Can the Chery Ant EV Drive on Highways?

[VanAdam]

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.

[JosephMarie]

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.

[Gail]

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.

[OMaria]

From a policy perspective, the Chery Ant is permitted on highways. Chinese traffic regulations do not impose specific restrictions on electric vehicles; as long as the vehicle is properly registered and has a license plate, it can access highways. However, local regulations may vary. For instance, certain road sections require a minimum speed of 80 km/h, which the Ant barely meets but struggles to sustain consistently. Range is another consideration, as highway driving typically results in higher average energy consumption, making frequent charging stops time-consuming. It's advisable to check local government websites or apps for specific restrictions before traveling, such as traffic controls during holidays that may limit small vehicles. While generally compliant, the Ant is less practical for highway use compared to urban driving.

[EvaLee]

I've been driving the Chery Ant for two years now. Once, I stubbornly attempted to take the highway to send a friend to the airport, and it turned into a nightmare. As soon as the speed exceeded 70 km/h, the battery level on the dashboard visibly dropped. Before reaching halfway, I was already anxiously looking for a charging station, but there were too few charging piles and I had to queue. The entire trip, originally estimated to take one hour, dragged on to three hours. The car is small, noisy, and the wind noise was so loud it made my ears ring. The seats weren't that comfortable either, making me tired after driving for a long time. Since then, I've firmly decided not to take the highway. It's super convenient for running errands and commuting in the city, and a single charge easily lasts a whole day.

[StRichard]

Driving the Chery Ant on highways is not economically viable. The electricity consumption on highways is at least 30% higher than in urban areas, leading to a noticeable reduction in range. Additionally, the combined costs of charging and tolls exceed those of taking a bus or high-speed rail. Small cars experience faster wear and tear on highways, requiring more frequent maintenance for tires and brakes, which increases expenses. In the long run, it's more practical to utilize its lightweight and energy-efficient advantages in urban areas for short-distance commuting to save costs. For long-distance travel, carpooling or public transportation is recommended for greater efficiency.