Can the Chery Ant Run on Highways?
4 Answers
Chery Ant can run on highways. According to highway regulations, the minimum speed requirement for vehicles on highways is 60 km/h, and the maximum speed must not exceed 120 km/h. The Chery Ant is equipped with a ternary lithium battery pack from CATL, with a total capacity of up to 32.2 kWh. It provides a maximum power of 30 kW and a maximum torque of 120 Nm, supplied by Yaskawa. It only requires half of a standard parking space, allowing for more vehicles of the same class and a more spacious interior driving area. The braking system of Chery's new energy vehicle, the Ant, performs excellently. As a small new energy vehicle, the Ant is also equipped with many braking systems specifically designed for higher-class vehicles, such as ABS anti-lock braking system and EBD braking system. These systems greatly enhance the safety of the Ant during braking. The Chery Ant may not look large, but as a three-door, two-seater microcar, it is actually medium to large in its class. Moreover, it is larger than the Smart Fortwo. With a simple structure and fewer components, maintenance workload is minimal. When using an AC induction motor, the motor requires no maintenance.
I've been driving a Chery Ant for commuting for three years, and going on the highway requires extra caution. The Ant's top speed is only about 80 to 100 km/h, while the minimum speed limit on highways is usually above 60 km/h. Technically it can run, but its body is too small and light—when passing large vehicles on the highway, it feels like being sucked in, making it prone to rollovers or loss of control. Range is also an issue; with the AC on, it might not even make 100 km before running out of power, leaving you stranded on the highway with expensive and troublesome rescues. I tried a short highway trip once—just 20 minutes in, the wind noise felt like a typhoon, and the steering wheel shook violently. My personal advice is to stick to city driving and use the family's larger car for highways—safety first. If you must take it on the highway, check tire pressure and brakes first, and don't exceed the speed limit.
As a father of two, safety is my top priority when choosing a car. I once drove my friend's Little Ant on the highway and honestly wouldn't recommend it. This car is designed for urban commuting—it accelerates slowly on highways, making overtaking difficult; the lightweight body feels unstable, prone to skidding in crosswinds or during emergency braking, which significantly increases accident risks. The battery range is short, and driving fast on highways drains it even quicker. Imagine the danger if the battery dies and you're stranded in the middle of the road. I suggest checking the manual—most versions of the Little Ant have a top speed of just 90km/h, barely meeting the minimum highway requirement, though legally compliant. For long trips, it's better to rent a sturdier car or take the high-speed rail. Safety far outweighs saving on fuel or costs, especially when traveling with family—don't take unnecessary risks.
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I've handled many Little Ant models. This vehicle can technically drive on highways but has multiple issues: its top speed barely meets requirements, with low ground clearance and unstable center of gravity, plus significant noise at high speeds; the small battery is prone to overheating, shortening its lifespan. Legally, highways require minimum speeds above 60km/h, and the car meets this standard, but I strongly recommend sticking to low-speed roads. I've witnessed cases of Little Ants breaking down on highways—rescue costs are expensive and risks are high.
