- It’s priced from $9,850
- It only goes 124 miles on a charge
- It weighs 2,800 pounds and has only 101 horsepower
China is known for its much lower car prices compared to any other part of the world, but the Wuling Hong Guang EV MPV is cheap even by Chinese standards. It’s priced from 69,800, which is equivalent to about $9,850, and for the money you get a fully-featured C-segment EV that’s slightly longer and taller than a Mercedes B-Class.
The Hong Guang MPV EV is built by the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, and it can be ordered with either two or three rows of seats with seating for five or six people, respectively. It might look a bit tall and ungainly, but the manufacturer assures potential buyers that it has “excellent stability at high speeds and during lane changes.”
It’s not fancy—it doesn’t even have hubcaps to cover its black-painted steel wheels—but it is practical and designed to carry either people or cargo. In the official photos, it is shown with its trunk either fully loaded or about to be fully loaded, alluding to the life it’s expected to lead.
Gallery: Wuling Hong Guang EV MPV
The vehicle weighs just over 2,800 pounds unladen, and it has a maximum load volume of 98.9 cubic feet.
It features a single electric motor that provides 101 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque to the rear axle. Power is stored in a 32.6-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a claimed CLTC range of 186 miles (300 km). That will translate into a real-world range of about 124 miles (200 km), and when the time comes to replenish the battery, a 30 to 80% DC fast charge will take 30 minutes.
Wuling, better known for its cutesy mini EVs, says that the Hong Guang MPV EV will be very cheap to run, costing just $0.009 per kilometer or $0.014 per mile. The manufacturer estimates that drivers can expect to save some 21,500 yuan (just over $3,000) annually if they drive 26,000 miles (42,000 km) compared to a combustion-powered van.
It’s important to note that this vehicle most likely doesn’t meet the safety requirements for sale in Europe or the United States. The manufacturer says it comes with antilock brakes as standard, but not much else—the airbag for the driver is optional and the only one you can specify, while the two rear rows of seats don’t even come with headrests.
China has been making waves in the electric vehicle market in recent years, and the latest innovation to come out of the country is an electric minivan priced at less than $10,000. This development is sure to shake up the global automotive industry, as it offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation option for consumers around the world.
The minivan, manufactured by Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors, boasts a range of features that make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and businesses. With a starting price of just $9,500, the minivan is significantly cheaper than other electric vehicles on the market, making it an accessible option for a wide range of consumers.
In addition to its affordability, the electric minivan offers impressive performance and features. It has a top speed of 40 mph and can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge, making it practical for daily commuting and short trips. The minivan also comes equipped with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience for passengers.
The introduction of this affordable electric minivan from China is a significant step forward in the transition to sustainable transportation. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and rising fuel costs, the demand for electric vehicles is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. By offering a low-cost option that is accessible to a wide range of consumers, Great Wall Motors is helping to accelerate this transition and make electric vehicles more mainstream.
The rise of electric vehicles is not only good for the environment, but also for the economy. As the demand for electric vehicles increases, it will stimulate innovation and investment in the electric vehicle industry, creating jobs and driving economic growth. This electric minivan from China is just the beginning of what is sure to be a revolution in the automotive industry.
As consumers around the world become more environmentally conscious and cost-sensitive, the demand for affordable electric vehicles is only going to increase. The introduction of this electric minivan from China is a game-changer in the industry, offering a practical and affordable transportation option for consumers who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs.
In conclusion, the electric minivan from China priced at less than $10,000 is a significant development in the automotive industry. With its affordable price point, impressive performance, and environmental benefits, this minivan is sure to appeal to a wide range of consumers. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, innovations like this will play a key role in shaping the future of transportation.