Meet the Dongfeng Rich EC31, a mini electric truck designed for efficiency and utility, especially for urban environments. Competing with similar light-duty electric vehicles, its standout features include a substantial cargo capacity and a decent range, all starting at a modest price point.

What is the Dongfeng Rich EC31?

The Dongfeng Rich EC31 is a no-nonsense electric mini truck engineered for cost-conscious urban logistics. Priced at just $10,100—roughly €9,417 or £8,095—it’s a game-changer for businesses seeking clean, compact, and capable transport. With its 82 kW (110 hp) motor and 38.7 kWh LFP battery, it delivers up to 295 kilometers (183 miles) of range, tackling daily delivery routes without breaking a sweat. And with a 1300 kg (2866 lbs) payload rating, it doesn’t shy away from serious cargo work either.

Electric Mini Truck Performance and Payload

Powering the EC31 is an 82 kW permanent magnet motor dishing out 200 Nm of torque—enough to get moving briskly, even with a full load. That’s useful when you’ve got up to 1300 kg (nearly 1.3 tons) of freight in the back. The real ace here? Range. With up to 295 km (183 mi) of cruising, it's well-suited for a full day of urban hops. The top speed caps at 80 km/h (50 mph), making it perfect for city limits, low-speed zones, and perimeter logistics. This isn’t built for drag races—it’s a silent freight-hauler that plays by city rules.

Charging and Operational Efficiency

Charging the Rich EC31 is refreshingly straightforward. It’ll top up from 20% to 80% in under an hour using a DC fast charger. Plug it into a Level 2 AC outlet, and you’ll have it fully juiced in about 8 hours—just right for overnight depot duty. Its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is built for the long haul, with low degradation over time. Businesses love it because it cuts fuel bills by 80% compared to gas equivalents. Plus, it sidesteps urban low-emission fines while keeping delivery costs razor-thin.

Comparing Rich EC31 to Electric Truck Rivals

Here’s where it gets spicy. The EC31’s 295 km range tops the BYD T3’s 250 km and edges past JAC’s iEV6E (280 km). Even the Changan Star 3 EV is only on par. Payload? The EC31 carries more than the iEV6E (1000 kg) and even the BYD T3 (900 kg). It’s also kinder to your budget. At $10,100, it undercuts nearly everything else in its class—BYD’s T3 runs $15,000, while the JAC sits closer to $12,000. So if affordability and capacity are top of your checklist, the EC31 rings the bell.

Design, Dimensions, and Urban Utility

Compact on the outside, serious on the inside. The EC31 measures 4730 mm long, 1635 mm wide, and stands 1985 mm tall. A wheelbase of 3050 mm allows for stable handling, while the 190 mm ground clearance clears speed bumps and loading docks with ease. The cargo bay measures 2770 x 1565 x 1550 mm—enough for bulky gear, crates, or boxed deliveries. Rear barn doors and a sliding side door make loading efficient, and the low step-in height saves your knees shift after shift.

Interior Features and Driver Experience

Inside, it’s barebones but business-ready. Two cloth seats face a simple dashboard with a digital cluster showing speed, range, and battery status. Air conditioning, electric windows, and a basic radio round out the amenities. No touchscreen gimmicks or suede trims here—just what you need to stay cool, see your metrics, and get the job done. ABS and EBD are standard, along with dual airbags and tire pressure monitoring. For $10k, that’s more than you’d expect, and enough to keep operators safe and productive.

Conclusion

Pros and Cons of the Dongfeng Rich EC31

• Extremely affordable at $10,100 (€9,417 / £8,095)
• Impressive 295 km (183 mi) range for daily urban use
• 1300 kg (2866 lbs) payload capacity beats most competitors
• Quick charging with fast-charger support
• Simple, rugged design suited for work fleets

• Lacks advanced infotainment and driver-assist tech
• Top speed limited to 80 km/h (50 mph)
• Minimal comfort and convenience features

Final thoughts

For small businesses and urban fleets, the Dongfeng Rich EC31 is a low-cost, high-value entry into electric logistics. With rock-bottom pricing, dependable specs, and minimal maintenance, it’s built to move cargo—not drain your budget.