Why doesn't the Hongguang mini charge without a ground wire?

[McLeonardo]

Hongguang mini cannot charge without a ground wire. The Hongguang mini is a micro version of a pure electric vehicle with the battery located under the chassis and equipped with various safety technologies. The vehicle uses a standard 220V three-pin power supply with a household ground wire for charging, with a charging power of less than 2kW and charging times of approximately 6 hours and 9 hours. Taking the Hongguang mini EV 2021 Macaron Fashion Edition as an example: its body structure is a 3-door, 4-seat hatchback, with body dimensions of 2920mm in length, 1493mm in width, and 1621mm in height, a wheelbase of 1940mm, and a suspension system that combines MacPherson independent suspension and multi-link non-independent suspension.

[SamanthaLee]

It's quite common for my friend's Hongguang MINI to encounter charging issues, and I've experienced similar situations with my own electric car. The main problem lies in the ground wire, which acts like a safety guard: during charging, it ensures the current flows smoothly and prevents electric shock risks. If your home socket doesn't have a ground wire, the charger will detect this and automatically lock the charging function, so the car naturally won't charge. Many people think the charging pile is broken or there's a problem with the car, but the first thing to check is the socket's grounding. A simple method is to use a ground test pen or temporarily connect a metal pipe into the soil as a makeshift ground wire. It's recommended to hire an electrician to install a proper ground wire—it's hassle-free and safe. After all, improper handling of EV charging can pose risks, so don't cut corners for convenience.

[OIris]

Speaking of the issue with the Hongguang MINI failing to charge due to no ground wire, I can relate. The same thing happened when I was charging it back in my hometown. Later, I figured it out: the electric vehicle charging system must be grounded; otherwise, the internal safety device will directly cut off the power to prevent electric leakage from harming people or damaging the car. The possible reasons aren't just socket issues but also include aging charging cables or misjudgment by the onboard module. You can try switching to another socket, preferably one in the kitchen or balcony with a ground wire, or use a mobile socket with a temporary ground rod as a quick fix. If that still doesn't work, take it to a 4S shop for inspection—their professional tools can diagnose the issue immediately. Don't force charging and risk trouble; safety always comes first. Nowadays, adding a ground wire in residential areas doesn't cost much and is a permanent solution.

[EvaFitz]

I often help friends deal with such electric vehicle malfunctions. The Wuling MINI's charging unresponsiveness is usually related to a missing ground wire, which triggers the charger's automatic protection mechanism to cut off the power. Suggested steps: First, check if the socket has any signs of a ground wire or have an electrician measure it; if not, a temporary solution is to find a public charging point with a ground wire or try a different socket location. If it still doesn't work, the charger itself might be faulty, so contact the manufacturer for a replacement. Remember, don't overlook safety—grounding is crucial. In daily use, securing a metal rod with grounding pliers can serve as an emergency measure.

[DeAyla]

Yesterday my neighbor asked me why their Hongguang MINI wouldn’t start while charging, and sure enough, it was due to no grounding. Simply put, this is a safety design feature: without grounding, there’s a high risk of uncontrolled charging current, so the vehicle’s built-in protector refuses to charge. The solution is straightforward—try another outlet, like an outdoor one with grounding, or temporarily use a grounding adapter. For the long term, installing a proper grounding system is best to avoid constant charging anxiety. Related checks include ensuring the charging cable connectors aren’t loose, as occasional voltage fluctuations can also trigger a lockout, but grounding is the fundamental issue.