Wuling Hongguang Mini EV History
History
Announced in late June 2020 and delivered in China from July 2020, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV was built on a deliberately simple formula: a 2.9-metre-long four-seater, a 9.2–17.5 kWh lithium battery, a top speed of 100 km/h, and a base price of RMB 28,800 (approximately USD $4,162). By stripping away everything non-essential, SGMW produced China's most affordable electric car.
Sales eclipsed all expectations. The Mini EV moved 127,651 units in 2020, then 395,451 units in 2021, topping global plug-in vehicle rankings in January 2021 — briefly outselling Tesla's Model 3 worldwide. Cumulative global deliveries passed 1.1 million by February 2023, cementing it as the best-selling EV in China's history to that point.
The model evolved rapidly. The Macaron variant (April 2021) added reverse cameras, parking sensors, and a driver airbag at a modest premium. The GameBoy Edition (2022) brought bolder angular styling. A convertible Cabrio version debuted in 2022. A second-generation car with a 5-door option launched in 2024 and went on sale in February 2025, ensuring the nameplate remains competitive as rivals have multiplied.
Generations
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First generation · Mini EV
3-door city car from $4,162; Macaron (2021) and GameBoy (2022) variants; Cabrio convertible (2022).
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Second generation · Mini EV (Gen 2)
Enlarged platform adds 5-door body option; retail deliveries from February 2025.
Body styles
- Hatchback
Notable special editions & performance variants
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Mini EV Macaron
Premium variant with reverse camera, parking radar, and driver airbag; marketed as the second-generation model at launch.
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Mini EV GameBoy Edition
Bolder angular exterior styling with larger dimensions compared with the standard car.
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Mini EV Cabrio
Soft-top convertible variant; the first open-top Wuling production model.
Related models