Last monthβs MIIT regulatory listings showed the forthcoming Wuling Zhiguang EV, a boxy-looking electric kei car from the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture. Wuling has just published official pictures, which are more concept art, suggesting that the car may well be a kombi-type vehicle. Whether we will actually see a van-type version remains to be seen.
Although Chinese media are talking about the new Wuling as a kei car, it is not. The Wuling has dimensions of 3685, 1530,1750 mm (l/w/h) and a wheelbase of 2600 mm. A kei car is the smallest class of car legally allowed on roads in Japan and offers some legal benefits over regular cars, but since 1998, have been limited to a maximum length of 3.4 meters. Therefore the Wuling is not actually a kei car, by both the facts, it is not Japanese, and also, even if it were, it is too long!
The concept art shows various uses for both business and leisure. Business uses include parcel delivery, tradesmanβs van, pet service, along with a mobile bar and a coffee shop. Leisure uses show fishing and camping.
The official MIIT pictures show a car with windows that is meant to seat four. However, all the concept art versions appear to be based on a panel van, which may indicate that a van version is on its way.
The Zhiguang EV is powered by a 30 kW TZ155XZ230 electric motor on the rear axle, which is the same as used by the new Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. Curb weight is 892 kg and the car rides on 165/65 R13 wheels.
The Wuling JV is one of the few bright spots in SAICβs divisions. However, it is best known for smaller cars such as the Hongguang Mini EV and the Bingo. The Zhiguang seems to be another attempt to capitalize on its expertise in this area. However, the problem is small cars donβt ultimately make big profits.
Source: Fast Technology
