First, the driving position is very high and the seats are non-height-adjustable. 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. all we can say is this EV has every right to be on the top of the affordable EVs list. It's time for car companies to step up and offer us some product that we all know would fly off the forecourts. 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 front brake is a disk brake and the rear one is a drum brake. The battery comes preheating and insulation function which allows it to be charged safely and efficiently at low temperatures. The Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV car measures a diminutive 2920mm yet four adults can fit in without too much contortion. Earlier this month five Chinese. The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV sells in China like hot cakes, as it fulfils the basic transportation needs at affordable price of 28,800-43,600 CNY ($4,521-$6,844). It loses the LED side strip, but gets a side marker in return. WIREDs is in avocado green, but the model is also available in lemon yellow and white peach pink. The Gameboy Edition: A version introduced in March 2022. So equipped, Wuling says its Mini EV will travel 75 miles on a single charge and reach a top speed of 62 mph. 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 fossil fuel prices soaring, its hardly surprising that most markets are crying out for cheaper EVs. Which iPhone Should You Buy (or Avoid) Right Now? Ad Choices. 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. It would be easy to compare the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV unfairly with pricier and better-equipped cars. (function() { The Mini EV is therefore likely to have issues more frequently, but it will also be cheaper to repair. . The four motor R1T ute starts at under 70 grand in the US and would probably still be competitive after the usual taxes, charges and Government obstacles were cleared most likely walloping buyers around $150k in local trim. With the 40kWh battery, it has a healthy city driving range of up to 300km, which is probably a week's driving for a good number of businesses. The ForFour is somehow slightly cheaper, so would cost about the same. A distinct whine from the electric motor accompanies you as you drive along. However, cramming folks into those back seats isn't exactly pleasant. * MINI Finance, Australian Credit Licence 392387. The battery is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. Owner Shares The Good And Bad, US: Ford Significantly Increased BEV Sales In February 2023. h = d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0], [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. It can be charged using a normal 220-240V outlet. The battery pack is pre-started to warm up and maintain the battery pack temperature at 20-25 C to achieve low-temperature charging efficiency. } ); [5] Overview [ edit] Rear view [8] Based on the NEDC driving cycle, the estimated energy consumption of the Mini EV is 8,1 kWh/100km. It is a three-door electric microcar that . Onboard is a 9.3 kWh or 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for 75 or 169 km, respectively. This screenoffers basic information such as speed, range, and electricity consumption, along with a natty 3D rendering of the Mini EV. Astonishingly, the company is reportedly making less than $14 profit on each car. The Smart is, however, a considerable 170mm wider. Yamamoto discovered that the parts were largely off-the-shelf and consumer-grade, rather than automotive grade. 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. The Hong Guang Mini EV (really doesn't roll off the tongue, does it?) A convertible variant of the Hongguang Mini EV - known as the Cabrio concept - was unveiled overnight at the Shanghai motor show. 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. [22][23], In January 2021, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), the Mini EV topped new energy vehicles sales with 25,778 units, compared to the Tesla Model 3 with 13,843 units sold in China. The same is not said for the steering, which is quite sloppy. Apples tablet lineup is more confusing than ever. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars. Now, a new entry into Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology confirms that the Mini EV Cabrio is coming to market, per Car News China. The Hong Guang Mini EV saw sales of 112,000 for the second half of 2020, ranking second behind Tesla's Model 3 which are made in its Shanghai factory. 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. So such a car, even devoid of bells or whistles, could make electric motoring affordable for a much broader market. 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 Hong Guang Mini EV car body is a Hatchback. Or is it? 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. Sitting at a desk for hours? 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. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. 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. Theres no Park setting, though: the handbrake is the only way to hold the Mini EV. The neighborhood EV was completely destroyed, not giving the occupant's a chance to survive (at least the front row). 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. 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 ground clearance offered is 125 mm. Information regarding this small but impressive electric car that is a part . 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. SHUHEI YAMADA, Nikkei Asia Tech chief editor December 20, 2021 11:23 JST. But is it safe? As of January 2022, sales since inception have passed 500,000 units, and the Mini EV has become the best-selling electric car in China. Limited to using a standard 220V AC outlet, charging is naturally slow, with the base battery pack taking six hours to fully recharge. 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. Its curb weight is around 665 kg. If you need a bit more capacity, the back seats simply push down and pull up via a strap. Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers, Tesla details Model Y suspension changes, more updates coming, Mazda's largest SUV here in August with hybrid-beating efficiency. The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV, introduced by the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture (between SAIC, GM and Liuzhou Wuling Motors), is no one of the most popular EVs in China. Surprisingly, the EV includes a concealed toggle button behind the steering wheel that allows drivers to choose between Eco and Sport modes. Being a compact van, it's not too big so would be good for the urban cut and thrust. As EVs make their inroads, the little Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV is leading the way. Onboard is a 9.3 kWh or 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for 75 or 169 km, respectively. SAIC Motor is the largest partner, with 50.1 percent ownership. Inside, the Macaron gets exterior color-matching inserts for the door pulls and highlights around what pass for controls. [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. A shame, but if it could land at a mid-$30k price point, French car fans are just mad enough to do it. The colors are Avocado Green, Lemon Yellow and White Peach Pink, which are the results of the collaboration of Wuling and Pantone Universe. 