Have you seen the Wuling Mini EV on local streets?
The Wuling Mini EV is a little lunch box on wheels
The local internet is abuzz with this little EV and we have actually been getting inquiries about it. Say Hello to the Wuling Mini EV.
The Wuling Mini EV is not new in the global car market. It’s been out for a little over a year already. Wuling leaked the little guy in September of 2021. YouTuber Wheelsboy was one of the first to vlog about it and lately, local car modification expert Atoy of Atoy Customs has also vlogged about it too. We noticed several small differences as the unit Atoy featured may be the latest one released in February of this year.
Known in China as the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, the vehicle comes in four battery variants with a special fifth model. The base variant will have a 9.3 kWh battery and will use LFP technology while the other base unit will feature a Li-NMC (ternary) battery with the same power and range. Without being too technical, the difference is just how the batteries are made and their raw materials used.
The next two variants are the 170-km models. These will offer a bigger battery, one featuring LFP and the other a Li-NMC again, and will both be at 13.9 and 13.8 kWh respectively. There is also a fifth variant, the long-range version of the Mini EV which will rock a 26.5 kWh battery and has a max range of 280 kilometers.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels with a normal, Eco, and Sport mode. The EV will have disk brakes up front and drum brakes at the rear. For suspension, the vehicle will have front McPherson independents and a rear three-link-non-independent system. Other features will include ABS with EBD, automatic collision unlock, driving auto lock, 3-point seatbelts, rear ISOFIX for child safety seats, low-speed pedestrian warning, and tire pressure monitoring. The little car will have a 145/70r12 wheel and tire combo.
The exterior of the Mini EV has stayed the same. It features a simple and boxy form. It has a length of 2917 mm, width of 1621 mm, height of 1493, and a wheelbase of 1940 milliliters. The curb weight is 705 kilograms. Headlights and taillights are halogen while turn signals are LED. There are also front and rear fog lamps, a third brake light, and an antenna. The charging port can be found behind the front logo in the grille. There is a cabriolet version if you want the wind blowing through your hair.
To say that the interior is bare is fair. Creature comforts are held to a minimum and you get a lot of plastic all around. A single-color LCD (not LED) screen will serve as your gauge cluster while the only infotainment will be a straightforward digital radio. There is a single USB port that can be used with the car’s system. It has color accents in the cabin that follow the exterior’s hue. The car will have 4-way manual adjusted fabric seats with the rear foldable for more trunk space. You also will get a knob-type electronic shifter in the middle.
Other features will include, Remote Key, Central Lock, Electric Power Steering (EPS), Ramp Assist, Electric Power Windows, Heater / AC, and rear parking sensors. There is also a downloadable app for car-machine integration. You can also control certain functions like intelligent power supply, remote control vehicle speed, and more via the app.
A “Gameboy” variant is set to appear as well with a different exterior design and a bigger electric motor.
The one currently for sale here in our local market by importers is the 170-km model with a 13.9 battery capacity. It’s being sold for 680,000 PHP through the importer's FB page. You will also get a portable charging gun, triangle warning sign, tow hook, and reflective vest when purchasing a local unit.
A recent post indicated that all stocks have been sold but more are coming next month. For its price and its size, it presents a terrific proposition for motorists who are hurting from high fuel prices. Do note that these are 'grey' units that come without the support of Wuling's official distribution system and dealership network. It remains to be seen how the warranty and repairs will be handled when the need arises.
