A New Breed of Electric Workhorse
Imagine running a pop-up coffee shop, a mobile repair service, or just needing a rugged companion for weekend camping trips. Now, imagine your vehicle for all this is a brand-new EV that costs less than 7,000 USD. That’s not a dream. SGMW just made it a reality with the Wuling Zhiguang EV, a pure electric multi-purpose vehicle that’s set to redefine what a utility vehicle can be. With a starting price of just 47,800 yuan (around 6,590 USD), this isn’t just another EV, it’s a tool designed to empower small businesses and adventurers on a budget.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak power | 30 | kW | Equivalent to 40 hp |
| Peak torque | 85 | Nm | Instant electric torque for city driving |
| Range (CLTC) | 201 | km | Ideal for short-distance transport |
| Battery capacity | 17.7 | kWh | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry |
| DC Fast Charge (30-80%) | 35 | min | Supports up to 3.3 kW external discharge |
| AC Slow Charge (20-100%) | 5.5 | hours | Convenient for overnight charging |
| Curb weight | 892 | kg | Extremely lightweight for an EV |
| Cargo volume | 527 – 1117 | L | With co-pilot and rear seats folded flat |
| Starting price (local market) | 47,800 | CNY | Approximately 6,590 USD |
Purpose-Built for Work and Play
The Zhiguang EV isn’t trying to win any drag races with its 40 hp motor. It’s built for a different purpose. Its light curb weight of 892 kg means that power is more than enough for city deliveries and navigating tight urban streets. The top speed of 100 km/h is perfectly adequate for its role as a short-distance hauler. Wuling’s choice of a 17.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is a masterstroke in practicality. LFP batteries are known for their durability, long life, and safety, which are critical for a commercial vehicle that needs to be reliable day in and day out. While the 201 km CLTC range might not sound like much, it’s plenty for daily routes within a city.
The real genius of the Zhiguang EV is its “do-anything” attitude. The interior is a blank canvas. The co-pilot and rear seats fold completely flat, transforming the trunk from a respectable 527 liters into a massive 1117-liter cargo bay. Need to power a coffee machine or tools on-site? The 3.3 kW external discharge function turns the van into a mobile generator. Wuling even included 20 standard M6 threaded mounting holes across the vehicle and a 2-meter-long roof rack, inviting owners to customize it for their specific needs. It’s a thoughtful detail that speaks volumes about who this van is for.
A Masterclass in Value from SGMW
SGMW (SAIC-GM-Wuling) is a giant in the Chinese auto industry, known for producing incredibly popular and affordable vehicles. The company recently celebrated a major milestone, a testament to its production power. The Zhiguang EV is a perfect example of their strategy: identify a real-world need and build a no-nonsense, affordable solution. While a lot of attention goes to high-performance EVs, Wuling is cornering a different, yet massive, market segment. It’s a smart play in the competitive world of China’s EV exports.
The interior is basic, with a 4.2-inch instrument screen, a radio, and fabric seats. But it has the essentials, including safety features like ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution. It’s a reminder that not every car needs a giant touchscreen or luxury appointments. Sometimes, function and affordability are the most exciting features. This compact EV with its aggressive price, is proof that the electric revolution has room for practical workhorses, not just flashy performance cars. For small business owners and urban adventurers, the Wuling Zhiguang EV might just be the most important electric vehicle to launch this year.
