The back seats are equipped with two ISOFIX child safety seat restraint interfaces to cater to young families. It loses the LED side strip, but gets a side marker in return. Posted on April 19, 2021. According to an IANS report, Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV has overtaken Teslas Model 3 as the top-selling electric vehicle in the world in January and February. High Price, Limited Performance Of European Electric Cars - Forbes [10], In 2020, the Mini EV had a price starting at US$4,162, and topped out at US$5,607 for a fully-loaded model, making it China's cheapest electric car. Your email address will not be published. While power isn't cheap in our privatised power nirvana our politicians were so keen to sell us, it is increasingly moving to renewable sources. It's highly likely theCabrio will share the fixed-roof model's same powertrain. [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. As EVs make their inroads, the little Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV is leading the way. WIREDs is in avocado green, but the model is also available in lemon yellow and white peach pink. In the end, all the states can do is lead a punter to a beer, it's up to the product makers to make one nice enough to drink. A few-times heavier standard car would potentially destroy the Wuling in a similar way as the neighborhood EV was destroyed. China Is Eager To Grow EVs And Here Is The Adorable - Gizmodo Australia Cutting Edge Mini City EV - the Hong Guang MINI EV has a practical "small on the outside, big on the inside" design Left Hand Drive Only (steering wheel on left) Taking orders now for export direct (shipping, duties, taxes in your country additional) It is available in 2 versions: 2-seat with 120KM range battery / $5500 4-seat with 170KM range battery / $6600 Exterior dimensions: 2,917 mm . One must resist the car's urge to travel in a straight line over 30 mph. 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=' + i + dl; The Hong Guang MINI EV has a top speed of about 100 km/h, seats four and looks like a Japanese kei car. Surprisingly, the EV includes a concealed toggle button behind the steering wheel that allows drivers to choose between Eco and Sport modes. [9], A 26.5kWh model is due for 2022, with 280 kilometres (170mi) (CLTC) estimated range, an optional more powerful 30kW (40hp; 41PS) motor, and an improved interior. Renault had a go with the Kangoo Z.E. It was developed by General Motors, Wuling Motors and state-sponsored SAIC Motor. So successful is Wulings Mini EV that not only are Chinese producers rapidly coming up with copycat cars, Wuling itself is busy making different versions of the vehicle, including a forthcoming cabriolet and a long-range version. Macaron is written on the drivers side rear pillar black insert, and the car features color-coordinated white wheels and roof. It was first manufactured and delivered sometime in July 2020. f.parentNode.insertBefore( j, f ); It is the essential source of information and ideas that make sense of a world in constant transformation. Lots of people ask why there aren't any small EVs on the market (we quickly explain there are several), and the talk quickly turns to price. form, despite all indications pointing to its untimely end. Unfortunately, Wheelsboy says youll never forget how cheap it is. [CDATA[ */ This one is a proper long shot, but we stand by it, no matter what you say even if it is entirely reasonable. The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV is creating an awesome new market and as expected, other firms are following with similar models. The GT versions pack a staggering dual-motor set up with 358kW and either 814Nm or 860Nm. Demand for this tiny BEV . One-pedal driving isn't practical since the automobile takes too long to slow down, owing to its lightweight of 1,543 pounds. The electric motor that comes in this Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV is 20 kW. But Ford has more. Despite its compact dimensions the Hongguang Mini EV has four seats. Watch Tesla Model Y Vs Volkswagen ID.6 CROZZ Crash Test, Renault ZOE Gets Devastating 0 Stars From Euro NCAP, Watch Tesla Cybertruck Vs Tesla Semi Launches Side-By-Side In Texas, Devastating Price Difference: Hyundai Kona Electric Vs Chevy Bolt EV, Tesla To Offer Unlimited Overnight Charging For About $1 Per Day, Tesla Models Among EVs With Worst Predicted Reliability: Consumer Reports, Tesla's Next-Gen Electric Motors Will Get Rid Of Rare Earth Elements, First Tesla V4 Supercharger Spotted In The Netherlands, Considering A Tesla Or Another EV? var f = d.getElementsByTagName( s )[ 0 ], The fact that the Mini EV can seat four people is maybe the biggest surprise. The space might be able to fit something very thin, but the bottom is taken up with charging cables. }; There are also Isofix child-seat connectors, and the seats are best designed for children or short journeys. A joint venture between GM and Chinese businesses Wuling and SAIC saw the introduction of the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV in July 2020. Check out our Gear teams picks for the best fitness trackers, running gear (including shoes and socks), and best headphones, TurboTax service code 2023: Up to $15 off your purchase, 20% Off - All H&R Block 2023 Tax Software | H&R Block Discount Code, Instacart coupon code: $25 off any size order + free delivery, Extra 20% off sitewide - Dyson promo code, GoPro promo code: 10% off all sitewide purchases + free shipping, 2023 Cond Nast. Production will initially be limited to between 100 and 200 cars per month. Enter your email below. We may not legally be able to get ahold of the Mini EV as it sells in China, but there is an outside chance GM will be using the know-how gained from producing this budget electric car to release a US or European EV that retails below the $10,000 mark. Privacy Policy. But increased battery costs have seen prices rise by around $1,000. Limited to using a standard 220V AC outlet, charging is naturally slow, with the base battery pack taking six hours to fully recharge. 