Wuling launches the 2026 Hongguang Mini EV

30 March 2026

Wuling released the newest version of its famous small car in China, the 2026 Hongguang Mini EV. This tiny vehicle changed how people think about EVs by making them very cheap and easy to park. Some cars are getting bigger and more expensive, but Wuling is sticking to what it does best: building small cars for city life. The new model brings several updates that make it feel more modern than the version it replaces.

The most shocking thing about this car is the price. Wuling is selling four different versions of the Hongguang Mini EV with the cheapest model starting at RMB 44,800, which is about £4,500. The most expensive version costs RMB 54,800, or roughly £5,500. Even without government help or subsidies, these prices are much lower than almost any other car on the market.

Wuling calls the new look "sweet square." Just like the previous version, the vehicle still looks like a box, which helps it hold more stuff inside, but the designers added rounded corners and circular LED headlights to make it look friendly. The mirrors and other small parts are also round now. The new eight-layer paint process added three new colors, giving the tiny car a high-quality look that you might not expect on such a budget-friendly machine.

Even though it is small, the 2026 Hongguang Mini EV grew a little bit this year. It measures 128.7 inches long, 59.8 inches wide, and 62 inches tall, but the wheelbase stays the same at 86.2 inches. These measurements make it tiny compared to any normal car, but the extra length helps the four-door layout. It still has a tiny turning radius of only 14.8 ft, making it perfect for narrow streets and crowded parking lots where bigger electric cars would struggle to fit.

Inside the cabin, Wuling made some big changes to help drivers feel more comfortable. There is a dual-tone color scheme with brown and white seats, and to make more room between the front seats, the gear selector has been moved to the steering column. This leaves the floor area open for bags or more legroom. The dashboard also has a new 10.1-inch screen in the middle running on a new system that works a lot like a smartphone, and the vehicle has a "camping mode" and "pet mode."

You can control the new Hongguang using an app on your phone. If it is a hot day, you can start the air conditioning before you even get outside. The car also supports keyless entry, so you do not have to fumble with your keys to get in. There are 20 different storage spots inside for things like water bottles and phones. If you do not have passengers in the back, you can fold the rear seats down. This opens up a trunk that can hold 29.6 ft³ of cargo - enough for a large grocery trip or several suitcases.

This tiny EV is powered by a single 30 kW electric motor - it is not designed for racing, but it can go from 0 to 31 mph in 4.5 seconds. For driving around town, that is more than enough to keep up with traffic. The car uses a lithium iron phosphate battery available in two different capacities: the standard model goes 127 miles on a charge, while the long-range version can travel 187 miles. Unsurprisingly, the Hongguang uses very little energy, only 8.9 kWh for every 62 miles it travels.

Wuling added a fast-charging option to its smallest EV this time. You can plug it into a DC fast charger and go from 30% to 80% battery in just 35 minutes, and the battery heater is standard to help with charging in colder climates. Even though the Hongguang is cheap, Wuling did not ignore the basics of keeping people safe on the road - about 60% of the car is made of high-strength steel, and two front airbags, plus an electronic stability system are now standard. It also has disc brakes on all four wheels and a modern suspension system to make the ride smoother.

Via