an 8-year warranty for the battery and 3 years for the vehicle.
Although the low price limits some standard features, the EMOVA Easy includes air conditioning, electric steering, onboard computer, ABS brakes, locks, and power windows. Additional options available include rearview and 360-degree cameras, multimedia center, digital dashboard, driving assistants, electronic stability control, fast charging (DC), and keyless start.
The EMOVA Urban follows as the second most affordable electric option, priced at R$ 99,990. This model, designed for urban use and corporate fleets, accommodates five people and is equipped with a 30.2 kWh battery, allowing for a range of up to 300 km. Its liquid-cooled engine delivers 68 hp, 12.7 kgfm of torque, and reaches a top speed of 110 km/h. The list of equipment and optional packages is identical to that of the Emova Easy.