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=' + i + dl; MINI Electric - Electric Vehicles Australia | MINI AUSTRALIA } ); The overall looks of the car seem to be very simple and boxy. 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. body #page { The Blue Oval is keen to woo those who carry gear around for a living and knows that these folks are offended by the cost of fuel. These are very limited, with three dials for climate control and a very small LCD screen for the radio. Standard features in China reportedly include air conditioning, rear parking sensors, anti-lock brakes, and a stereo system. After another 40,000 units or so in November, the total number of Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV soon will reach 500,000 - in just 18 months. 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). Rivian has two giant electric trucks, which will upset people who don't want these massive things bearing down on them, and the company says it has strong interest from local buyers. The e-Crafter van would be a good idea too if it wasn't left-hook only. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Range is claimed to be between 120km on the base battery, and 280km on top-spec versions. Little safety equipment. Change These Settings on Your New Samsung Phone. all we can say is this EV has every right to be on the top of the affordable EVs list. Charging cables fill up the space at the bottom of the boot. The model is equipped with the BMS intelligent battery management system, as well as low-temperature pre-heating technology and battery insulation. Exterior specifications of Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV This Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV car is 2917 mm long, 1493 m wide, and 1621 mm in height with a wheelbase of 1940 mm. 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. The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone. While there is a hatch at the back, there is no real trunk to speak of. Wuling Hongguang Mini EV Cabrio: Tiny drop-top revealed microcar return to our shores, but it should be in e-Up! [5] Overview [ edit] Rear view The lack of proper headrests for adults makes any long journey a challenge. [16], SAIC-GM-Wuling launched a variant of the regular Mini EV called the Mini EV Macaron in April 2021. Above 30 mph, you end up fighting the cars desire to go in a straight line. [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. And with such small wheels, you feel every pothole, all the more so given the poorly padded seats. The WIRED conversation illuminates how technology is changing every aspect of our livesfrom culture to business, science to design. The same cannot be said for the steering, which is generally imprecise. You dont get airbags, and the passenger doesnt even get a seatbelt reminder. 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. Wayward steering.) 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. Similar clues to the budget nature of the build quality are shown in areas such as a simple bare screw attaching the door pulls in the front. Can seat four. The Wuling Hong Guan Mini EV Cabrio Is Really Happening - Gizmodo Australia Which is probably holding back the funky hatchback from a local release in electric form, just as it's hugely unlikely we'll ever see the ICE 208 here. SHANGHAI - Wuling launched the Hong Guang MINI EV today. when sales dipped for the first time since the 1990s, China Sends a Warning to the U.S. About Domestic EV Battery Production, Global EV Adoption Hits New High of 20 Million Thanks to Tiny Electric Cars, Electric Cars Sold In Record Numbers Globally In 2021, A Serious Threat to Tesla Emerges in Nissan. Or is it? 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. 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 . Thats a considerable price premium over the regular Hongguang Mini EV, which starts from just 32,800 yuan ($6900) and stretches to 69,8000 yuan ($14,700) for a fully-loaded Game Boy edition. So such a car, even devoid of bells or whistles, could make electric motoring affordable for a much broader market. The ForFour is somehow slightly cheaper, so would cost about the same. PHOTOS: GM Unveils New Versions of $6,000 EV Outselling Tesla in China Wuling Hongguang Mini EV - Wikipedia Baojun, on the other hand, is a Wuling sub-brand aimed at the car market and was earlier to micro EVs than its parent company, with both the Smart-like E100 and E200. Apple has several models in its lineup, from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 14 Plus. Chinese government incentives include extending subsidies on NEV purchases, expediting a clear-out of older polluting vehicles, reducing taxes on used-car dealers and promoting electric-car sales in rural areas. And who doesn't want to see F-Series based ambulances again? That's a considerable price premium over the regular Hongguang Mini EV, which starts from just 32,800 yuan ($6900) and stretches to 69,8000 yuan ($14,700) for a fully-loaded Game Boy edition. Given all the other foibles detailed here, that is probably not a bad thing. