An EV for $4.5k? Check Out Tesla’s Latest Rival, the Hong Guang Mini EV
In a world full of Teslas comes one EV that outdoes the Model 3 in both cost and selling power. Introducing: the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV. This Chinese rival is not only outselling the Tesla brand in mainland China, it only costs consumers $4,500 to drive.
With a price tag comparable to a motorcycle or expensive handbag, it’s hard to imagine how this supermini EV came to be. These days most auto companies can be seen as Tesla competitors with the current trend towards EV manufacturing. But what many automakers struggle to achieve is making EVs affordable like Wuling Motors has done.
Last October, Tesla cut the starting price of a Model 3 sedan by 8% in China, making the purchasing price around $36,805. This price cut was likely due to cheaper battery usage, switching from a nickel-cobalt-manganese battery to a lithium iron phosphate one.
While the lower cost might seem attractive to Tesla fanatics, the electric powerhouse cannot beat out the Hong Guang Mini EV, the only EV to outsell the Tesla brand in one of the world’s largest countries.
Details about Mini EV
This tiny car is manufactured by SAIC Motor in venture with GM Motors to form Wuling Motors. Its appearance is mini-scale, but its efficiency and price is hard to beat. With available air conditioning for $500 more, Chinese drivers can transition to a greener footprint with this EV without the hefty price tag. Check out the details that comprise the Hong Guang Mini EV performance:
Battery: 9.2kWh battery
Range: 75 miles
Horsepower: 17.4
Top speed: 62mph
This electric vehicle comes equipped with four passenger seating (although not recommended for comfort) and a hatchback lift for accessible cargo storage.
While the Wuling EV will never be known as the most glamorous EV, it outdoes itself in price comparison. In one year of sales, it has gained momentum in China for being an efficient source of transportation for getting around town, to a university, or a family car. What it lacks in comfort or cargo space, it makes up for with efficiency and that is a big win for eco-buyers.
Take a closer look at the Hong Guang Mini EV below:
Free license plate? Count me in
Since its debut in 2020, the Mini EV has become a rapidly popular choice for consumers for multiple reasons. We have the price tag to thank for one, but also because the Chinese government offers an attractive incentive for drivers wanting to make the switch from gas-powered engines to fully electric vehicles.
The government provides a free license plate with every electric vehicle purchase. Therefore, every Hong Guang EV sold, drivers receive a license plate immediately, something that can take up to years for drivers of gas engines. Can you imagine?
This incentive not only saves significant time for Chinese residents, it also cuts down on the costs of getting behind the wheel. It’s highly probable this incentive will continue to drive sales in the future as the Hong Guang Mini EV evolves in an ever-growing automotive market.
An unlikely competitor
Will the Wuling Hong Guang EV bring the same hysteria behind owning a Model 3? Probably not. But this Mini EV is here to make a place for itself in the EV market, which many Chinese drivers have quickly taken notice of. While the price remains its main driving factor, it’s a nod to where EV manufacturing can go. Hopefully, in time, we will continue to see price cuts on Teslas and other electric vehicles so that green driving is a possibility for all.
Until then, it’s impressive to see what the Wuling EV has accomplished in one year, with a projected outlook of spreading to other South Asian countries in the future. And there is even more to look forward to. One of the biggest changes coming to the 2021 Mini EV is improved headlamps by switching to more powerful LED headlights and taillights. This will provide a safer and more aesthetically appealing look to this supermini. With great headlights, what’s not to love?
What is your reaction?
These look so small. Hopefully inside is bigger. I would love to be able to have something like this available here though
kind of just looks like an enclosed golf cart.