Can the Chery Ant EV Drive on Highways?
3 Answers
Chery Ant EV can drive on highways. The Ant is Chery's EQ1 model, a micro pure electric vehicle featuring a two-door single-motor configuration with a rear-mounted electric motor and lithium-ion battery. Taking the 2021 Ant Tide Edition as an example, its dimensions are: length 3200mm, width 1670mm, height 1550mm, with a wheelbase of 2150mm. The 2021 Ant Tide Edition delivers a maximum horsepower of 41hp, peak power of 30kW, and maximum torque of 120Nm. It employs MacPherson independent suspension and is paired with a single-speed electric vehicle transmission.
The Chery Ant, as an electric vehicle, can theoretically drive on highways as long as its speed meets the minimum requirement, usually above 80km/h. However, extra caution is needed in practice. From my experience, the Ant's top speed only reaches around 100km/h, and on highways, the high wind resistance leads to rapid battery depletion. While it offers a range of 150km in the city, this can drop to about 70-80km on highways. The main issue is its small battery capacity; without charging stations on the highway, it's easy to get stranded. Last time I drove to a neighboring city, I almost ran out of battery and had to pull over, making an emergency call for help, which was a hassle. If you must take it on the highway, I recommend planning charging stops in advance, carrying a backup power pack, or avoiding peak hours. But overall, driving it in the city is safer and more worry-free.
I am particularly concerned about the safety hazards of driving small electric vehicles on highways. The Ant, being lightweight and compact, sways significantly in strong winds. On highways with fast and dense traffic, unstable control during lane changes or overtaking can easily lead to accidents. Additionally, battery overheating at high speeds and under high temperatures increases risks, making collisions potentially more dangerous in the event of an accident. Although regulations do not prohibit electric vehicles from driving on highways, their design is more suited for urban environments—slower speeds and shorter distances are more appropriate. For highway driving, it is advisable to use larger vehicle models for greater safety. Also, do not overlook daily maintenance such as checking tire pressure and brakes to ensure safety comes first.
