Changan explores heated mini-EV market with Lumin

Chinese carmaker Changan has launched a new tiny model as its latest effort to explore the booming mini-sized EV segment in the world's largest vehicle market.

Based on Changan's electric car platform, the model, called Lumin, is available in three variants, with its mileage ranging from 155 kilometers to 301 km on one charge.

It measures 3,270 millimeters in length, 1,700 mm in width and 1,545 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 1,980 mm.

Lumin has Wuling's MINI EV and Chery's QQ Ice Cream as its direct rivals.

Changan said it had received over 15,800 orders within 11 hours of the model hitting the market on Friday.

Mini-sized EVs have the largest market share in China's EV market.

Wholesale sales in the segment totaled 106,000 units in May, accounting for 33 percent of the EV market, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the association, said the segment is expected to grow at around 60 percent year-on-year.

Changan is speeding up its NEV campaign this year, with up to eight models scheduled to hit the market this year.

The Chongqing-based carmaker sold 66,690 NEVs in first five months this year, still trailing some other traditional carmakers including BYD.

The entry-level Lumin may help drive Changan's NEV sales considering the popularity of such tiny models in the country, said analysts.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn