The Dongfeng Box (also known as the Nammi 01) makes a compelling case for practical and affordable urban mobility.
With its approachable price point (as far as COE prices are concerned), surprisingly impressive range for its battery capacity, and other modern features, this five-door hatchback does reshape perceptions of entry-level EVs in our local automotive landscape.
It’s got a future-focused foundation.

Built upon Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture Platform 3, the Box is designed with compact dimensions.
At 4.03-metres in length, 1.81-metre in width, and 1.57-metre in height, it is well-proportioned for urban environments. A 2.66-metre wheelbase still provides ample legroom for passengers, proving that small stature does not equate to a cramped interior.

More importantly, its compact nature makes it ideal for Singapore’s dense traffic and tight parking spaces.
And it’s affordable too.

One of the most significant advantages of the Dongfeng Box is its affordability. Priced at $138,888 inclusive of COE (at the time of this article), it undercuts many of its competitors in Singapore’s EV market.
While EVs have traditionally been positioned as premium alternatives, the Box does aid in democratising electric mobility, making it accessible to a broader audience.
At this price point, one might expect compromises in build quality or technology, yet Dongfeng has ensured that the Box does not feel like a budget offering.
With a striking design, inside and out.

The Dongfeng Box invokes cuteness with a contemporary and eye-catching design. Its sealed grille, angular LED headlamps, and floating roofline contribute to a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, while flush door handles and sculpted bodywork enhance its aerodynamic efficiency.
Dongfeng offers the Box in five distinct colour combinations, including vibrant shades like Aurora Purple and Icy Blue (pictured here).

Step inside, and the Box continues to impress. The interior is available in three refined themes; Grey and Black, White and Black, and Purple and White, each paired with quilted upholstery and soft-touch materials that elevate the sense of comfort.
It’s worth noting, that the Purple option is reserved solely as a pairing for the Aurora Purple shade.
It is clear that Dongfeng has placed emphasis on quality, ensuring that the cabin feels well-appointed rather than austere.

A 5-inch LCD digital instrument cluster provides key driving information, while the centrepiece of the dashboard is a 12.8-inch floating infotainment display.
This system supports intelligent voice commands and offers over-the-air software updates plus wireless smartphone connectivity.


The inclusion of wireless phone charging and 32-colour ambient lighting further reinforces the Box’s premium aspirations.
The car motivates you too, with customisable slogans you can “frame” up on your digital display.


Despite its compact size, the Box offers a relatively spacious interior. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom, and the flat floor design enhances comfort.


Cargo space is also respectable, with a 326-litre boot that can accommodate goods.
It’s not lightning-quick, but it is efficient.
If you’re someone who wants an absurd amount of instant torque from your EV, look away.
For the rest of the sensible folk, the Dongfeng Box is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 70kW (94hp) and 160Nm of torque. While these figures may not suggest exhilarating performance, the Box is designed for efficiency and ease of use rather than outright speed.

And thanks to it being an EV, the result is a smooth and responsive drive, ideal for city commutes. Even if you wanted to perform some overtakes, the car’s compact dimensions give it added nimbleness.
Body roll is manageable in corners, with the car mostly limited by its factory tyre compound. Although, the rear torsion beam suspension does send jolts should you go over any speed bump with too much enthusiasm.

Like its power output, the 42.3kWh battery doesn’t immediately scream range, but I was delighted to find that the Box is actually pretty efficient. My test drive garnered an impressive 10.5kWh/100km or 9.52km/kWh.
With a normal commute cycle, you can easily achieve 380-400km with it, allowing for extended urban use with fewer charging stops. Even if you do need to juice up, the car supports both DC and AC charging, replenishing its battery from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes using an adequately high-speed charger.
You’ll feel assured knowing it is safe.

One of the commendable aspects of the Dongfeng Box is its safety suite. Unlike some budget EVs that skimp on driver assistance features, the Box is equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities.
This includes blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and autonomous parking assist.
Although the safety features can be overzealous at times due to our narrower roads, they aren’t as invasive or can be switched off although should you wish.
A small car with a big heart.

The Dongfeng Box is refreshing, offering a blend of affordability, modern features, and practicality. For urbanites looking to transition into the world of electric mobility, this compact hatchback makes a persuasive argument.
After all, going electric doesn’t have to be complicated.
Technical Specifications
Dongfeng Box
Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 70 kW (94 bhp)
Torque: 160 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 140 km/h
Battery Capacity: 42.3 kWh
Drive Range: 430 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 10.5kWh/100km (tested)
Price: S$138,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Dongfeng Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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