Since its local launch exactly one year ago, the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV has been hugely successful in China, to the point of becoming not only the best-selling fully electric vehicle in the Asian country, but also one of the most popular worldwide. Now, the zero-emission minicar has just been introduced in Europe as the all-new FreZe Nikrob.
The FreZe Nikrob EV is actually a Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV rebranded by Lithuanian armored 4×4 manufacturer Dartz, which has partnered with SAIC-GM-Wuling to build and market the electric vehicle in Europe while reviving the oldest car brand in Russia, FreZe. As such, the Nikrob EV was adapted to European Union regulations in order to be sold in the region’s countries.
While keeping the design and powertrain as the Wuling MINI EV, the FreZe Nikrob EV actually includes several changes from the Chinese variant, such as reinforced bodywork, a modified lighting system and the addition of various safety features. Its tiny two-door hatchback body is ideal for Europe as it measures just 114.8 inches long, 58.8 inches wide and 63.8 inches high, riding on a 76.4-inch wheelbase.
Aesthetically, the all-new FreZe Nikrob EV only differs from the original Wuling model by adding logos of the newly revived brand, a new wheel design and body-color fender trim for homologation purposes. The rest of the design is the same, including the interior, with its own color palette distinguishing it from the MINI EV and adapting to the tastes of European customers.
On a mechanical level, the FreZe Nikrob’s propulsion system includes a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 20 kW (27 horsepower) as well as the range-topping Wuling MINI EVs’ 13.8 kWh battery pack. However, Dartz added an alternator for air conditioning and audio, which increases maximum driving range to 124 miles (200 kilometers), or about 18 miles more than in the Chinese-market version of the minicar.
The all-new FreZe Nikrob EV is currently being deployed in Europe, promising to reach the region’s main markets by early 2022. The vehicle is produced in Lithuania as knocked-down kits, using parts imported from China and only a few locally sourced components. The FreZe Nikrob has a starting price of 9,999 Euros in the Lithuanian market, and will soon be available for 8,995 Euros in Spain, or roughly $10,650 USD at the current exchange rate.
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Comments
So here is what I don’t understand. Why does Chinese, Korean and even some Indian automobiles are readily accepted in Europe with open arms while American cars are shunned there. Even Ford, largest American automaker in Europe which has huge operations there and is tailoring their products to that continent is struggling. Why do they hate us?
Could be 4 years of Trump !
The size of the vehicles. Also price for the American vehicles is higher.
It is a good city car, especially for very dense metropolitan areas on both the East and West coasts.
Because you are a bunch of assholes.
They do not hate us, but do American buy Buick, ford & etc? The biggest Buick customer is Chinese.
Personally if this EV is exported to the USA the only way that I would purchase it is if the lady in the photo came along with the car.
Why does it need an alternator if it is electric?
And dubble price compared to chinese original. Why?