Can the Wuling Hongguang Mini Run on Long-Distance Highways?
4 Answers
The Wuling Hongguang Mini can be driven on highways as it is classified as a small car, unlike micro cars which are not allowed on highways. More relevant details are as follows: Introduction: The Wuling Hongguang Mini measures 2917mm in length, 1493mm in width, and 1621mm in height, with a wheelbase of 1940mm, a minimum ground clearance of 125mm, and a trunk capacity of 740mm. Configuration: The Wuling Hongguang Mini has a maximum power output of 20 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 85 Newton meters. It is equipped with a fixed gear ratio transmission and has a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour. The car features rear-wheel drive, with a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear three-link non-independent suspension. The tire specification is 145/70R12.
I've driven the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV on the highway, and it feels quite challenging. The car has a range of about 170 kilometers, but on the highway, the wind resistance is high, and with the air conditioning on or two people in the car, the range drops to just over 100 kilometers, requiring frequent charging. Public charging stations are sparsely distributed in highway service areas, and if you end up in a long queue, you could waste an hour, ruining your trip. The top speed is only around 100 km/h, while the highway speed limit is 120 km/h, so you often become a roadblock and get overtaken. I once tried a 200-kilometer trip and had to charge twice, adding an extra two hours. The car is lightweight and feels unstable in windy conditions, which can be scary. For long trips, you really need to plan charging stops carefully, ensuring you can charge within every 150 kilometers. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're just going on short suburban trips.
Last year, I took my Hongguang Mini for a spin on the highway, and the experience was downright awful. While it's cost-effective and quiet for city commuting, the moment it hits the highway, the range plummets, and the red warning light comes on before even reaching 100 kilometers. I had to wait in line for half an hour at a service station charging pile, only to charge it up to 80% before hitting the road again. The car is pitifully small, with a constant buzzing wind noise on the highway, and the body shakes unsteadily, making my heart race while driving. I planned to cover 500 kilometers in two days, but it ended up taking three. The battery ages faster at high speeds, and after a few trips, the range became even worse. Now, I absolutely refuse to use it for long-distance travel—it's perfect for city commuting. Don't even think about a hassle-free highway trip.
Highway driving poses significant risks. The Hongguang Mini is designed as an urban commuter vehicle, with a top speed barely exceeding 100km/h, making it easily lost in highway traffic and increasing danger. Its short range is problematic—running out of battery mid-highway is even worse. From owner feedback, I've observed that its lightweight body sways uncontrollably in strong winds. Stability is insufficient during emergency braking or sharp turns on highways, leading to skidding. Coupled with inadequate charging infrastructure, travel anxiety is high. It's not suitable for long-distance journeys.
