Get ready to meet the new king of affordable utility vehicles. GM’s Chinese joint venture, SGMW, just rolled out the Wuling Hongguang EREV, a game changer that is now the cheapest range-extended minivan available in China. With a starting price of just 68,800 yuan (about $9,400 USD), this practical hauler also offers an impressive 1,000 km of mixed range. Sure, luxury brands like Li Auto and Aito have traditionally dominated the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) space, but Wuling is crashing that party with a mass-market offering designed for everyday folks.
Design and Dimensions
The Hongguang EREV sports a modern, practical aesthetic that mirrors its purely electric sibling. You’ll notice a smooth, slightly slanted bonnet line, oval headlights, and a trapezoidal air intake giving it a friendly face. Around the back, it keeps it simple with two vertically aligned taillights and a subtle spoiler. A distinctive frameless grille sets this EREV apart from the crowd. It’s not trying to be flashy, it’s just aiming to get the job done efficiently and affordably.
Practicality is the name of the game here. The Hongguang EREV measures 4515mm in length, 1725mm in width, and 1790mm in height, with a generous 2850mm wheelbase. This means plenty of interior space. Speaking of space, you can get this minivan in either a five-seat or a seven-seat configuration, making it versatile for families or businesses needing to move people or cargo. Its aerodynamic design isn’t just for looks. The van boasts a drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd, which is about 15% better than its gasoline-powered counterparts. That helps squeeze every last kilometer out of its range.
Interior Comfort and Tech
Step inside the entry-level Wuling Hongguang EREV and you will find a cabin that prioritizes function over frills. It’s straightforward, without a central touchscreen or even a driver’s airbag in the base model. However, if you step up to the higher trims, you will be greeted with more creature comforts. These include an 8-inch touchscreen, dual airbags for extra safety, a rear-view camera to make parking a breeze, rear parking sensors, and bright LED headlights for better visibility. Other thoughtful touches include a sporty D-shaped steering wheel, rectangular air conditioning vents, and a traditional knob gear shifter, keeping things familiar and easy to use. The focus here is on delivering essential features without inflating the price.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Wuling Hongguang EREV employs a clever powertrain setup. It uses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated LBH petrol engine not to directly drive the wheels, but to act as a generator. This engine feeds power to the electric motor and the battery pack, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride. The internal combustion engine delivers a respectable 70 kW (94 hp). The actual propulsion comes from a rear axle-mounted electric motor, which provides 75 kW (101 hp) of peak power and a healthy 180 Nm of torque ensuring adequate zip for city driving and highway cruising.
Energy storage comes from an 8.5 kWh LFP battery, providing an all-electric CLTC range of 50 km. For longer journeys, the Hongguang EREV features a substantial 55-liter fuel tank. This combination gives it a fantastic mixed range of up to 1,000 km, making range anxiety a thing of the past. Fuel consumption is equally impressive, with a WLTC rating of just 2.42 liters per 100 km. Even with a depleted battery, the fuel consumption remains reasonable at 5.18 liters per 100 km, showcasing the efficiency of its range-extender system. This setup makes for a truly versatile vehicle, perfect for both daily commutes and extended road trips.
Pricing for Every Wallet
The Wuling Hongguang EREV truly shines with its aggressive pricing strategy. The entry-level model kicks off at a highly accessible 68,800 yuan ($9,400 USD), making it an undeniable value proposition in the EREV market. Stepping up to the mid-tier, you are looking at 71,800 yuan ($9,830 USD). If you want all the bells and whistles, the top-trim Wuling Hongguang EREV comes in at 73,800 yuan ($10,100 USD). These prices prove that accessible, long-range electric vehicles are no longer just for premium buyers. Wuling, with its Hongguang EREV, is democratizing extended-range mobility, offering a practical, efficient, and budget-friendly option for the masses. It’s a smart move in a rapidly evolving market, making EV ownership more attainable for everyone.
