A convertible variant of the Hongguang Mini EV known as the Cabrioconcept was unveiled overnight at the Shanghai motor show. There is no actual trunk even though there is a hatch at the back. The breakthroughs and innovations that we uncover lead to new ways of thinking, new connections, and new industries. 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. It's highly likely theCabrio will share the fixed-roof model's same powertrain. It has received an advanced IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating and been put through 16 rigorous safety tests. 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 Macaron is a customized version that is available with three exclusive paint colors and more standard features. s.async = true; 2023 CarExpert Pty Ltd - ABN 71 636 729 836, Don't get ripped off, find out what others have paid, This week in news: 27 February to 3 March. The same is not said for the steering, which is quite sloppy. Whether youre skiing in the backcountry or trampolining in the backyard, we have an activity tracker for you. Dartz's decision to redesign the car's body highlights one of the obvious problems with selling the Chinese car in Western markets: safety. The Hong Guang Mini EV (really doesn't roll off the tongue, does it?) They're both short on driving range and in the ForTwo's case, size, but these are resolutely urban vehicles. } ); Potential buyers will need to enter a lottery in order to buy one., Wuling says production could expand if theres enough demand.. Luckily as youre unlikely to ever get the Mini EV much above 50 mph this never becomes too much of a problem. In this story we're looking at EVs that exist today that we miss out on. On the plus side, given the sub-two-meter wheelbase, the turning circle is incredibly tight. var d = document, Onboard is a 9.3 kWh or 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for 75 or 169 km, respectively. j.async = true; 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. w[ l ].push( { Wuling itself may be hoping to replicate the Mini EVs success with its forthcoming Air EV, which appears to be a move into pricier models and could conceivably signal a desire to go after overseas markets. window.dm.AjaxEvent = function(et, d, ssid, ad){ 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. According to Nikkei Asia, 112,000 units of the Hong Guang Mini EV were sold in China between July and the end of 2020, making it the country's second best-selling EV after the Tesla Model 3. 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. Derek Fung would love to tell you about his multiple degrees, but he's too busy writing up some news right now. Now the Hong Guang Mini. Renault had a go with the Kangoo Z.E. Sitting at a desk for hours? You dont get airbags, and the passenger doesnt even get a seatbelt reminder. And with such small wheels, you feel every pothole, all the more so given the poorly padded seats. Which, again, in the case of the ForTwo is not completely unfair. 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. RELATED: This Heritage Series Grandeur EV Celebrates Hyundai's 1986 Flagship Sedan. [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. 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 reason the little Hong Guang MINI EV is beating the Tesla Model 3 is simple: Its dirt cheap. 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. A joint venture between GM and Chinese businesses Wuling and SAIC saw the introduction of the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV in July 2020. Lets take a closer look at the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, RELATED: The Tata Avinya Concept Puts India On The Global EV Map. The lack of proper headrests for adults makes any long journey a challenge. If we arent limited by business model, the data could be used to develop a shared car, or a ride-hailing city car, that could be used in city centers where passenger cars are banneda growing and likely permanent trend, he says. The EV has a lot more room in this arrangement. . 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=' + i + dl; "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. However, with only a slow charger interface, refilling the latter takes nine hours. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Based in New York, New York, Derek loves to travel and is very much a window not an aisle person. Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats. s.type = 'text/javascript'; The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone. 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. The Mini EV Cabrio: Wuling unveiled the Mini EV Cabrio, a convertible version of the Mini EV with a folding soft top, at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2021. 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. The ForTwo is about 19,000 in the UK which could translate to a low to mid-$30k price tag. Surprisingly, the EV includes a concealed toggle button behind the steering wheel that allows drivers to choose between Eco and Sport modes. Leading to the assumption . The Mini EV is a step up from this levelcloser to a Japanese kei micro car. Owner Shares The Good And Bad, US: Ford Significantly Increased BEV Sales In February 2023. With sales commencing as early as September 2020. Uncomfortable. 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. 