Why can’t we Malaysians get this Wuling Binguo EV
This is the latest electric car model from Wuling and it is called the Binguo. This cute electric vehicle (EV) was officially launched in Thailand just days ago.
Its selling price ranges from 419,000 baht to 449,000 baht (which is about RM55,000 to RM58,000). Surprised? Well, in Thailand there is no national car program. That’s why?
Meanwhile, the Wuling brand has been in talks with Malaysian automotive group Edaran Tan Chong for more than a year and their cars have been on test in the country. So why no launch yet in Malaysia when already selling in Thailand?
Well, with Proton and Perodua still pending the launch of their below RM99k electric cars, no other car manufacturer is able to sell an electric car in Malaysia at below RM99k and this is why low priced electric cars like the BYD Seagull and also this Wuling EV is unable to make an appearance in Malaysian showrooms.
The Wuling brand already has a presence in Thailand as they launched the Wuling Air a year ago.
This Wuling Binguo is powered by a 50 kW PWSM motor that delivers 67hp and 150Nm of torque and it is paired with a single reduction gear transmission. This setup allows the vehicle to reach a top speed of 120km/h, making it suitable for both city commuting and highway cruising.
The EV is fitted with a lithium ferro-phosphate battery that has a capacity of 31.9 kWh, providing a driving range of 333km on a single charge. It has an AC charging time of about 5.5 hours and a DC fast charging time of approximately 35 minutes
For the Thai market, there are also two Binguo PLUS variants with an extended EV range of 401km and 510km. Relying on the advantages of the original platform’s architecture, the Binguo PLUS has adopted a longer wheelbase of 2,560 mm and a larger sunken rear boot space with 1,450 liters of capacity.
The Binguo PLUS maximum power has moved upwards to 75 kW with its maximum torque up to 180Nm and it will deliver a 0-100km/h acceleration time in about 7.5 seconds.
The cabin is equipped with the Lingxi OS intelligent system, an 8.8-inch dashboard and a 10.1-inchcenter screen. Safety is another priority, with about 74.8 percent of the body of the Binguo PLUS consisting of high-strength steel.
In Thailand it gets an 8-year or 120,000km warranty and a 3 year or 100,000 vehicle warranty. So the warranty on the battery is 5 years longer than the vehicle warranty. Interesting?
