# Review: Changan Lumin Mini EV – Compact Dimensions with Remarkable Speed
The electric vehicle (EV) landscape has been swiftly evolving, with manufacturers worldwide unveiling innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for urban transportation. Among the recent additions to the compact EV category is the **Changan Lumin Mini EV**, a small but powerful electric vehicle crafted for city residents who value convenience, efficiency, and sustainability. Despite its petite stature, the Lumin Mini EV delivers an unexpected level of speed and performance. In this review, we’ll delve into the features that set the Changan Lumin Mini EV apart in the bustling EV marketplace.
## Overview of the Changan Lumin Mini EV
Changan, a prominent Chinese automotive manufacturer, has been making significant progress in the EV sector with a collection of electric vehicles tailored to various market segments. The **Lumin Mini EV** is a part of the brand’s initiative to offer economical, compact, and efficient electric cars suited for urban settings. It aims to rival other small EVs like the **Wuling Hongguang Mini EV** and the **Baojun E300**, providing a practical alternative for city driving.
The Lumin Mini EV is a **two-door, four-seater** model that highlights simplicity and practicality. Its compact size is perfect for maneuvering through crowded city roads, narrow parking spots, and short journeys. However, don’t underestimate its small dimensions—this EV comes with impressive features that make it a formidable player in the electric microcar arena.
## Exterior Design
The Changan Lumin Mini EV showcases a **contemporary and minimalist design** that is both charming and functional. Its compact form showcases sleek lines and rounded contours, giving it a welcoming and accessible look. The front end features a basic grille-less layout, complemented by sleek LED headlights that enhance its sophisticated appeal. The rear continues the minimalistic theme, featuring a tidy design and petite taillights that integrate seamlessly with the body.
The Lumin Mini EV is offered in an array of vibrant hues, making it an appealing choice for younger drivers or anyone wishing to infuse a touch of personality into their daily drives. Its compact size (roughly **3 meters long**) enables easy navigation in restricted spaces, a major advantage in heavily populated urban locales.
## Interior and Comfort
Despite its small exterior, the Changan Lumin Mini EV provides a surprisingly roomy and comfortable cabin. The interior is crafted with a focus on simplicity, featuring **clean lines and straightforward controls**. The dashboard is highlighted by a **large touchscreen infotainment system**, offering access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The user interface is intuitive and responsive, enabling drivers to stay connected while on the move.
The seating configuration is engineered to optimize space, comfortably accommodating four passengers. The seats are covered in durable materials; while they may not offer the same plush comfort as those in larger vehicles, they provide sufficient support for brief city outings. The rear seats can be folded down to create extra cargo room, making the Lumin Mini EV unexpectedly practical for its dimensions.
## Performance and Speed
One of the standout features of the Changan Lumin Mini EV is its **performance**, especially regarding speed. While many compact EVs are tailored mainly for low-speed urban traveling, the Lumin Mini EV injects a bit of thrill into the driving experience. It is equipped with a **30 kW (40 hp) electric motor**, which may not seem substantial, but it effectively propels the lightweight vehicle with impressive agility.
The Lumin Mini EV can achieve a maximum speed of around **100 km/h (62 mph)**, which is remarkable for a vehicle of its size and category. This makes it suitable not just for city navigation but also for brief highway excursions, providing a competitive edge against some rivals in the microcar market. The acceleration is smooth and immediate, with the electric motor offering instant torque for quick departures at traffic signals and intersections.
## Battery and Range
The Changan Lumin Mini EV comes with two battery choices: a **12.92 kWh** option and a **17.65 kWh** variant. The smaller battery supplies a range of about **150 km (93 miles)** on a single charge, while the larger one extends this range to approximately **210 km (130 miles)**. These range capabilities are more than adequate for daily city commutes and short journeys, making the Lumin Mini EV a sensible choice for urban drivers.
Charging the Lumin Mini EV is uncomplicated, as it accommodates both **AC charging** and **DC fast charging**. With a standard AC charger, the battery can be fully replenished in about **6-8 hours**, making overnight charging a practical option. Utilizing DC fast charging, the battery can reach 80% in just **30-40 minutes**,