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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. Chinese "Macaron" EV is as Tiny and Cute as Its Name Suggests It is a three-door electric microcar that, while not new in China, is the first to achieve widespread success. 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. 38 Photos Wuling - Hong Guang MINI EV specs: Two battery/range options 120 km (75 miles) of range using 9.3 kWh battery 170 km (106 miles) of range using 13.9 kWh battery top speed of 100. 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. It also comes with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and reversing radar. However, the rear seats do individually push down and pull up with a strap, which is essential if you want to transport anything other than people. It also weighs a . EV Charging explained: Home and public charging, power levels and plugs, Australia's EV policies: What's happening in each state and territory in 2021 UPDATED, No ICE reduction target included in Australia's net zero 2050 plan. Inside, the Macaron gets exterior color-matching inserts for the door pulls and highlights around what pass for controls. margin-top: -19px; 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).. }. GM reveals tiny, adorable electric convertible to be sold in China - CNN TOKYO -- At 28,800 yuan ($4,500), the Hongguang Mini EV has become a big seller in certain Chinese cities and villages. The ground clearance offered is 125 mm. s.async = true; [11] The car has attracted a cult following in China, with owners frequently modifying their vehicles. }. w[ l ].push( { Wuling Hongguang Mini EV Cabrio convertible concept revealed in ( function( w, d, s, l, i ) { The latest on tech, science, and more: Get our newsletters! 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). He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. On top of that, there's a cargo version, which would be brilliant for the suburbs. Each features a slightly different exterior finish, different wheels, and different trim. The mini EV costs around $5,000 new. But thanks to the 1,621 mm height, the Mini EV is actually taller than it is wide, so head room is reasonable. [CDATA[ */ First, the driving position is very high and the seats are non-height-adjustable. The EV has a lot more room in this arrangement. if(typeof window.DotMetricsObj != 'undefined') {DotMetricsObj.onAjaxDataUpdate();} Last year the Hongguang Mini EV was Chinas best selling pure electric car with roughly 426,000 sales, well ahead of the considerably more expensive .css-vurnku{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;min-width:0;}Tesla Model 3 (321,000). Avocado Green, Lemon Yellow, and White Peach Pink are the colors created by Wuling in partnership with Pantone Universe. It is a three-door electric microcar that . The SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture has produced one of the most successful electric cars in China, the Wuling Hong Guan Mini EV. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is China's best-selling electric vehicle, outselling Tesla and all others. Tiny new electric car beats Tesla Model 3, again, in China - The Driven It was founded in 2007 in the city of Liuzhou, near the border with Vietnam. /* GM-backed $4,000 mini electric car has already received 50,000 orders With sales commencing as early as September 2020. The Cabrio is set to go into production in China in 2022, with a rebadged variant called the Freze Nikrob Cabrio being available in Europe. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. window.dm = window.dm ||{ AjaxData:[]}; Could General Motors at least apply lessons learned from producing this super-cheap EV to other markets? But with a parcel shelf right next to the driver, they can just pick what they need, swing open the door and step straight out onto the pavement. 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. The battery comes preheating and insulation function which allows it to be charged safely and efficiently at low temperatures. The Mini EV Cabrio is getting the same 26 horsepower electric motor as the coup, but its price and range is still unknown. This electric car is so popular among Chinese drivers that Wuling is making a cabrio model for 2022 despite convertibles not selling well in the country, as Car News China reports. It also features 12 storage spaces. Onboard is a 9.3 kWh or 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for 75 or 169 km, respectively. it has halogen headlamps and halogen bulbs in indicators and rear lights. A convertible variant of the Hongguang Mini EV - known as the Cabrio concept - was unveiled overnight at the Shanghai motor show. Latvian-based armoured vehicle manufacturer Dartz last year confirmed it had signed an agreement to import the electric micro car to Europe. Now, hear us out on this one. 