SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), the Chinese joint venture of GM, recently introduced the Wuling Zhiguang EV, a compact kei car designed for both private and commercial use. This 3.6-meter car features rear sliding doors, four seats, a 30-kW e-motor, and a 17.6 kWh LFP battery pack. With its imminent entry into the market, this new offering from Wuling is set to make waves.
Wuling, the third most popular domestic car brand in China, is best known for its Hongguang Mini EV, a two-door city car that has been a major sales driver for the company. With cumulative sales reaching 685,744 units from January to October 2024, Wuling is now gearing up to launch the Zhiguang EV, targeting a wider audience in both the private and commercial sectors. The company plans to incorporate battery swap technology from CATL in the future.
The Zhiguang EV is classified as a kei car, although its body length exceeds the standard dimensions set for such vehicles in Japan. Sporting a boxy body shape with rear sliding doors, small 13-inch rims, and compact overhangs, this car stands out for its unique design. Measuring 3685/1530/1750 mm with a wheelbase of 2600 mm, the Zhiguang EV offers a spacious interior despite its compact size.
Inside the Zhiguang EV, simplicity is key. The cabin features gray plastic throughout, with exposed metal frames on the doors and roof. The center console houses a single LCD instrument panel and physical controls for the AC and audio system. The two-spoke steering wheel comes without any buttons, while the center tunnel includes a rotary gear shifter, power window controls, and a handbrake.
The second row of the Zhiguang EV is equally basic, with a bench for two that can be folded flat to create additional storage space. Manual windows and bare metal surfaces further emphasize the car’s minimalist approach to design.
Weighing in at 892 kg, the Zhiguang EV is lighter than the Smart Fortwo EQ by 193 kg, thanks to its simplistic construction. Equipped with a 17.6-kWh LFP battery pack from Gotion or RSPK manufacturers, the car is powered by a 30 kW (40 hp) electric motor in the rear axle, allowing it to reach a top speed of 100 km/h.
In the near future, the Zhiguang EV will be compatible with CATL’s Evogo battery swap network, offering an upgraded battery with scalable Choco-SEB packs. These packs feature cell-to-pack technology with an energy density of 160 Wh/kg and a capacity of 26.5 kWh, providing a range of 200 km.
The Wuling Zhiguang EV is poised to enter the Chinese market soon, with pricing details yet to be announced. Anticipated to be slightly more expensive than the Hongguang Mini EV, the Zhiguang EV is expected to start at around 50,000 yuan (6,900 USD). This new offering from Wuling combines practicality, efficiency, and affordability in a compact package that caters to a wide range of consumers.
