Meet the electric hatch that’s outselling Tesla in China

Feb 26

Launched last year, the mini EV has a top speed of 100km/h and a range of 120km. Photo: Supplied

Check out the Hong Guang mini electric vehicle that costs only NZ$6100 and is outselling Tesla’s Model 3 almost two-to-one in China.

The compact car is proving a big hit for state-owned SAIC Motor, China's top automaker, says the BBC.

The Hong Guang Mini EV is being built as part of a joint venture with US car giant General Motors (GM).

The Model 3 sells for about $53,000 in China, considerably less than in many countries due to its local production at its Shanghai factory.

While the entry-level $6088 Hong Guang Mini is the most popular model, there is an upgraded one with air conditioning for just over $6800. The cars are being marketed as "the people's commuting tool".

The Tesla Model 3 is made in Shanghai for the Chinese market. Photo: Tesla

Launched last year, the basic model has a top speed of 100km/h. It has a range of between 120km for the entry-level model to 170km for the top-spec one.

While it is behind Tesla when it comes to its battery, range and performance, its convenience and low price have made it one of China's bestselling "new-energy" vehicles.

To promote EVs, the Chinese government offers license plates for free and they are guaranteed, rather than waiting months via an auction to get one for your petrol car.

The Hong Guang Mini EV saw sales of 112,000 for the second half of 2020, ranking second behind Tesla's Model 3.

But for January, Hong Guang Mini sales outstripped Tesla almost two-to-one. It is now believed to be the second-best-selling electric model worldwide behind the Model 3.