A tiny bargain-bin electric car is crushing the Tesla Model 3 in one of the US carmaker's most crucial markets.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
In April, the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV was China's most popular EV, selling 26,592 units, according to the China Passenger Car Association.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Costfoto/Barcroft Media via Getty Images
Elon Musk's automaker came in second, moving 6,264 Model 3 sedans in China over the same period.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
The Mini EV was launched in July through a joint venture between GM and two Chinese companies: Wuling and SAIC.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
The model starts at the equivalent of around $4,500, but a fully-loaded version will run you $6,000.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
The tiny hatchback is just under 115 inches long and roughly 59 inches wide.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Costfoto/Barcroft Media via Getty Images
For reference, a Fiat 500 is around 140 inches long. The Mini EV is closer to the size of a Smart ForTwo.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
It has around 26 cubic feet of cargo space, roughly the same as a Fiat 500. Wuling says it can fit a stroller or two small suitcases.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
That's with the rear seats folded down. Yes - believe it or not, the Mini EV does have room for four passengers.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
The Hong Guang Mini EV can only go around 105 miles on a charge, but it's meant more for urban driving than long road trips.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
It makes a claimed 27 horsepower and has a top speed of 62 mph.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
The Hong Guang Mini EV, of course, isn't in the same league as Tesla's premium electric sedans and SUVs.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
The Model 3 delivers almost 300 miles of range in its base configuration.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
The Tesla also costs almost 10 times more than the Hong Guang Mini EV, retailing for right around $39,000 in China at current exchange rates.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
Wuling Motors
Tesla hasn't indicated it has any plans to go after China's budget-EV market, but it is developing a $25,000 EV at its Shanghai plant.
Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.
