What is the maximum wading depth of the Little Ant?
3 Answers
According to official information, the maximum wading depth of the Little Ant is 13.5 cm. It commonly features 175/60R15 tires, has a body length of 3200mm, uses a fixed gear ratio transmission, and is a 3-door, 4-seat hatchback. The maximum wading depth refers to the deepest water a car can safely pass through. Generally, the maximum wading depth for sedans does not exceed 30 cm, while SUVs have a higher wading depth, though it's best not to exceed 50 cm. Among common models, the GAC Trumpchi GS8 has a maximum wading depth of 30 cm, the Audi A4 has 32 cm, the Volkswagen Sagitar has 30 cm, the Land Rover Range Rover has 90 cm, the Jeep Compass has 48 cm, and the Highlander has 45 cm. SUVs clearly surpass sedans in maximum wading depth. Generally, when driving through water, car owners should take different measures depending on the water depth and the car's specifications, as detailed below: If the water reaches the exhaust pipe height, it is relatively safe. Even if water enters the exhaust pipe, the pressure inside is sufficient to expel it. As long as the engine is not turned off in the water, water will not flow back into the car. If the water reaches the door frame height, it becomes more dangerous. The vehicle's circuits, electronic components, and sensors are mostly located at the bottom, which could lead to circuit disconnection, damaging critical electrical components and preventing the car from starting. If the water reaches the air intake height, it is extremely hazardous. Driving directly into such conditions could cause the engine to stall immediately, leading to permanent damage or rendering the engine unusable.
I've driven the Chery Ant electric vehicle, and the official maximum wading depth is about 300 millimeters, roughly 30 centimeters. As an owner, I'd say this depth is sufficient for everyday rain puddles, making it basically risk-free when passing through small waterlogged paths. However, the key is not to be too reckless—drive slowly and steadily when wading, avoiding sudden acceleration or braking to prevent water from splashing onto the battery or motor system. I usually check the tire height; if the water level exceeds half the wheel, I won't force my way through. After wading, it's best to wash the undercarriage to prevent rust or debris clogging. These small tips have saved me repair costs, and I feel this car performs quite steadily on wet roads.
As an automotive enthusiast, I find the Ant's wading capability to be well-designed with a claimed depth of 300mm. This is largely attributed to its sealed battery pack and ground clearance, plus the absence of an exhaust system in EVs eliminates a major hassle. Maintaining steady speed is crucial during water fording to prevent sensor disturbance from water waves. While EVs aren't susceptible to exhaust flooding, water ingress may cause short circuits - I recommend reviewing the safety manual beforehand. In practice, crossing water exceeding half-wheel height becomes hazardous; never risk it to save time. Occasional wading is fine, but don't make it routine - it's ultimately an urban commuter vehicle.