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. You can whine all you like about the size, but large American trucks are selling here even after expensive right-hand drive conversions. j = d.createElement( s ), dl = l != 'dataLayer' ? 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. Astonishingly, the company is reportedly making less than $14 profit on each car. 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. These are the top discounts weve found across the web. TOKYO -- At 28,800 yuan ($4,500), the Hongguang Mini EV has become a big seller in certain Chinese cities and villages. w[ l ] = w[ l ] || []; 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. 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. 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=' + i + dl; SAIC Motor is the largest partner, with 50.1 percent ownership. It would cost more to spec the cigar humidor glove box option on a Rolls-Royce or add Apple CarPlay to a Ferrari than to buy the Mini EV outright. Let us know if you think we could be doing something better. A distinct whine from the electric motor accompanies you as you drive along. Marcus is a car enthusiast who loves writing about them. In a design choice that perhaps speaks to the affordability of display parts, the instrument panel is a full-color digital screen. Bizarrely, it's the EV we're most asked about after Tesla, despite its much lower profile. In October last year, Tesla cut the price of the Model 3 . 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. 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. And the lack of rear headrests would make anything but short journeys tiring on the neck. 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. So an incredibly cheap, bare-bones city car makes a lot of sense. 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. The e-Crafter van would be a good idea too if it wasn't left-hook only. 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 Hong Guang MINI EV has a top speed of about 100 km/h, seats four and looks like a Japanese kei car. "A range . Recently we came across a crash test conducted earlier this year in China, which might give us glimpses of what to expect. Perhaps the local arm should consider Ford's idea of a much larger unit, the Master Z.E.? 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. The cars crashed at 64 km/h (40 mph) each, with a 50% offset, which turned out to be deadly to the red neighborhood electric vehicle, despite both being similar in size and weight (560 kg Wuling vs 568 kg red EV). Earlier this month five Chinese. Thats actually not too bad for the price of four Changlis. The poor profit margin hasnt stopped Wuling and its sibling brand Baojun from creating more cars in the same vein. Car sales in China saw astounding growth until 2018, when sales dipped for the first time since the 1990s. The fact that the Mini EV can seat four people is maybe the biggest surprise. Charging cables fill up the space at the bottom of the boot. After all, the automobile is just 2,921 millimeters long, or less than 3 meters. The front brake is a disk brake and the rear one is a drum brake. Now you can get the top stories from Gizmodo delivered to your inbox. Aluminum Alloy is also offered in this EV. 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. Fees, charges, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. We believe that most of the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EVs are driving on the streets and there is always a risk that such a crash might happen. 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). s.type = 'text/javascript'; Not only did Wuling sling 15,000 units in only its first 20 days on the market, but its currently beating Tesla Model 3 sales almost two to one, InsideEVs reports. We already know the e-2008 compact SUV is on its way but the French car's importer remains cagey on the e-208. 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. And who doesn't want to see F-Series based ambulances again? Yes, I wish to receive exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions from our partners. The wheels look nearly identical, though, and so does the A-pillar and most everything above the door. Given all of its other flaws, that's probably not a terrible thing. This one is a proper long shot, but we stand by it, no matter what you say even if it is entirely reasonable. The overall looks of the car seem to be very simple and boxy. At least there are some concessions to safety: while the original Mini EVs featured little more than the steel body cage, anti-lock brakes, and Isofix anchors for child seats, the Macaron adds a drivers airbag. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. 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%. 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. Weve mentioned this car a few times in the past, but its made some amazing progress. The interior is utilitarian at best and its plastics have the tactility of an emery board. } )( window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-WT4MKNJ' ); Get weekly updates with the latest car news and reviews. [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. Dartz, a Latvian company known for bulletproof SUVs, was planning to sell the Mini EV as the Freze Nikrob in Europe, but those plans appear to have changed. img#wpstats{display:none} 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. Every pothole is felt with such small wheels, which is made worse by the badly cushioned seats. Or it could take a very different route. 