Wuling Hong Guang, a Chinese automaker, has unveiled a new electric car Nano EV following the enormous success of its Mini EV, which was the second best-selling EV in 2020 with 119,255 units. It has chosen the name Nano, which Indians associate with Tata Motors’ smallest manufacturing car to date.
Tata Motors‘ cheapest car in India might be considered as inspiration for the company’s upcoming low-cost four-wheeler Nano. Wuling Hong Guang’s Nano may be the smallest and cheapest electric car to start production if claims are to be true.
CarNewsChina reports that the Wuling Nano EV will be available for purchase at a price of no more than 20,000 yuan (approximately equivalent to Rs. 2.30 lakh). That makes the Nano EV less expensive than a Maruti Alto. If it is correct, then Nano will undoubtedly be less expensive than the best-selling compact electric car in China, the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
The new electric car Nano EV has been launched at the Tianjin International Auto Show 2021 by Wuling Hong Guang, part of the larger SAIC-GM-Wuling group of car makers in the world’s largest electric cars market.
Wuling has leveraged synergies within the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, which also includes the Baojun brand, to manufacture the Nano EV, which is basically a rebadged Baojun E200. The Nano EV design is labeled as “Free Two Go,” which seems to be a reference to today’s independent, younger generation, which is always on the go.
The Nano EV is a small electric car with only two seats. The four-wheeler has a turning radius of less than 4 meters (13 feet). The car is designed for urban use, where the speed limit is low.
Wuling Nano EV specification & features
The Nano EV has a length of 2,497 mm, a width of 1,526 mm, and a height of 1,616 mm, thereby making it smaller in size than Tata Nano. The wheelbase is also 1,600 mm. Tata Nano used to have a length of more than 3 meters. Because of its small size, the Nano EV has a turning radius of 3.8 meters, making it ideal for cramming into small areas.
In order to reach speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph), the battery powers a front permanent-magnetic synchronous electric motor with a rating of 32 hp (24kW) and 85 Nm (62 lb-ft) of torque. The Baojun E200 has somewhat greater power and torque, respective 29 kW (39 hp) and 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
A lithium-ion battery certified IP67 with 28 kWh of capacity will be put under the seat of the Nano EV. This small electric car can go 305 kilometers on a single charge thanks to the powerful battery. According to Wuling, a standard household 220-volt outlet takes 13.5 hours to fully recharge the battery. It also has a charger option of 6.6 kW AC, allowing the EV to be charged in just 4.5 hours.
The Nano EV does not lack safety features despite its size. It has an electronic stability control system (ESC) for the ABS brakes, as well as EBD, electronic parking brakes, and Isofix child seat attachments. It is also equipped with a low-speed pedestrian warning system.
The Nano EV is also equipped with an intelligent battery management system, pre-heating technology for cold temperatures, and battery insulation. Even battery functions can be monitored by the owner using a smartphone app.
The Nano EV comes with a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring system, climate control, keyless entry system, telematics, LED headlights, and a 7-inch digital display screen.
As for safety, Wuling claims that high-strength steel and high-strength, hot-formed steel make up over 40% of the Nano EV’s body structure. The model is supplied with an insulating malfunction warning and battery short circuit protection as well as electronic brake-force distribution and hill-start assist control.
In the world of electric vehicles, Wuling Hong Guang is already well-known for its small and low-cost models. It’s Mini electric car is already a hit, and it’s the second best-selling four-wheeler in the country. Wuling Hong Guang, a part of the larger SAIC-GM-Wuling group of automobile manufacturers in China, sold more than 1 lakh Mini electric cars in 2020.