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. E lectric 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 . By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and The colors are Avocado Green, Lemon Yellow and White Peach Pink, which are the results of the collaboration of Wuling and Pantone Universe. But the Mini EVs diminutive size also makes darting in and out of traffic quite satisfying. As a result, Ford Australia's first electric car is going to be a van, the e-Transit. Your email address will not be published. [17] The Macaron also receives more safety equipment compared to the previous base trim level, including low-speed pedestrian warning, a reversing camera with rear parking sonar and a driver-side airbag. EV Auto Explorer is India's leading Electric Vehicles news website. This super cheap electric car is outselling Tesla - TechRadar DAP Pricing Unless otherwise stated, all prices are shown as Manufacturer's Recommended List Price (MRLP) inclusive of GST, exclusive of options and on road costs. j.src = The Hong Guang Mini EV electric hatchback launched in July 2020 and is manufactured through a joint venture between China's Wuling, Chinese state-owned automaker SAIC Motor, and General. j = d.createElement( s ), dl = l != 'dataLayer' ? Being two-seaters, theyve never really sold well, but the E300 (aka Kiwi EV) in many ways replicates the Mini EV formula, except it costs around twice as much and features a chunky robot-like appearance and desirable features such as fast charging. The SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture has produced one of the most successful electric cars in China, the Wuling Hong Guan Mini EV.This electric car is so popular among Chinese drivers that Wuling is . The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is so cheap, because it's made - WapCar margin-top: -19px; Or the same as a specced-up V8 Ram. 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. Luxury is relative, especially when you are dealing with a car as bare-bones as the original Mini EV. In September, only its 4 th month on the market, the Hong Guang Mini EV racked up sales in excess of 20,000, propelling it to the top of China's electric vehicle market," Kang said. There is no crash test data for the charming car, but GM says that 57 per cent of the cars body consists of high-strength steel. The batterys functions can be remotely monitored via a smartphone app. Tired: Limited to being a city car. Or it could take a very different route. Given all of its other flaws, that's probably not a terrible thing. The wheels look nearly identical, though, and so does the A-pillar and most everything above the door. The Macaron is a customized version that is available with three exclusive paint colors and more standard features. Priced this low, there is not much insulating the car from road noise. It would also ward off one of the Ami's drawbacks it's left-hand drive only. There are also two USB type A ports that allow you to play music or charge a device. The Battery Capacity, which is one of the most important parts of an Electric Vehicle, is 9.3 kWh or 13.9 kWh. In October last year, Tesla cut the price of the Model 3 . Uncomfortable. Marcus is a car enthusiast who loves writing about them. The breakthroughs and innovations that we uncover lead to new ways of thinking, new connections, and new industries. China has had a thriving industry in low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs), which in four-wheel form are more akin to golf carts. It can be charged using a normal 220-240V outlet. /* */ The controls for the electric windows are located on the center console, next to the drive selector knob. Wuling is coy regarding acceleration figures, but since the vehicle is electric and has instantaneous torque, it isnt unduly slow in town traffic. State-backed SAIC-GM-Wuling, a company partly owned by GM,. Some of this is due to its development: the model had gone from concept to manufacturing in less than a year, which seems utterly implausible until you get close to one. The Macaron is a customized model with three unique paint colors and additional standard features. 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. The Peugeot e-Expert has a silly name and isn't much to look at, but has an impressive driving range for a commercial vehicle (330km WLTP) and decent power and torque. The results: left - driver, right - passenger in the rear: Well, if this is the result of a 50% frontal crash with a light neighborhood electric vehicle, it's scary to think what would happen if it would be a standard car (1,200-2,400 kg). Whether youre skiing in the backcountry or trampolining in the backyard, we have an activity tracker for you. The same is not said for the steering, which is quite sloppy. } )( window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-WT4MKNJ' ); A Detailed Look At The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV - HotCars Updated daily with news on EV cars, EV bikes, EV scooters, electric vehicles Trends and market, commercial EVs, sales reports as well as detailed reviews by experts. Bizarrely, it's the EV we're most asked about after Tesla, despite its much lower profile. If you're stuck in a lift with us for long enough we will start trying to convince you that EV uptake will not be led by private buyers, but by tradies and small business. On the plus side, given the sub-two-meter wheelbase, the turning circle is incredibly tight. If you need a bit more capacity, the back seats simply push down and pull up via a strap. And the lack of rear headrests would make anything but short journeys tiring on the neck. 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. Watch Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV Crash Test With Other EV - InsideEVs