At $4,950, the newest Wuling Hongguang Mini EV costs about what some people spend on a used car. That is the starting price for the micro hatchback, which SAIC-GM-Wuling builds in China.
Retail deliveries began in China in July 2020. By February 2023, global sales since launch had passed 1.1 million units, and the Mini EV had become the best-selling electric car in China.
What the latest version offers
The fifth generation was unveiled in February 2026. Its 9.3 kWh battery gives about 120 km (75 miles) of range under CLTC testing, and a 27 hp motor drives the rear wheels. Top speed is 100 km/h. Getting to that speed from a standstill takes about 31 seconds.
Charging happens through a standard household outlet. Going from 20 percent to full takes around 6.5 hours, so overnight is the natural routine.
The car is small and light. It weighs roughly 665 kilograms (1,466 pounds), measures about 119.8 inches long, and turns in a circle of around 4.2 meters, which helps in tight parking spots. The cabin has a seven-inch digital instrument display, and higher trims add an eight-inch touchscreen. Folding the rear seats opens up about 741 liters of cargo space. Safety equipment includes a ring-shaped high-strength steel structure, a driver airbag and a rear view camera.
Where it falls short
Range is short compared with larger EVs, the base trim has basic infotainment, and there is little in the way of advanced driver assistance. Fast highway driving is out of the question at that top speed.
Sales are centered on China. The US and UK have no official mainstream dealer network for road-legal purchases, and buyers in Germany typically go through a specialist importer.
