Safer than a scooter. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Release date - 2020. Produced as part of a joint venture between SAIC the company behind the revived MG and GM, the Cabrio has been designed to appeal the brands hardcore fans, many of whom have been customizing their cars and were asking for a convertible version. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is China's best-selling electric vehicle. Latvian-based armoured vehicle manufacturer Dartz last year confirmed it had signed an agreement to import the electric micro car to Europe. [25], "Popular Wuling EVs to hit global markets in 2022", "SGMW to unveil Wuling brand's first two-seater NEV model 'NanoEV', "The tiny Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV costs just P200,000", "Tiny Wuling Hongguang Mini EV Has Locked In 50,000 Orders", "China: Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV Sets Massive Sales Record", "This Adorable Four Seat Electric Hatchback is Selling Like Crazy in China", "Check Out This Must-See Review Of The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV", "Wuling Mini EV gets a long-range version of 280 km range", "GM scores a bestseller in China with $4,200 electric micro car", "Dongfeng Fengguang MINI EV official images released", "Worry For The Wuling MINI EV (or not): BAW S3 & S5 Mini EVs Unveiled", "New Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV Macaron Launches In China", "Wuling Launches Hong Guang MINIEV Cabrio in China", "Chinese/U.S. The Mini EV is equipped with a 9.2kWh battery capable of a NEDC range of 120km (75mi) or a 13.8kWh battery capable of a NEDC range of 170km (110mi). By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Of course there are more out there and many of them will come from China. Among the Macaron's many improvements over the basic Mini EV is a key safety featurethe driver now gets an airbag standard. Wuling is coy regarding acceleration figures, but since the vehicle is electric and has instantaneous torque, it isnt unduly slow in town traffic. Theres a choice between 9.3- and 13.8-kWh battery packs, which are good for ranges of 75 miles (120 km) and 106 miles (170 km), respectively, under the already generous NEDC standard. [11] The car has attracted a cult following in China, with owners frequently modifying their vehicles. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. A few-times heavier standard car would potentially destroy the Wuling in a similar way as the neighborhood EV was destroyed. The EV has a lot more room in this arrangement. } )( window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-WT4MKNJ' ); The latest on tech, science, and more: Get our newsletters! Could General Motors at least apply lessons learned from producing this super-cheap EV to other markets? Ad Choices. The special edition Mini EVs have a redesigned front fascia with an additional LED strip connecting the two light clusters, in addition to revised headlights with LED daytime running lights. Wuling had always produced microvans aimed at rural farmers and commercial buyers, so producing the Mini EV was a surprising move. William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. window.dm = window.dm ||{ AjaxData:[]}; Potential buyers will need to enter a lottery in order to buy one., Wuling says production could expand if theres enough demand.. 25,778 MINI EV's were purchased in China in January alone, compared to . Cheap Minicar Might Spur Europe's Electric Car Mass Market", "GM's All-New Wuling MINI EV GameBoy Edition Revealed", "Wuling Hongguang MINI EV Game Boy Edition Arrives At The Dealer In China", "Chinese 3,200 budget electric car takes on Tesla", "China: Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV Amazes With 35,000+ Sales In December", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wuling_Hongguang_Mini_EV&oldid=1137755227, 15kW (20hp; 20PS) or 20kW (27hp; 27PS) or 30kW (40hp; 41PS), This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 07:37. } )( window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-WT4MKNJ' ); Standard features in China reportedly include air conditioning, rear parking sensors, anti-lock brakes, and a stereo system. The back seats, on the other hand, independently push down and draw up with a strap, which is necessary if one wishes to move anything other than people. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. All the Settings You Should Change on Your New Samsung Phone, Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs, What to Do When Netflix Wont Let You Share Your Password, The 12 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride, The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid). Theres a choice of a 9.3kWh or 13.8kWh battery pack. The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV was crash tested against another EV - an ultra-cheap neighborhood electric vehicle (with lead-acid batteries) that's hilariously trying to resemble the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. According to Tu Le, founder and managing director of Sino Auto Insights, there are two possibilities. In addition, the battery of the Mini EV has passed 16 safety test such as over-charge, over discharge, over-temperature, short circuit, fire, seawater immersion, simulated collision, etc. But is it safe? The hardtop model starts at 28,000, or about A$6,177, and has a range of 169 km. