The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (Chinese: 五菱宏光MiniEV) is a battery electriccity car manufactured by SAIC-GM-Wuling since 2020.[1] Retail deliveries began in China in July 2020. As of February 2023[update], global sales since inception have passed 1.1 million units, and the Mini EV has become the best-selling electric car in China.[2]
The first generation Mini EV can seat four people, and standard features including air conditioning, power windows, stereo system, storage and compartments. Standard safety features of the Mini EV include anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring sensors, and rear parking sensors. Early models did not include a driver airbag, but later models such as the Mini EV Macaron include the feature as standard.[7]
Power is produced by an electric motor making a peak 20 kW (27 hp; 27 PS) and 85 N⋅m (63 lb⋅ft) of torque[8] with rear-wheel drive, propelling the car to a stated top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). The Mini EV is equipped with a 9.2 kWh battery capable of a NEDC range of 120 km (75 mi) or a 13.8kWh battery capable of a NEDC range of 170 km (110 mi).[9] Based on the NEDC driving cycle, the estimated energy consumption of the Mini EV is 8,1 kWh/100 km.[10]
A 26.5 kWh model is due for 2022, with 280 kilometres (170 mi) (CLTC) estimated range, an optional more powerful 30 kW (40 hp; 41 PS) motor, and an improved interior.[11]
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.[12] The car has attracted a cult following in China, with owners frequently modifying their vehicles.[13][14] The popularity has been compared to that of kei cars in Japan.[15] The vehicle has been such a success that it has inspired a number of copycats and competitors, including the Chery QQ Ice Cream, Dongfeng Fengguang Mini EV,[16]Geely Panda Mini EV, and BAW S3.[17]
Rear view
Mini EV Macaron
SAIC-GM-Wuling launched a variant of the regular Mini EV called the Mini EV Macaron in April 2021. The Macaron is a customized version that is available with three exclusive paint colors and more standard features. The Macaron is sold as a more premium and personalized variant that features redesigned darkened LED headlights, two-tone alloy wheels and exclusive body colors. The colors are Avocado Green, Lemon Yellow and White Peach Pink, which are the results of the collaboration of Wuling and Pantone Universe.[18] 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.[18]
The Macaron is equipped with a small electric motor that generates a more powerful 20 kW (27 hp; 27 PS) and 85 N⋅m (63 lb⋅ft) of torque compared to the previously launched base trim while range remains unchanged.[18]
Front view
Rear view
Interior
2023 facelift
Freze Nikrob
In 2021 Lithuanian company Nikrob UAB announced a rebadged version of the Mini EV called the FreZe Nikrob with knock-down assembly in Vilnius, Lithuania.[19]
Front view
Rear view
Interior
Rainwoll RW10
In 2023, A Turkish company called Rainwoll announced a rebadged version of Wuling Hongguang Mini EV called the Rainwoll RW10. It is sold in 3 trim levels; Basic, Comfort, and Macaron.
The Mini EV GameBoy Edition was introduced in March 2022 as the second generation model selling alongside the original first generation model.[23] Its exterior has been completely restyled with larger dimensions, while the power remains to be unchanged and carried over from the standard Mini EV producing 27 hp (20 kW; 27 PS) and 85 N⋅m (63 lb⋅ft) or 40 hp (30 kW; 41 PS) and 110 N⋅m (81 lb⋅ft), mated to a 9.2, 13.9, or 25.5 kWh battery.[24]
Rear view
Interior
Mini EV Cabrio
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. The production version vehicle body design is based on Mini EV GameBoy Edition and was launched in September 2022.[25]
The third generation Wuling Hongguang Mini EV was unveiled in December 2024, with a 5-door version available.[28]
Sales
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.[29][30]
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.[31]
The Mini EV listed as the world's top selling plug-in car in January 2021.[32]
^Qin, Chao (10 December 2024). "五菱宏光MINIEV四门版官图 尺寸加长 内饰首次亮相 双色车". autohome.com.cn. Retrieved 10 December 2024. The Hongguang Mini EV, with 36,762 units delivered was the world's top selling plug-in passenger car in January 2021, followed by the Tesla Model 3 with 21,589 units.
^Jose, Pontes (2 February 2021). "Global Top 20 - December 2020". EVSales.com. Retrieved 3 March 2021. "The Tesla Model 3, with 365,240 units delivered was the world's top selling plug-in passenger car in 2020."
^Jose, Pontes (21 January 2021). "China December 2020". EVSales.com. Retrieved 3 March 2021. "The Tesla Model 3, with 139,925 units delivered, was the China's top selling plug-in passenger car in 2020."
^Jose, Pontes (28 February 2021). "Global Top 20 January 2021". EVSales.com. Retrieved 3 March 2021. The Hongguang Mini EV, with 36,762 units delivered was the world's top selling plug-in passenger car in January 2021, followed by the Tesla Model 3 with 21,589 units.
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