Can the Hongguang Mini have additional batteries installed?
4 Answers
It is not advisable to install additional batteries on the Wuling Hongguang Mini to extend its range without authorization, as the reliability of such modifications cannot be guaranteed and may affect driving safety. Charging methods for the Hongguang Mini: To date, there are only two charging methods for electric vehicles: fast charging and slow charging. Fast charging and slow charging are relative concepts. Generally, fast charging refers to high-power DC charging, and most new energy vehicles that support fast charging can reach 80% capacity in about half an hour. Slow charging, on the other hand, involves AC charging and typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. Charging precautions: Allowing the battery to drop too low can easily lead to a power deficit in the traction battery. Prolonged power deficits can severely damage the traction battery. When using an electric vehicle, it is best to follow the principle of shallow charging and discharging, and to charge frequently.
As someone who frequently tinkers with electric vehicles, I think this matter requires serious caution. The factory-installed battery in the Hongguang Mini is a well-matched system. Forcing an additional battery is akin to performing a heart bypass surgery—if not done properly, it could lead to short circuits and fires. Last year, my neighbor had an aftermarket battery installed by a third party, and it kept throwing error codes every few days. Eventually, the battery swelled up and nearly burned out the controller. If you're really determined to modify it, you must go to a professional shop to dismantle the center console and rewire the system. Just the material costs can run up to nearly 10,000 yuan, and there's no guarantee of compatibility with the original vehicle system. Actually, the manufacturer offers an extended-range upgrade version—it's much more hassle-free to just swap the car. After all, if an accident occurs due to electric vehicle modifications, insurance won't cover it.
As a seasoned EV driver with three years of experience, I believe this car is not suitable for additional batteries. The Wuling Mini's chassis space is inherently limited, and forcibly adding batteries would affect the center of gravity, making it prone to tipping when cornering. I've seen cases where people installed lithium iron phosphate batteries in the trunk, causing the rear suspension to be overloaded for extended periods, resulting in the shock absorbers failing within six months. Although there are third-party range-extender battery packs available now, the controllers tend to overheat, and there have been instances of overcharge protection failure during charging. The safest approach is to wait for the official upgrade solution, as unauthorized modifications will void the vehicle's warranty.
From an automotive engineer's perspective, any EV battery pack is like a precision LEGO model. The Wuling Mini's BMS system can only recognize OEM-matched battery packs—adding external batteries causes voltage/current detection inaccuracies. Last year's lab tests showed connecting a third battery in parallel overloaded and damaged the DC-DC converter, with repair costs reaching half the car's price. For genuine range extension, switching to low-rolling-resistance tires is far safer than modifications, adding 15km risk-free.