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. window.dm.AjaxEvent = function(et, d, ssid, ad){ Wuling's Mini EV, made in partnership with General Motors, outsells Teslas Model 3 in China and costs less than adding CarPlay to a Ferrari. j.src = The bestselling Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) in China, the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV has found its way to Thailand. However, cramming folks into those back seats isn't exactly pleasant. That the colors are a collaboration with Pantone speaks volumes; the Mini EV has managed a cult following, and the Macaron is clearly aimed at the young and cool. It can be used on normal roads without restriction, although its wheels are only 12 inches and its speed tops out at just 62 mph (100 km/h). The BYD Han EV, which could arrive in Australia some time soon, sold 9,298 units, followed by GW (Great Wall) ORA Black Cat and GAC Aion S, both selling 6,092 units. There is no actual trunk even though there is a hatch at the back. In this configuration, the EV offers up 741 liters of space. These are the top discounts weve found across the web. Demand for this tiny BEV . It also features 12 storage spaces. w[ l ].push( { Electric vehicles should be going great guns at the moment we've all been trapped in the country (and mostly our states) for months, there's nothing to do and for some reason we're paying pre-GFC prices for our petrol. The production model probably wont get the body-coloured mirror, either. We could live with sitting on the wrong side of the Ami, which is barely wider than the Renault Twizy, but driving on the wrong side of a massive van would be no fun at all. w[ l ].push( { But you will know the others involved in the joint venture that builds the Mini EV: General Motors has a 44% share andMG parent firm SAIC 50.1%, with Wuling the remaining 5.9%. By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and The back seats are equipped with two ISOFIX child safety seat restraint interfaces to cater to young families. '&l=' + l : ''; As of January2022[update], sales since inception have passed 500,000 units, and the Mini EV has become the best-selling electric car in China. Each features a slightly different exterior finish, different wheels, and different trim. Apple has several models in its lineup, from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 14 Plus. All rights reserved. 145/70R12 With such small tires, any potholes you encounter are keenly felt in the cabin. Both of these only seat two people, and the E200 is also sold in a slightly restyled manner as the Wuling Nano, with a more powerful motor and longer ranges. GM unveils Wuling Hong Guang Mini cabrio This cute little cabrio makes our top billing not only because it is super-cute, but also because it is the newest version of the Wuling Hong Guang Mini that sells in China for less than $A8,000, and in February outsold the ever-popular Tesla Model 3 there. The Mini EV Macaron: A version of the normal Mini EV introduced in April 2021. Tesla Teased A Wireless Home Charging Solution On Investor Day, Rad Power Unveils The RadRunner 3 Plus Electric Utility Bike, Scout Motors Will Build Electric Trucks And SUVs In South Carolina, 741 liters of space with the rear seats folded down, 2,917 millimeters long, 1,493 millimeters wide and 1,621 millimeters high, with a 1,940-millimeter wheelbase. A digital dial screen is the only real concession to modern technology and shows driving data such as speed and range along with a nice graphical rendition of the car, plus it acts as the reversing cameras display. With seven seats (that'll be popular, don't you think?) The Wuling MINI EV from GM costs between $4,000 and $6,000. When compared to one of the cheapest EVs on the market in the United States, the almost $28,000 Nissan Leaf, it's simple to understand why. Pricing for the drop-top version has yet to be determined, but according to .css-vurnku{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;min-width:0;}Automotive News the convertible will sell for between 100,000 yuan ($20,000) and 200,000 yuan ($42,100).. Externally, the Macaron version distinguishes itself from the standard Mini EV with a choice of funky pastel colors. The Mini EV has appealed to younger buyers in China, and he feels GM could target a similar demographic in the US, or in an emerging market, where a small city car would appeal. One-pedal driving isn't practical since the automobile takes too long to slow down, owing to its lightweight of 1,543 pounds. No spare tire is given as well. The Mini EV is actually higher than it is wide due to its 1,621 mm height; thus, headroom is adequate. Enter your email below. The SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture has produced one of the most successful electric cars in China, the Wuling Hong Guan Mini EV. Production will initially be limited to between 100 and 200 cars per month. But