SGMW-developed compact EVs see impressive sales in China

China-based SGMW sold 9,200 Hongguan Mini EV, a compact electric vehicle, in the Chinese market in August, the second largest EV sales volume next only to 12,000 Tesla Model 3, according to China-based media reports.

SGMW is a joint venture established by two local carmakers and General Motors China.

GAC's Aion ranked third with sales of 4,100 EVs, followed by ORA R1 from Great Wall Motors and eQ launched from Chery Automobile each selling over 3,000 EVs, according to the reports. NIO's ES6, LiAuto's ONE, BYD's Qin EV and Han EV, Weltmeister Motor's EX5 each sold over 2,000 units.

Hongguan Mini EV features dimensions of 2.92m (length) x 1.49m (width) x 1.62m (height), a LFP battery pack with storage capacity of 13.8kWh, a maximum speed of 100km/hour and a priced at CNY28,800 (US$4,204), approximately one tenth of that for Model 3, the reports noted.

As the Chinese government has cut subsidies for new energy car purchases, inexpensive EVs are increasingly appealing to consumers, the reports said.