Can the Wuling Hongguang Mini undertake long-distance highway driving?
3 Answers
The Wuling Hongguang Mini can drive on highways as it is classified as a small car, whereas micro cars are not allowed on highways. Vehicles not allowed on highways: Pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are prohibited from entering highways. Tractors, wheeled special-purpose motor vehicles, articulated buses, full-trailer trucks, and other motor vehicles with a designed maximum speed below 70 km/h are not permitted on highways. Additionally, even if a motor vehicle not listed above has a designed maximum speed exceeding 70 km/h, if its actual driving speed does not reach 60 km/h, it is also not allowed to drive on highways. Highway precautions: Racing between vehicles on highways is strictly prohibited, and overloading is forbidden. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and pay attention to warning signs and road signs. If a vehicle breaks down on the highway, it must be parked in the emergency lane with hazard warning lights on, and a warning sign should be placed 150 meters behind the vehicle in the direction of oncoming traffic. If necessary, call for assistance.
Driving my Wuling Hongguang Mini for daily city commuting is super convenient—it's economical and compact, but it's completely unsuitable for long-distance highway trips. Last week, I tried driving to a scenic spot 150 kilometers away, and the battery warning light came on before I even reached 100 kilometers. On the highway, the faster you go, the quicker it drains the battery, and turning on the AC makes it even worse. The actual range is barely 120 kilometers. Charging is also a hassle—I found a slow-charging station at a service area and had to wait three hours, bored out of my mind. The car is small and lightweight, so it feels unstable when overtaking on the highway, and side winds make it wobble dangerously. A friend had warned me, but it really isn’t suited for long trips. Now, I only use it for commuting and grocery runs, relying on our family’s gas car for longer trips. Sure, it saves money, but it wastes time and energy, and you’re always worrying about the battery running low. My advice? Don’t take the risk—safety first.
I think the Hongguang MINI is a bit risky for long-distance highway driving. The car is too small and light, and it sways noticeably when encountering strong winds or passing large vehicles at high speeds, making it unstable to handle. With over ten years of driving experience, I once tried driving it to a neighboring city, and within less than 200 kilometers, the battery dropped by more than half. It took half an hour to find a charging station after exiting the highway, and the charging speed was painfully slow. Additionally, the car's weak body structure and prolonged high-speed driving lead to rapid tire wear. Friends who have used it also complained about the hassle of running out of battery mid-journey and needing a tow. It's perfect for city commuting—saving money, quiet, and eco-friendly—but on the highway, the risks are high. With short range and limited charging options, even the best plans can't keep up with unexpected changes. For safety, it's better to choose a gasoline or hybrid vehicle for long-distance trips.
