Can the Wuling Mini be driven on highways?
3 Answers
The Wuling Mini can be driven on highways. Taking the Hongguang Mini EV 2021 Macaron Fashion Edition as an example: it is a micro pure electric vehicle under SAIC-GM-Wuling, with a length, width, and height of 2920mm, 1493mm, and 1621mm respectively, and a wheelbase of 1940mm. The front suspension uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension employs a multi-link non-independent suspension. In terms of power, the Hongguang Mini EV 2021 Macaron Fashion Edition is equipped with a fixed gear ratio transmission, with a top speed of 100 km/h. The body structure is a 3-door, 4-seat hatchback, the battery type is a lithium-ion battery, the drive system is rear-wheel drive, and the body structure is a unibody design.
I personally think the Wuling MINI EV can run on highways, but it's not very suitable. Its maximum speed is only about 80 to 100 km/h, while highway speed limits are usually 120 km/h. Driving too slow would block other vehicles and could easily lead to accidents. The car is too small and light - it gets shaken badly by strong winds, and doesn't come with as many airbags as other car models. Plus, its tires are designed for urban roads, so they wear out too quickly at high speeds and generate excessive noise. I drove it once for a short distance on the highway, moving like a snail in traffic, which was extremely stressful. If you must take it on the highway, I'd suggest only using it for necessary short trips under 10 km, like going to the suburbs. Always stay in the right lane, turn on hazard lights, and constantly check the rearview mirror. It's great for grocery shopping and commuting, but for highways, you're better off renting a sturdier car. Safety first - don't take unnecessary risks.
From my perspective, the Wuling MINI EV is fully legal for highway use as Chinese traffic regulations permit electric vehicles to operate, provided speed limits are observed. However, battery range is a key consideration – high-speed driving significantly increases energy consumption. While it may cover 150 km in urban areas, highway range could drop to just 100 km, necessitating careful charging station planning to avoid inconvenient towing due to power depletion. The lightweight structure and high wind resistance compromise handling; I've experienced noticeable drifting during highway cornering. Additionally, certain routes impose speed restrictions for compact EVs, so avoid peak traffic hours and maintain steady speeds without sudden acceleration. While suitable for short highway trips like airport pickups, it's impractical for long-distance travel due to time inefficiency and excessive energy consumption.
