Wuling’s Hong Guang MINI EV, which was launched in the Chinese market last June, set a new sales record in November with more than 30,000 units sold.
In Europe, the low-cost offering is still in its infancy, but in China, where low-cost electric cars are a hit, the offering is now well established. Marketed by Wuling, a brand born of a joint venture between SAIC and GM, the little Hong Guang Mini EV is setting records. Last month, 33,094 of them were sold, since its launch there are now 85,766 registrations and it seems likely that the 100,000 sold will be surpassed during the year.
Less than €5,000
What makes the success of this small Chinese electric car is mainly its price. It is sold between 28,800 and 38,800 yuan, or 3,500 to 4,750 €, making it one of the cheapest electric cars on the market.
On the technical front, the features remain modest and mainly geared towards city use. With 4 seats (2 adults + 2 children), the Mini EV has a 20 kW electric motor and allows up to 100 km / h of maximum speed. As for the batteries, the manufacturer uses cobalt-free technology and is supplied by four local suppliers. Two packs are available, of 9.2 and 13.8 kWh, with an autonomy of 120 and 170 kilometers respectively.
