The Hongguang Mini EV from Wuling costs just one-third of the price of Australia’s cheapest EV.
While Australia’s most popular vehicle type has been a four-wheel drive ute for the past decade, things couldn’t be more different in the world’s largest new car market.
Of course, the market I am talking about is China. There were 31.4 million vehicles sold in China in 2024, which makes it around 30 times larger than the Australian market.
And so far in 2025, it’s one of the smallest and cheapest cars on sale in China, that is proving the most popular.
Meet the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, which racked up 31,222 sales in February 2025 alone, according to CarNewsChina.
While the cutesy appearance would no doubt be a big part of the appeal, the other part is the pricing of the Mini EV.
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In its cheapest form, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is priced from as little as ¥CN35,800, which equates to around $AU7800.
For reference, the cheapest electric car currently on sale in Australia is the BYD Dolphin Essential at $29,990 plus on-road costs. It’s not a fair comparison, however, because the BYD Dolphin is larger, more powerful, significantly better equipped and has a much longer driving range.
At that bargain price, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV has a 9.3kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery and a claimed driving range of 120 kilometres.
The rear-mounted single electric motor produces only 20kW and 85Nm, and is claimed to give the 685kg Mini EV a top speed of 100km/h. A 0-100km/h time is not proffered by the car maker.
Buyers can consider going for the top-spec Mini EV with a larger 17.3kWh battery, larger motor capable of outputting 30kW/92Nm, and a 215km claimed driving range. The asking price for this model increases to ¥CN46,800 or $AU10,241.
The broader Wuling Hongguang range also includes a convertible model, as well as a retro-style Classic Model with up to 300 kilometres of driving range.
There is also a four-door Mini EV with a longer wheelbase, which also gets a new-generation ‘Magic’ battery with 16.2kWh and a claimed driving range of 205km.
While there are no current plans to introduce the Wuling brand to Australia, the car maker does produce a variety of right-hand drive models. It currently has a presence in the right-hand drive Indonesian market, with 11 models offered.
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