China’s EV race is usually dominated by giants like BYD, Tesla, XPeng, and Nio. But the real surprise? The country’s top-selling model in September 2025 wasn’t a flagship sedan or high-tech SUV. It was a tiny, ultra-affordable, highly customizable “lunchbox-sized” EV from Wuling.
In this episode, Sophia and Jianggan unpack why this humble Hongguang Mini EV has become a nationwide phenomenon and a global export success. From social media fame to clever product strategy, this little car offers a window into how China builds for real consumer needs.
Tune in to discover:
Why a sub-USD 4k EV is outselling major brands in China
How Wuling built a mass-market hit by focusing on accessibility, not specs
The role of customization culture on Douyin and Xiaohongshu
Why small business owners love this car’s modular, configurable design
How Wuling quietly expanded overseas
What this model reveals about China’s EV supply chain, segmentation, and competition
Timestamps:
00:01:59 – China’s EV leaders and surprising sales rankings
00:03:51 – What a sub-USD 4k EV offers
00:07:52 – The viral Wuling ad that changed everything
00:14:26 – Customization culture and social media fame
00:17:15 – How the Mini EV is expanding overseas
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