Discover the Wuling Mini EV, China’s number one electric vehicle in 2021

The best-selling electric car in China in 2021 is the opposite of the Tesla Model Y, which is the second best-seller far behind.

The site EV-volumes.com compiled last week the sales figures of electric vehicles in China for the year 2021. It confirmed what has been brewing for several months: the best-selling electric vehicle of the Chinese year is the opposite of the Tesla Model Y, which is the top seller worldwide.

The number one rechargeable car sales in China in 2021 is indeed the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. The Chinese brand sold just over 420,000 units, making it the second-best sale across all energy types. This tiny city car hugely outperforms the 2nd and 3rd best-sellers, the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3, which were sold in respective quantities of 170,000 and 150,000 units.

17% of Electric Vehicles in China in 2021

The Chinese rechargeable car market more than doubled in 2021, going from 1.27 million units in 2020 to 3.22 million in 2021. This accounts for nearly half of global sales. In December 2021, the 502,000 rechargeable cars represented 21% of total energy-type sales, and 100% electric vehicles (i.e., plug-in hybrids deducted) accounted for 17%.

The American company Tesla is the third manufacturer in the Chinese rechargeable car market, behind Chinese groups SAIC (including Wuling) and BYD.

What is the Wuling Mini EV

Like the French who chose the Dacia Spring in November 2021, the Chinese also opted for a low-cost vehicle. Born from a joint venture between Chinese SAIC and American General Motors, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV in some ways resembles the Citroën Ami and the Dacia Spring.

It is a rugged city car priced from 28,800 yuan, the equivalent of only 4,000 euros, offering 4 seats within the dimensions of a Smart Fortwo. It measures 2.92 meters in length, 1.49 meters in width, and 1.62 meters in height, with 12-inch wheels (tires 145/70R12).

Its small 13 kW/18 hp (20 kW/27 hp at peak) motor and 85 Nm torque propel it to a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Two lithium-ion battery capacities are available: 9.3 or 13.9 kWh, providing 120 or 170 km of range, with charging times of 6.5 or 9 hours on a standard 220 V domestic socket.

European Expansion at a Standstill

The Wuling Mini EV sticks to the essentials to meet the needs of the majority of city dwellers at the lowest possible price. This approach resonates in France and Europe, as evidenced by the growing success of Dacia.

The SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture is attempting to make its mark in Europe. It partnered with Dartz, a Latvian manufacturer of armored vehicles, which has been selling it in Latvia since March 2021. After some improvements in lighting and safety, it costs 10,000 euros, 7,500 euros less than a Dacia Spring (before ecological bonus deduction).

Unfortunately, we have not heard any updates regarding Wuling’s European expansion since then.

Also read: Dacia’s success in 2021: how low-cost became dominant