It is raining inexpensive electric cars like never before in the Chinese market at the moment.
The GM Wuling Bingo EV is the latest addition to the unbelievable list of the cheapest mass-market electric cars on sale in China currently. Affordability is the biggest challenge in front of legacy carmakers, as well as EV startups to promote mass adoption. But that is a game in which China is the leader. Known for offering insanely inexpensive EVs and ICE cars, the GM Wuling has pushed the envelope even further. The Bingo EV has sent shock waves across BYD with its latest offering. For the unversed, Wuling is a joint venture between SAIC (50.1%), GM (44%), and Liuzhou, Guangxi Province-based Wuling.
You may also like: Xiaomi To Launch More Powerful SU7 To Rival Porsche Taycan
GM Wuling Bingo EV – Specs and Price
The GM Wuling Bingo EV is available in four variants – Light, Enjoyment, Lingxi Connected, and Lingxi Premium. There are three LFP battery options to choose from – a 17.3 kWh, a 31.9 kWh and a 37.9 kWh. These provide range figures from 126 miles (203 km) to 255 miles (410 km) on the generous CLTC. The electric motor produces a decent 50 kW (68 PS) of peak power. This number dials down a notch to 30 kW (41 PS) on lower trims.
Interestingly, the long-range motor models possess a three-in-one water-cooled flat wire motor. It enhances the cooling efficiency of the EV. Using a DC fast charger, the EV can be juiced up from 30% to 80% in just 35 minutes. The compact electric hatchback is 3,950 mm long, 1,708 mm wide and 1,580 mm tall. The EV starts at 56,800 Yuan (~$7,900) and goes up to 84,800 Yuan (~$11,700). For comparison, the BYD Seagull EV ranges from 69,800 Yuan (~$9,700) to 85,800 Yuan (~$12,000).
| Specs | GM Wuling Bingo EV |
| Battery | 17.3 kWh, 31.9 kWh and 37.9 kWh |
| Power | 50 kW (68 PS) |
| Range (CLTC) | 126 miles (203 km) to 255 miles (410 km) |
| DC Fast Charging | 30% to 80% in 35 minutes |
| Top Speed | 100 km/h |
| Length | 3,950 mm (155.51 in.) |
| Width | 1,708 mm (67.24 in.) |
| Height | 1,580 mm (62.20 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm (100.78 in.) |
You may also like: Hyundai Casper-based Inster Sub-compact EV Teased w/ 355 km of Range
GM Wuling Bingo EV – Interior and Features
The cabin layout of the GM Wuling Bingo EV is unique and well-designed. The upholstery is made of soft synthetic leather and there are two 10.25-inch Floating Island screens at the center. Despite being an absolute budget EV, there is no want of the basic amenities in terms of comfort, convenience, tech, connectivity and safety. The top highlights include:
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Digital AC
- Cruise Control
- Electric Parking Brake w/ Auto Vehicle Hold
- Rotary Gear Selector
- 6-Way Electric Adjustable Driver Seat
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
- Ling OS Lingxi
- Remote-Controlled Bluetooth Key
- 4-Speaker Audio System
- Electric Adjustable Outside Mirror
- Power Windows
- Dual Front Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Immobilizer
- 790-litre Boot (w/ folded seat)
You may also like: 8 Out of 10 Used Cars With Biggest Price Drops Are EVs – Study
Learn Electric Cars Says
I have been reporting about a lot of legacy carmakers trying to launch affordable EVs for a while now. It is evident that the first wave of EV sales has plateaued. For the next phase, mass adoption is crucial. That can only occur if the initial prices of electric cars go down. That is where compact and affordable EVs enter the scene. Resultantly, established car marques are trying hard to launch relatively inexpensive models.
On the other hand, Chinese carmakers are in a league of their own. They have started offering sub-$10,000 EVs for quite some time now. It is already the biggest EV market on the planet. In fact, it dictates the trajectory of the global automobile industry. Hence, Chinese startups and established auto giants are trying to flood the world market with their cheap EVs. We shall have to wait and see how that pans out, particularly after the U.S. and Europe are levying tariffs on Chinese-made EVs to keep things competitive.