The Changan Lumin is one of a number of micro EV cars produced in China. The class was first popularized by the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. Since then a slew of competitors have appeared. Unlike the Chery QQ Ice Cream and Geely Panda mini EV and a number of other clones the Changan Lumin looks genuinely different to the Wuling car.
Prices now start from 37,900 yuan (5,250 USD) with discounts for the 2024 range varying according to the model up to a maximum of 12,000 yuan (1,650 USD). Surprisingly the largest discount (12,000 yuan, 1,650 USD) is on the cheapest version, the 155 km range Sweet version with the 210 km Sweet version only receiving an 8,000 yuan (1,100 USD) discount. These two cars only have slow charging. For the two models with fast charging the discount is less generous. The 205 km range Fragrant and 301 km Honey version gets only 5,000 yuan (700 USD) off the sticker price. All versions bar the 155 km Sweet seem to also get a free charger worth 3,288 yuan (450 USD).
Dimensions are a diminutive 3270/1700/1545 mm (l/w/h), and the wheelbase is 1980 mm with the car riding on a dedicated EPA0 all-electric platform. The two more expensive models get a 35 kW motor on the front axle with torque of 87 Nm. Battery capacity for the 205 km range Fragrant is a 17.65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery while the Honey gets a 28.08 kWh pack. All cars have a slow charger in the left wing while the Fragrant and Honey gain an extra port in the right wing for the fast charger. Sweet versions have a less powerful 30 kW motor. The 155 km Sweet has a 12.92 kWh pack while the 210 km gains a 17.65 kWh lithium iron phosphate pack.
The fastest of the range is meant to be the Fragrant which has an acceleration time of 6.1 seconds, the Honey is 6.2 seconds while the Sweet versions are 6.5. However, what you need to know about these cars is that top speed is set at 101 km/h and so that acceleration figure is actually 0-50 km/h. You would actually be lucky to hit 100 in one of these.
Compared to the competition the Changan Lumin looks more like a Japanese Kei car with a far more rounded look than the likes of the Mini EV. It rides on 14-inch wheels. Inside the car is surprisingly high tech with not only a 7-inch digital instrument screen but a 10.25-inch infotainment unit as well. There is even a voice assistant. Colored inserts make the car’s interior quite lively. The Lumin has been a relatively successful model for Changan with sales of 140,800 in 2023 – 77% of customers are women.
