Hong Guang Mini is the best selling electric car in the world
The Hong Guang Mini electric car beat Tesla's Model 3 as the world's best-selling electric car in January and February, which is no small feat for the relatively new hatchback.
More than 36,000 small cars were sold in January, compared to 21,500 Model 3 cars, and Hong Guang sold more than 20,000 units last month, compared to less than 13,700 Tesla cars.
The small car was manufactured under a joint partnership between the state-owned China SAIC Motor Corporation, Wuling Motors, and the US automaker General Motors, and is referred to locally as Wuling.
The Hong Guang Mini is only sold in China for 28,800 yuan, or about $ 4,500, and there are electric scooters on the market currently that cost more.
According to the company, the car offers 170 kilometers of range per charge, can reach a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour, and can be charged via a 240 volt outlet.
The car uses a single 13 kW electric motor that produces 17.4 hp and 62.7 lb-ft of torque.
Its specifications include a wheelbase measuring 76.4 inches, measuring just under 115 inches in length, 59 inches in width, measuring about 64 inches in height, and with a total weight of 665 kg.
Despite its extremely small dimensions, it somehow features 741L of storage space (with the rear seats folded).
The manufacturer says: The Hong Guang Mini seats four, and the rear seats can be folded down if you need storage space.
Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors, along with air conditioning, power windows and a stereo system.
On the other hand, the base model for 2021 Tesla Model 3 gets more than 400 kilometers of range per charge, and its price starts at around $ 40,000.
The wheelbase is 113 inches long, 185 inches long, 73 inches wide, 57 inches high, and weighs approximately 1,590 kg.
The Hong Guang Mini was launched last summer and was a surprising success, but it is still only sold in China, and some reports suggest it may eventually come to other markets.
