The Chinese market is flourishing right now with more than a dozen companies working really hard in creating some of the best EVs out there.
And one of the main markets in China is the small electric car market. And when it comes to small EVs we are talking about subcompact models. So, what are the options? Let’s find out more.
1. Wuling Mini EV
One of the best examples of small Chinese EVs is the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. This small EV is making all of the headlines in China.
The Mini EV sells really well, with 400,000 units sold annually makes it the best selling model in the market right now.
And all these sales primarily because it is very cheap. This model starts at $4,000. Which makes it one of the cheapest EVs in the world.
| Price: $4,000 | Release year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 20 – 40 hp |
| Torque: 85 Nm | Range: 120 – 280 km |
2. BYD Seagull EV
The BYD Seagull is the latest EV that BYD introduced and this model completes the Ocean Series of BYD models.
The Seagull is a subcompact model that is a bit larger than the Mini EV that we previously covered and also a bit more expensive.
This model is very good in terms of performance as well. It manages to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.9 seconds, which makes it a very good performer in this class of cars.
| Price: $10,330 | Release year: 2023 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 130 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds | Power: 74 – 101 hp |
| Torque: 135 Nm | Range: 405 km |
3. MG4 EV
The MG4 EV is another hugely popular model in China, as well as in the world because this model is also offered in other markets besides the Chinese.
And the MG4 is a true pocket rocket. This model produces up to 429 hp in the most powerful version. This makes it accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.8 seconds. Pretty respectable numbers.
Also, the MG4 EV is a very beautiful vehicle, it has a sharp styling that is very aggressive and performance oriented. Overall, a great model that we definitely recommend!
| Price: $18,000 | Release year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Or Dual Motor | Top speed: 160 – 200 km |
| 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds | Power: 168 – 429 hp |
| Torque: 250 – 600 Nm | Range: 351 – 520 km |
4. NETA U
The NETA U is definitely one of the best products by Hozon Auto. This compact crossover SUV is really popular among buyers.
The NETA U implements a very modern design language that is very attractive. This is a compact crossover SUV, which means that it is a bit larger than most of the cars on this list. Making it a perfect grocery getter.
But it is also a bit more expensive, starting at $21,000. Still, we recommend this model to those who need a small car and also need a bit more space.
| Price: $21,000 | Release year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Or Dual Motor | Top speed: 150km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 150 s | Power: 161 – 295 hp |
| Torque: 310 Nm | Range: 400 – 660 km |
5. AION Y
The AION Y is another compact crossover SUV like the NETA U that we previously covered. But this model is manufactured by GAC Motor.
The AION Y is a really good city cruiser that will give you an incredible range of 600 km. With this model you will forget when it was the last time you charged it up.
On top of that the AION Y is pretty spacious inside and perfect for those who carry people. And most importantly it is very cheap, starting at $14,000.
| Price: $14,000 | Release year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 150 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds | Power: 134 hp |
| Torque: 225 Nm | Range: 410 – 600 km |
6. Ora Good Cat
The Ora Good Cat is another very popular model in China, especially when it comes to women drivers.
Ora makes some of the best vehicles that are specifically tailored for women. Their models are hugely inspired by the VW Beetle and the Mini Cooper
And that’s the case with the Good Cat, this model has that vibe to it and looks rather nice. It has a great range of 500 km, making it one of the best city cruisers out there.
| Price: $14,550 | Release year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 150 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds | Power: 143 – 171 hp |
| Torque: 210 Nm | Range: 400 – 500 km |
7. Changan Lumin
The Changan Lumin is a micro car manufactured by Changan, in the same fashion as the Wuling Mini EV that we covered.
But the Lumin has a much better design and more features. On top of that, this model comes with better performance.
But understandably, it costs a bit more compared to the Mini EV. This model starts at $7,500. Making it a bit more expensive.
| Price: $7,500 | Release year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 101 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 6.5 seconds | Power: 41 hp |
| Torque: 48 Nm | Range: 155 – 210 km |
8. Chery New Energy – Little Ant
The Chery NEV Little Ant is one small pocket rocket. This model is a micro car but with an attitude. Other micro cars can be considered as boring but not the Little Ant. This model is all about the performance.
And when it comes to performance, this model really delivers. With an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.9 seconds, it is one of the fastest micro cars on the market right now.
| Price: $10,600 | Release year: 2023 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds | Power: 75 hp |
| Torque: 150 Nm | Range: 408 km |
9. BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is a small hatchback that is a bit larger compared to the Seagull. Thus, it is a bit more expensive.
The Dolphin is the same class of car as the MG4 EV that we covered previously. This model delivers a good performance all around and we can say that it is a good city cruiser with a range of 405 km.
| Price: $13,130 | Release year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 150 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 7.5 seconds | Power: 94 – 201 hp |
| Torque: 180 – 290 Nm | Range: 405 km |
10. Chery QQ- Ice cream
The Chery QQ Ice Cream is another micro car manufactured by Chery. And we can honestly say that this model is one of the cutest mini cars that money can buy.
This model is mainly targeted towards the female buyers. The colors and options are pretty much women oriented.
Browse More:
That’s why if you are a woman and want to buy such a model, we strongly recommend the QQ Ice Cream model. It is very cheap and delivers the performance for the money!
| Price: $4,100 | Release year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 27 hp |
| Torque: 85 Nm | Range: 175 km |
11. Panda Mini EV
The Panda Mini is another micro car manufactured by Geely from 2022. This model is pretty much a competitor to the Wuling Mini EV.
But the Panda Mini EV is a more expensive model, starting at $6,000. This means that the Panda Mini EV has more options and overall, it is a better vehicle.
So, if you want to invest more in a micro EV, we definitely recommend the Panda Mini EV.
| Price: $6,000 | Release year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 40 hp |
| Torque: 85 Nm | Range: 120 – 200 km |
12. Leap Motor T03
The Leapmotor T03 is a small city car manufactured by Leapmotor from 2020. This is a micro car but somewhat larger. This means that the T03 is a subcompact model with four doors and you will be able to fit up to 4 people in this vehicle.
Although, comfort might be limited in the rear, especially for taller people. The range of the T03 is really good and you will be able to squeeze up to 400 km of range.
| Price: $9,200 | Release year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 14 seconds | Power: 73 hp |
| Torque: 155 Nm | Range: 400 km |
13. Wuling Bingo
And the last model on our list is the Wuling Bingo. The Wuling Bingo is another small electric car that sells really well.
This is a brand new model that was introduced in 2023. The Bingo is a subcompact model, meaning that it is larger than the Wuling Mini EV or the Panda Mini EV that we covered previously.
The Wuling Bingo has a really good design both inside and out and also packs a lot of features. The price is really irresistible, starting as low as $8,370.
| Price: $8,370 | Release year: 2023 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 40 – 67 hp |
| Torque: 110 – 150 Nm | Range: 410 km |
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered the 13 best small electric cars in China. We added the best models starting from the compact, subcompact, and micro niche.
Overall, the micro niche is really popular in China. It gathers the most sales around, especially the Wuling Mini EV which sells the most in China.
