Can the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV drive on highways?
3 Answers
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV can be driven on highways. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is a legally registered vehicle, and driving it on highways fully complies with legal regulations. However, it is important to pay attention to the minimum speed limit on highways and ensure that the vehicle meets the required minimum speed. Additionally, monitor the battery level of the vehicle. As long as the EV's speed is not lower than 60 km/h, has a legally registered license plate, and the driver has held a valid driver's license for more than one year, they can independently drive on highways. However, it is crucial to note that the EV's range is relatively short, and charging stations on highways are not yet well-developed. Therefore, it is essential to calculate the range carefully before driving on highways. Before entering the highway, check the tire pressure: Prior to driving on highways, always inspect the tire pressure and check for any surface damage on the tires. Maintain a safe distance on highways: When driving on highways, ensure a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle ahead. As the speed increases, the distance from the leading vehicle should also increase. If driving at night on highways, you can use high beams because highways have median barriers, so using high beams will not affect the vision of oncoming drivers. However, if you are too close to the vehicle ahead, it is advisable to turn off the high beams to avoid impairing the leading driver's visibility.
My experience sharing about the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV on highways: Legally, it's allowed on highways as long as it has proper license plates and safety certifications. However, this small car has a top speed of around 100 km/h, while the minimum speed limit on highways is 60-70 km/h. Theoretically, it can run, but in actual driving, the acceleration is too slow, taking more than 10 seconds from zero, making overtaking or merging into lanes prone to hesitation. The official range is 170 km, but on highways, the wind resistance is high, and using the air conditioning drains the battery quickly, so in reality, it starts warning at less than 100 km. Charging is inconvenient, with few fast-charging stations at highway rest areas, and it's hard to get help in case of a power outage. I tried taking my MINI EV on the highway once—it felt light and unstable, swaying with side winds, and the brakes were unreliable, making it feel quite dangerous. I recommend using it only in the city; for long trips, choose a gasoline car or an electric vehicle with a longer range for safety and peace of mind. During regular maintenance, technicians also warned that highway use wears out the motor and battery, making it not worth the trouble.
From a long-time driver's perspective on whether the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV can handle highways: the key is whether its performance matches. This car is small and lightweight, making it unstable at high speeds, especially when encountering road undulations or when large vehicles pass by, causing significant shaking. Its top speed of 100km/h barely meets legal requirements, but it struggles at the minimum speed limit. Poor acceleration performance increases risks when merging lanes. Range is also a serious issue; while it's rated for 170km, actual highway driving with high wind resistance reduces it to just 80-100km. Charging infrastructure is insufficient, with long distances between service areas on long trips, making it troublesome if you run out of power midway. Safety-wise, the low center of gravity and weak braking system make sudden stops prone to accidents. Maintenance also increases wear and tear. As an owner, I strongly advise against taking it on highways; it's perfect for short city commutes, offering convenience and cost savings.
