One of the things that attracts attention is Wuling's progress through the Air ev model. This mini-sized electric vehicle is breaking into the four-wheeled electric vehicle market with prices starting at IDR 238 million to IDR 311 million. Prices previously could not be obtained from a variety of electric vehicle products priced above IDR 500 million.
However, the presence of Air ev is actually not alone. DFSK, which is also a brand from China, also shows the presence of small electric vehicles. The DFSK Mini EV was first shown at the PEVS 2022 event and was immediately paired with the Air ev. So what's interesting about these two products? We'll discuss it together.
First, a discussion of dimensional comparisons. On paper, Wuling Air ev offers a length of 2,974 mm, width of 1,505 mm and height of 1,631 mm. This four-passenger electric vehicle offers a wheelbase of 2,010 mm. The Mini EV, according to Chinese specifications, offers dimensions of 2,995 mm in length, 1,495 mm in width and 1,640 mm in height. This four-passenger electric vehicle features a wheelbase measuring 1,960 mm with a recorded ground clearance of 135 mm. The comparison of these data shows that the sizes do not differ much between the two, even though the Wuling Air ev offers a longer wheelbase.
Moving on to the performance section. Air ev uses lithium ferro-phosphate batteries with a capacity offer of 17.3 kWh and 26.7 kWh. The first capacity is capable of carrying vehicles as far as 200 kilometers and the larger battery is capable of carrying vehicles as far as 300 kilometers. This power is channeled to the rear wheels with a 30 kW motor drive and 110 Nm of torque and is paired with a single reduction gear transmission.
Mini ev is offered in three battery options namely 9.18 kWh, 13.8 kWh and 16.8 kWh. The distance is about 120 kilometers, 180 kilometers and 220 kilometers. The type of battery used is lithium iron phosphate which is channeled to a permanent magnet synchronous motor which produces 25 kW and 30 kW of power with a torque of all types of 100 Nm.
Regarding charging, Air ev offers convenience with a minimum household power of 2200 W. There is a wall charging box option for a faster charging time. When charged using a household voltage of 220 it takes 8.5 hours to 11 hours from 20 percent to 100 percent. If the strength of the electric power is greater, around 6,600 VA and above, the charging duration can be shorter, which is around four hours.
Mini ev also provides relatively the same convenience. To charge the battery from 10 percent to 90 percent with 2 kW of power takes four to five hours. The 13.8 kWh battery takes 5.5 hours to 6.5 hours with the same charge. The 16.8 kWh battery takes seven hours on the same charge.
Moving on to features. This time the discussion starts with the Mini EV first because the list of features provided is fairly minimal. The Mini EV on paper provides a rear view camera, buttons on the steering wheel, 843 liters of luggage, and a claimed acceleration of 0 to 50 km per hour in 5.1 seconds. Regarding the interior design, it is quite futuristic with a cafe table model that allows passengers to store various items. Based on the picture, you can see the digital AC settings, driving mode, power windows and manual parking brake.
Air ev on the other hand, comes with a variety of features. Based on the list, there are meter clusters measuring 7 inches TFT and 10.25 TFT, the interior is covered in synthetic leather and also on the steering wheel. Safety features consist of dual airbags, ABS EBD, ESC, electric parking brake with auto hold, hill hold control, sound module for pedestrians, tire pressure monitoring system and rear camera with sensors. There are still settings for electric mirrors, power windows, a smart start system with keyless entry, a 10.25-inch head unit, speakers and power sockets in the form of power outlets and USB.
The Air ev electric vehicle is also equipped with Wuling Indonesian Voice Command (WIND), voice commands for all its variants. There is still an internet of vehicle feature that enhances the Air ev ownership experience. This feature consists of navigation, message and music settings, geofencing alarm, remaining battery and mileage, charging status, remote door lock and mirror settings, remote AC and Bluetooth lock.
The striking difference is of course the status in Indonesia. Air ev has been officially sold and is one of the electric vehicle models that has experienced an increase in sales. The Mini ev model is still shown as a show vehicle by DFSK from city to city.