Ford has more. [20] Its exterior has been completely restyled with larger dimension, while the power remains to be unchanged and carried over from the standard Mini EV producing 27hp (20kW; 27PS) and 85Nm (63lbft) or 40hp (30kW; 41PS) and 110Nm (81lbft), mated to a 9.2, 13.9, or 25.5 kWh battery. Astonishingly, the company is reportedly making less than $14 profit on each car. Fees, charges, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. China is the worlds largest car market and it has some tricks up its sleeve to entice people to go electric. Surprisingly, the EV has a selector button hidden behind the steering wheel that lets you choose between Eco and Sport modes. And who doesn't want to see F-Series based ambulances again? The battery comes preheating and insulation function which allows it to be charged safely and efficiently at low temperatures. The Macaron is a customized version that is available with three exclusive paint colors and more standard features. As a result, Ford Australia's first electric car is going to be a van, the e-Transit. A dual waistline along with obvious arches for the 12 inches wheels accent very boxy looks. Get weekly updates with the latest car news and reviews. Privacy Policy. We don't mean the $4500 Wuling Hongguang Mini EV that Youtube dutifully trotted out as a Tesla killer in the last couple of months, but a whole bunch of Geely Group cars wearing various badges including Lynk & Co. Get in the comments and let us know which ones we missed or how wrong we were about the ones we haven't. Still, splashes of color matching the body color around the radio controls, door pulls, and passenger cupholder jazz up the interior. Theres no Park setting, though: the handbrake is the only way to hold the Mini EV. The reason the little Hong Guang MINI EV is beating the Tesla Model 3 is simple: Its dirt cheap. Apples tablet lineup is more confusing than ever. a claimed 500 kilometre driving range (optimistic EPA number) and a ton of features, Rivian would struggle to meet demand, as it is already in its home market. There's no dreamland Ford e-Ranger or Toyota e-HiLux talk here because they don't exist yet and we already know whoever gets to the dual-cab ute market with a sensibly-priced electric version could end up ruling the world. Guide to safely buying & selling a car online, Police forced to pay for car tracking app to find abducted toddler report, Hundreds of electrified cars deregistered in Victoria due to road-user tax report, 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 facelift unveiled, due in Australia next year, Renault Espace five- and seven-seat SUV under consideration for Australia, Upcoming Lotus electric sedan spied on a tow truck in the Arctic. Onboard is a 9.3 kWh or 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for 75 or 169 km, respectively. A convertible variant of the Hongguang Mini EV known as the Cabrioconcept was unveiled overnight at the Shanghai motor show. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. It was first manufactured and delivered sometime in July 2020. The ForFour is somehow slightly cheaper, so would cost about the same. In comparison to the previous standard trim level, the Macaron gets extra safety features, including a low-speed pedestrian alert, a reversing camera with rear parking sonar, and a driver-side airbag. A distinct whine from the electric motor accompanies you as you drive along. General information. It can be charged using a 220V three-pin plug at a household and is equipped with a high-efficiency charging gun with easy storage. The neighborhood EV was completely destroyed, not giving the occupant's a chance to survive (at least the front row). [4] Retail deliveries began in China in July 2020. var d = document, Speaking of value, prices for the Mini EV originally started at RMB28,800 ($4,389), while the 13.8-kWh luxury Macaron version we tested retailed for RMB43,600 ($6,645) until recently. Owner Shares The Good And Bad, US: Ford Significantly Increased BEV Sales In February 2023. With a modest 80kW, but reasonable 280Nm, the E-NV200 would be extremely cheap to run. var d = document, new Date().getTime(), event: 'gtm.js' Yes, the Citroen Ami is a quadricycle like the pilloried and terrifying Gee Whiz, but it's made by a proper car company Stellantis. China's best-selling EV is tiny and incredibly affordable, and will soon become one of the few convertible EVs available today, or ever. Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV has overtaken Tesla Model 3 as the world's most popular electric vehicle for the first time, according to the EV Sales blog. The compact dimensions make it ideal for urban commuting and parking in tight spaces, yet the interior still has up to 741 liters of space with the rear seats folded down. EV Auto Explorer is India's leading Electric Vehicles news website. With fossil fuel prices soaring, its hardly surprising that most markets are crying out for cheaper EVs. Nissan's Leaf remains the cheapest electric car in the US market, with the entry-level model priced at $20,875 (after the $7,500 federal tax credit). electric van, but we can't for the life of us remember if we've ever seen one in the wild. It's highly likely theCabrio will share the fixed-roof model's same powertrain. The controls for the electric windows are located on the center console, next to the drive selector knob. The front and rear lighting also appear less premium, going from two circular LEDs that looked like the headlights on the Honda e to a blockier shape that looks more like the c-shaped lights on a a lot of modern trucks. Can seat four. Mind you, access to the back is predictably quite tight from both sides, and once youve squeezed yourself in there, legroom is minimal. China has had a thriving industry in low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs), which in four-wheel form are more akin to golf carts. The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV is creating an awesome new market and as expected, other firms are following with similar models. Nikrob was a temporary inter-step, says company founder Leonard Yankelovich. It was founded in 2007 as a joint venture between Wuling Group and Dragon Hill Holdings in Liuzhou, Guangxi, China. (function() { Under Euro NCAP regulations, for example, electronic stability control (ESC) is mandatory, but the Mini EV lacks that feature. The Mini EV Cabrio is getting the same 26 horsepower electric motor as the coup, but its price and range is still unknown. They're both short on driving range and in the ForTwo's case, size, but these are resolutely urban vehicles. These are very limited, with three dials for climate control and a very small LCD screen for the radio. A shame, but if it could land at a mid-$30k price point, French car fans are just mad enough to do it. The Macaron version gains a reversing camera, which the screen also shows. The ForTwo is about 19,000 in the UK which could translate to a low to mid-$30k price tag. Information regarding this small but impressive electric car that is a part . [5] Overview [ edit] Rear view The GT versions pack a staggering dual-motor set up with 358kW and either 814Nm or 860Nm. On the plus side, given the sub-two-meter wheelbase, the turning circle is incredibly tight. Bizarrely, it's the EV we're most asked about after Tesla, despite its much lower profile. This one is a proper long shot, but we stand by it, no matter what you say even if it is entirely reasonable. Gear can make or break your home office setup. Range is claimed to be between 120km on the base battery, and 280km on top-spec versions. The Master is a versatile panel van, available as either a platform cab or cab chassis, with a ton of space and a usable city driving range. First, there's the Mustang Mach-E, a car that made so many people incredibly mad until they started selling like mad (for an EV). The Wuling Mini EV features an electric motor providing 27 hp and 62.7 lb-ft of torque that powers the rear wheels and comes with either a 9.2 kWh battery or a bigger 13.8 kWh battery with a range of 110 miles, according to the NEDC. Samara said that one of his key goals for GM would be to transform operations in Europe into an agile mobility startup. Globally, GM is investing $35 billion dollars in electric and autonomous vehicles by 2025, he said at the time, and we will focus closely on what customers need market by market, and where we will leverage our global investments in the areas of EVs and AVs to compete and win.. The production version vehicle body design is based on Mini EV GameBoy Edition and was launched in September 2022. } ); WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Aluminum Alloy is also offered in this EV. Or is it? A new all-electric car that is tiny in both size and price has again outsold the Tesla Model 3 in China on a month-by-month basis, with sales of the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV almost doubling those of Telsa's hugely popular global best-seller in January 2021. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Classified as a microcar, this Mini EV has done a fairly good job at keeping up with Tesla for worldwide EV shipments in 2021 (approx 424,138 shipments / deliveries). Slightly more substantial than the Ami, and rather more expensive, is Smart's ForTwo and ForFour which could probably land here well under forty grand. People in China arent buying the Mini EV for its design; theyre buying it at a reported rate of 1,800 models per day because its cheap and its range is good enough. First, the driving position is very high and the seats are non-height-adjustable. The Hong Guang MINI EV has a top speed of about 100 km/h, seats four and looks like a Japanese kei car. