FYI: The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV Maintains Appeal Despite Falling from No. 1 Spot
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, once the undisputed leader in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, saw a significant drop in sales last year. Despite this, the vehicle’s affordability and compact design still make it a noteworthy player. Wuling sold 237,863 units in 2023, a sharp decline from the 404,823 units sold in 2022. Nonetheless, with a starting price of just $5,046 (35,800 CNY), this mini EV continues to attract attention.
The Former EV King
Before BYD’s Seagull and Nio’s Onvo brand began capturing headlines, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV was the talk of the town. This pint-sized wonder, developed in conjunction with General Motors (GM) and inspired by Japanese Kei cars, took China’s EV market by storm. Known for its budget-friendly price—once hovering around $4,000—its sales even outpaced the Tesla Model Y. However, the Chinese automotive market is notoriously unpredictable, and what’s popular today can easily become outdated tomorrow.
A Glimpse at the New Hongguang Mini EV
Recent leaks from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have given us a sneak peek at the updated Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. Automakers in China must register their vehicles with the MIIT before launching, often revealing the car’s design ahead of official debuts. The updated Hongguang Mini EV retains its boxy shape but features a more sophisticated look and larger dimensions.
Key Features of the Updated Model
- Dimensions: The new model measures 128.2 inches in length, significantly longer than the 114.8-inch original. This extra length includes a 9.8-inch extension to the wheelbase, allowing for an optional five-door version. This should widen its appeal but might also overlap with Wuling’s Bingo model.
- Performance: While battery specifications remain undisclosed, MIIT details reveal a 40-horsepower motor and a top speed of 62 mph. Notably, a solid rear axle and a subtly designed motor are visible in the rear shots.
Market Challenges and Safety Concerns
Despite its promising new design, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV faces several challenges. Chinese subsidies for small, low-speed EVs have ended, which could impact sales. Vehicles that don’t exceed 124 miles (200 km) range or 62 mph aren’t eligible for tax incentives. Additionally, older models of these mini EVs have garnered a reputation for being unsafe, lacking features like airbags and adequate bumpers.
Manufacturers are addressing these safety concerns, but this has driven up prices. For example, the Changan Lumin Corn—considered a "second-generation" mini EV—starts at $7,300. Comparatively, the BYD Seagull, which offers greater range and a higher top speed of 81 mph, is available for just under $10,000.
GM’s Dilemma
For General Motors, closely linked with Wuling, the success of the revised Hongguang Mini EV is crucial. GM has struggled in the Chinese market recently and needs a boost to reverse its declining fortunes. While the new model may not reclaim the top spot in China’s EV market, it is potentially poised for respectable sales numbers.
Conclusion
While the glory days of the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV being China’s best-selling EV might be over, the revamped model shows promise. Competitively priced and with improved features, it could carve out a niche in a crowded market increasingly favoring high-performance and longer-range vehicles. For now, the Tesla Model Y’s dominance appears unthreatened.
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William Kouch,
Editor of Automotive.fyi