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. 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. SAIC Motor is the largest partner, with 50.1 percent ownership. One-pedal driving isn't practical since the automobile takes too long to slow down, owing to its lightweight of 1,543 pounds. 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. Which iPhone Should You Buy (or Avoid) Right Now? Surprisingly, the EV has a selector button hidden behind the steering wheel that lets you choose between Eco and Sport modes. Trendysort of. 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 steering is imprecise and when cornering at over 30mph you feel as if youre fighting the cars inertia. [24], The Mini EV listed as the world's top selling plug-in car in January 2021. A shame, but if it could land at a mid-$30k price point, French car fans are just mad enough to do it. 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. var d = document, Wuling Motors designs and manufactures tiny electric automobiles, school buses, engines, and automobile parts. It's a small vehicle, without fancy safety systems, but the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture envisioned a front crumple zone. China has had a thriving industry in low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs), which in four-wheel form are more akin to golf carts. 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. * MINI Finance, Australian Credit Licence 392387. 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. According toAutohome, the micro electric two-door is slated to hit showrooms in 2022 and (at least initially) will be sold exclusively in China. This EV is not available outside China, but we got behind the wheel of the luxury Macaron version in China to see if this super-cheap electric car was any good, and what US and European manufacturers could learn about how to make more affordable electric cars. form, despite all indications pointing to its untimely end. [4] Retail deliveries began in China in July 2020. The production Mini EV Cabrio looks less premium than the concept. Part of the reason for this is the simplicity of the design. dm.AjaxData.push({ et: et,d: d,ssid: ssid,ad: ad}); 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. Mechanically, the Hong Guang MINI EV Macaron is equipped with a small electric motor that generates 20 kW (27 horsepower) and 85 Nm (62.7 pound-feet) of torque, up from the 13-kW (17.4-horsepower . 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. Sport mode appears to be the superior option, offering significantly faster acceleration and more obvious brake regeneration. new Date().getTime(), event: 'gtm.js' 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 enchanting little thing looks like loads of fun! ( function( w, d, s, l, i ) { Check out this review from the Wheelsboy YouTube channel: With our Prime Minister embarrassing himself at COP26 by walking down the steps from his plane waving a piece of paper guaranteeing net-zero by relying on technology that is either discredited (carbon capture and storage) or non-existent (TBA), it's up to the states to make electric vehicles appealing. In this configuration, the EV offers up 741 liters of space. According to Tu Le, founder and managing director of Sino Auto Insights, there are two possibilities. The area might hold something extremely tiny; however, the car contains charging cords on the bottom. 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. Yes, the Citroen Ami is a quadricycle like the pilloried and terrifying Gee Whiz, but it's made by a proper car company Stellantis. [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. 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. 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 . 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. For short trips to the shops and back, the Ami is the perfect city runabout and might get a few belching dungers off the streets. The Mini EV Macaron: A version of the normal Mini EV introduced in April 2021. There are also two USB type A ports that allow you to play music or charge a device. The convertible electric microcar which was built as part of a collaboration between SAIC and General Motors could come onto the market as soon as 2022. Can seat four. The Mini EV is therefore likely to have issues more frequently, but it will also be cheaper to repair. 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. body #page { Being a compact van, it's not too big so would be good for the urban cut and thrust. Onboard is a 9.3 kWh or 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for 75 or 169 km, respectively. At the end of last year, professor Masayoshi Yamamoto at Nagoya University took apart a car shipped to Japan to see how it was possible to produce the vehicle so cheaply. 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. Still, splashes of color matching the body color around the radio controls, door pulls, and passenger cupholder jazz up the interior. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. While there is a hatch at the back, there is no real trunk to speak of. It was difficult to open the doors of the Wuling, but the battery appears to be mostly intact with only some damage. img#wpstats{display:none} The bestselling Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) in China, the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV has found its way to Thailand.
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