Can the Wuling Hongguang Mini be driven on highways?
3 Answers
The Wuling Hongguang Mini can be driven on highways. Motor vehicles with a design speed exceeding 70km/h are permitted to enter highways. In practice, various provinces have established additional regulations and measures based on the actual conditions of their highways. For example, some provinces allow motorcycles on highways, while others do not. Precautions for highway driving: Pre-drive preparation and inspection: Before setting off, thoroughly inspect the vehicle, including: windshield washer fluid and wipers, proper functioning of lights, normal engine oil levels, sufficient antifreeze, tire condition, availability of warning signs and reflective vests. Additionally, fill up the fuel tank before departure and prepare functional drinks, food, and water. Avoid driving at night whenever possible: For first-time highway drivers, daytime driving can already be quite stressful; driving at night can be even more overwhelming for novice drivers. Moreover, there are typically more large trucks on highways at night compared to daytime. If driving skills are not yet proficient, it's best to avoid nighttime driving as the risk of danger increases significantly. Control your speed: Highways differ from urban roads in that they have not only maximum speed limits but also minimum speed limits. Generally, highway speed limits range between 60-120km/h. As a novice driver, try not to exceed 100km/h, but never go below 60km/h. Avoid occupying the leftmost lane for extended periods, as it is typically designated for high-speed or overtaking.
I've been driving my Wuling Hongguang MINI to and from work, including on highways, with no issues at all. Chinese traffic regulations allow electric vehicles on highways as long as the speed is not less than 60 km/h. I've driven to neighboring cities a few times, maintaining a speed of around 80 km/h. Although the car is small, it's quite stable, but the wind resistance on the highway is noticeable, reducing the range by about 20%. In the city, it can go up to 170 km, but on the highway, it drops to 150 km. Remember to check charging stations in advance, as queues at charging piles can be very long during weekend peak hours. For safety, check the tire pressure, drive slower in the rain, and maintain a safe distance from larger vehicles, as the small car can sway due to their airflow.
As a novice driver, I'm always concerned about the safety of driving the Wuling Hongguang MINI on the highway, but it's legally permissible as long as the maximum speed exceeds 100 km/h, which meets the standard. Actually, it's not a big issue, the key is to ensure the speed doesn't drop below 60 km/h to avoid fines and potential dangers. Small cars tend to have poorer stability on highways, especially on windy days or when crossing bridges, where the body can feel a bit floaty. I recommend ensuring the ABS system is properly installed and regularly checking the brakes. Regarding range, driving at high speeds consumes battery quickly, with about 150 km remaining on a full charge, so it's essential to plan for charging stops along the way. Opting for shorter trips is advisable to prevent fatigue driving. Safety comes first, so keeping an emergency toolkit in the car is a wise precaution.