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. } ()); 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. In a design choice that perhaps speaks to the affordability of display parts, the instrument panel is a full-color digital screen. The Hong Guang MINI EV has a top speed of about 100 km/h, seats four and looks like a Japanese kei car. }. However, in the case of the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV, things look much better. 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. dm.AjaxData.push({ et: et,d: d,ssid: ssid,ad: ad}); The overall looks of the car seem to be very simple and boxy. Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats. Still, splashes of color matching the body color around the radio controls, door pulls, and passenger cupholder jazz up the interior. 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. 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. This is enough to accommodate two 26-inch suitcases or a stroller. Marcus is a car enthusiast who loves writing about them. 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. Trendysort of. Wuling is tight-lipped about acceleration statistics, but the car isn't particularly sluggish because it's electric and has immediate torque. It has received an advanced IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating and been put through 16 rigorous safety tests. In this configuration, the EV offers up 741 liters of space. Measuring just 2917mm long, 1493mm wide, 1621mm tall, and riding on a 1940mm wheelbase, the Mini EV is larger than the current Smart ForTwo by 222mm in length, 66mm in height, and 67mm in wheelbase. 145/70R12 With such small tires, any potholes you encounter are keenly felt in the cabin. According to Autohome, the micro electric two-door is slated to hit showrooms in 2022 and (at least initially) will be sold exclusively in China. This is a low-cost entry, low-cost ownership electric car after all, so the small design touches the production model lost arent a big deal. The production model probably wont get the body-coloured mirror, either. I imagine it wont be that different from the roofed models. 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. With no fast-charging capacity, the Mini EV is essentially a city car. The ID.4's SUV-like approach is also likely to play well with Australians, and we know it's already coming so one imagines the local business just doesn't think the ID.3 will resonate with Australian buyers. "The sales of the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV exceeded 15,000 units within only 20 days after it hit the market at the Chengdu Motor Show that kicked off on July 24, the first mini-sized EV. The model is equipped with the BMS intelligent battery management system, as well as low-temperature pre-heating technology and battery insulation. After all, the car is less than 3 meters long, 2,920 mm to be precise. One of Chinas biggest automotive companiesin 2021 it was second by volumeSAIC is perhaps best known in Europe as the new owner of MG. Casual observers of the auto industry may be more surprised to learn that the second-largest Wuling owner, with 44 percent, is General Motors (the small remainder of the joint venture belongs to Wuling itself). A dual waistline along with obvious arches for the 12 inches wheels accent very boxy looks. It's a small vehicle, without fancy safety systems, but the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture envisioned a front crumple zone. 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. The enchanting little thing looks like loads of fun! Dismiss, Left Hand Drive Only (steering wheel on left), (shipping, duties, taxes in your country additional), Exterior dimensions: 2,917 mm long x 1,493 mm wide x 1,621 mm high, Maximum power:13 kW(4 seat) / 9.2 kW (2 seat), Range:170 km on a single charge (4 seat) / 120 km (2 seat). Surprisingly, the EV has a selector button hidden behind the steering wheel that lets you choose between Eco and Sport modes. 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. margin-top: -19px; Wuling is coy regarding acceleration figures, but since the vehicle is electric and has instantaneous torque, it isnt unduly slow in town traffic. '&l=' + l : ''; '&l=' + l : ''; 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. it has halogen headlamps and halogen bulbs in indicators and rear lights. Take a bite of these third-party apps instead. But thanks to the 1,621 mm height, the Mini EV is actually taller than it is wide, so head room is reasonable. While electric sedans and SUVs rapidly proliferate, there continues to be a dearth of drop-top EVs beyond the likes of the cabriolet versions of the Smart ForTwo and Fiat 500e. } )( window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-WT4MKNJ' ); However, as a low-cost start to electric family transportation, the automobile is far superior to a scooter or motorbike. Car sales in China saw astounding growth until 2018, when sales dipped for the first time since the 1990s. Safer than a scooter. The driver would have a chance to survive with some leg and head injury. Could General Motors at least apply lessons learned from producing this super-cheap EV to other markets? j.async = true; Your email address will not be published. Despite its compact dimensions the Hongguang Mini EV has four seats. The electric motor that comes in this Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV is 20 kW. The tiny EV is made available only as a left-hand drive vehicle by local grey importers and is understood to not offer a warranty of any sort. The score not being a 4 is mainly down to the considerable value on offer here, but we'd find it hard to ignore that lack of safety kit. Priced this low, there is not much insulating the car from road noise. Copyright Drive.com.au 2023ABN: 84 116 608 158. ( function( w, d, s, l, i ) { 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. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is China's best-selling electric vehicle. 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. Given the rudimentary nature of the cabin, its no surprise that materials are utilitarian. 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. Even though you cannot buy this car outside of China, if we had to rate it on WIRED's scoring system, we'd charitably give it a 5 out of 10 (Wired: Bargain basement price for an EV. 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). These are very limited, with three dials for climate control and a very small LCD screen for the radio. /* Difference Between Pillsbury Southern Style And Buttermilk Biscuits, Elton Yoder Sugarcreek, Ohio, This Property Is Condemned Ending Explained, Harron Homes Edwinstowe, Articles H