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is a little electric vehicle (EV) that's been making waves bigger than its 12-inch wheels can ever suggest: it's been outselling Teslas and traversing floods in China, and its entry into Thailand and Indonesia have also got Malaysians excited.. Part of the massive sales numbers and interest - Chinese customers have bought over 500,000 of these since June 2019 . Sitting at a desk for hours? The Macaron is sold as a more premium and personalized variant that features redesigned darkened LED headlights, two-tone alloy wheels and exclusive body colors. You already know where this is going the Honda E. We're obviously not privy to the behind-closed-doors discussions that go on at car companies, but the local arm's decision to pass on one of the coolest cars on the planet, EV or not, is bizarre. [17], The Macaron is equipped with a small electric motor that generates a more powerful 20kW (27hp; 27PS) and 85Nm (63lbft) of torque compared to the previously launched base trim while range remains unchanged. Given all of its other flaws, that's probably not a terrible thing. The Lightning would appeal to tradies and adventurers with a solid (if unspectacular) driving range, but its clever vehicle-to-load setup will make work and campsites much easier places to be. In . The Macaron is a customized model with three unique paint colors and additional standard features. SAIC Motor is the largest partner, with 50.1 percent ownership. It is a three-door electric microcar that, while not new in China, is the first to achieve widespread success. While there is a hatch at the back, there is no real trunk to speak of. j.async = true; img#wpstats{display:none} Notably, the upscale variant of the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV will have a slightly larger body as the wheelbase grows from 76.4 to 79.1 inches. j.src = To further aid in the adoption of EVs, the Chinese government has announced measures to boost sales, from Automotive News: The government will encourage steady increases on spending on cars and abolish excessive restrictions on the sale of used vehicles, Premier Li Keqiang told the National Peoples Congress in Beijing on Friday. Your email address will not be published. You can get one through the usual JDM importers for not-insane money, but without factory backing, life might be difficult if the battery needs recalling etc. After all, the car is less than 3 meters long, 2,920 mm to be precise. However, in the case of the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV, things look much better. [17], A convertible concept version of the Mini EV called the Mini EV Cabrio with a folding soft top was unveiled during the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, with the vehicle body design based on the Mini EV Macaron. j = d.createElement( s ), dl = l != 'dataLayer' ? Nissan's Leaf is the company's only electric passenger car here in Australia and our suggestion here is not going to add to that list. It would also ward off one of the Ami's drawbacks it's left-hand drive only. Once in the drivers seat, you immediately notice two issues. The 116 Absolute Best Black Friday Deals Right Now. Mahindra eXUV300 Expected Launch Date & Estimated Price, Mahindra eKUV 100 To Be Launched By End Of 2022, 2023 Mazda MX-30 Crossover SUV Mazdas First Electric Car, Maserati GranTurismo Folgore EV All-Electric Super Sports Car, Mahindra XUV400 EV New Electric compact SUV. I know Id rather have to change out that tiny bulb when it goes out than have to mess with an entire LED array. However, with only a slow charger interface, refilling the latter takes nine hours. window.dm.AjaxEvent = function(et, d, ssid, ad){ [6], Power is produced by an electric motor making a peak 20kW (27hp; 27PS) and 85Nm (63lbft) of torque[7] with rear-wheel drive, propelling the car to a stated top speed of 100km/h (62mph). /* ]]> */ Nikes most popular racing shoe is getting a reboot, The bird flu outbreak has taken an ominous turn, New Zealand faces a future of flood and fire, Explore AI like never before with our new database, Want the best tools to get healthy? Posted on April 19, 2021. The Hong Guang MINI EV has a practical "small on the outside, big on the inside" design. } ()); The battery is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. The Mini EV has a top speed of 62mph, and on an expressway, we managed to reach just over 50mph an experience that was much less unnerving than expected. According to The Verge, more than 36,000 of the tiny cars were sold in January compared to nearly 21,500 Model 3s, and the Hong Guang sold just more than 20,000 units in February compared to just under 13,700 Tesla 3s. It has received an advanced IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating and been put through 16 rigorous safety tests. And with such small wheels, you feel every pothole, all the more so given the poorly padded seats. In January,CarAdvice reported a hard-top variant of the Hongguang Mini EV designed and built as part of a collaboration betweenSAIC and General Motors outsold the Tesla Model 3 in Chinathroughout January 2021, thanks in part to its impressive AU$5700price tag. [21], With six months in the market, the Mini EV sold 119,255 units in 2020, and ranked as China's and the world's second best selling plug-in car after the Tesla Model 3. Dartz's decision to redesign the car's body highlights one of the obvious problems with selling the Chinese car in Western markets: safety. Take a bite of these third-party apps instead. The Hongguang Mini EV, a joint venture between the Chinese-owned SAIC Motor and US auto giant General Motors (GM), retails for $4,500 (around 3,200 / AU$5600) and is proving a hit against its.