Comprehensive Review of the Wuling EV50 Electric Vehicle

What's the Wuling EV50?

Meet the Wuling EV50, the electric van that’s making waves in the urban transportation scene. This nifty EV is available in two variants: a two-seater and a five-seater. With dimensions measuring 4490x1610x1900 mm, and a wheelbase of 3050 mm, the van is perfect for navigating tight urban spaces and narrow alleys. Its compactness is ideal for city-dwellers, facilitating smooth and efficient movement.

What is the Wuling EV50?

The Wuling EV50 isn’t aiming to break speed records or win beauty contests—it’s built to move goods, not turn heads. Launched by SAIC-GM-Wuling, this compact electric van muscles its way into the 2025 urban logistics scene with a 300 km (186 miles) range, 1100 kg (2,425 pounds) payload, and a starting price just shy of $13,600 (€12,600/£10,800). Whether you’re ferrying pastries, packages, or plumbing parts across town, the Wuling EV50 makes the case for ditching diesel and embracing electric without emptying the company wallet.

Electric Van Review: Compact Power for City Streets

With dimensions pegged at 4490 mm long, 1610 mm wide, and 1900 mm tall (176.8 x 63.4 x 74.8 inches), the Wuling EV50 threads through snarled traffic and squeezes into curbside delivery slots better than beefier competitors like the Nissan e-NV200 or Renault Kangoo E-Tech. A tight 3050 mm (120-inch) wheelbase keeps it maneuverable, while a semi-bonnet front and fluid body lines shave down aerodynamic drag. Whether in two- or five-seater form, it's designed for urban commutes where inches matter and every parking space counts.

Wuling EV50 Range and Real-World Efficiency

The EV50 comes with two LFP battery options: a 41.86 kWh pack offering a theoretical 300 km (186 miles) under NEDC conditions, and a 43.2 kWh version delivering around 245 km (152 miles)—with real-world figures hovering between 240–260 km (149–161 miles) depending on load and traffic. Not built for Autobahn sprints, its 60 kW (82 hp) motor tops out at 100 km/h (62 mph)—perfect for city runs and short hops between neighboring towns. Charging? Plug into a 7 kW AC wall box and you’re good to go overnight (6–8 hours), or hit a 60 kW fast charger for a 10–80% top-up in around 45 minutes.

Affordable Electric Vans 2025: Unbeatable Value for Business

Starting at $13,596 (€12,600/£10,800), the Wuling EV50 makes competitors like the Nissan e-NV200 ($30,000) and Renault Kangoo E-Tech ($28,000) seem like luxury splurges. Running costs hover between $0.03–$0.05 per mile (or €0.03–€0.04 per km), slicing fuel bills down to near nothing compared to diesel’s $0.10–$0.15/mile. While it lacks fancy tech like adaptive cruise control or Level 2 ADAS found in pricier vans, the simple ABS and tire pressure monitoring cover the basics for safe city hauling. For budget-conscious operators or small businesses just starting the electric journey, the Wuling EV50 offers a hard-to-beat gateway.

Urban Logistics Electric Van: Built for Tight Corners and Tight Schedules

The Wuling EV50’s secret weapon is its compact size combined with serious hauling chops. The van’s 4.8–5.2 m³ cargo volume rivals and even edges out some better-known players like the Peugeot Partner Electric (3.3 m³) and Nissan e-NV200 (4.2 m³). Curb weight clocks in at 1445 kg (3,186 pounds), yet it supports a maximum mass of 2510 kg (5,534 pounds), leaving a strong 1100 kg (2,425 pounds) for payload. It may ride a little stiff over potholes when unloaded, but with a full day’s worth of parcels, it settles nicely into a solid city cruiser groove.

Wuling EV50 Payload and Practical Interior

Step inside and there’s no mistaking the EV50’s purpose: moving goods, not coddling drivers. Hard plastics, a manual-adjustable seat, and a basic climate system say function first. An optional 7-inch touchscreen brings Bluetooth and FM radio into play, though tech buffs looking for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto won’t find it here. USB ports and a digital gauge cluster round out the essentials. In the two-seater variant, expect cavernous rear loading; the five-seater splits the difference between cargo and crew, making it ideal for courier firms or city service teams.

Best Compact Electric Vans: Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective

Eco-conscious operators will appreciate the Wuling EV50’s zero-emissions badge. Its cobalt-free LFP battery promises durability beyond two million kilometers (1.24 million miles), and its 135.91 Wh/kg energy density optimizes every amp of juice. Exempt from congestion charges and ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) fees in cities like London, it brings tangible savings every day it rolls. It won’t win awards for luxury or tech innovation, but it shines where it matters most: delivering affordable, efficient service for businesses trying to survive—and thrive—in tomorrow’s greener cities.

Conclusion

Pros and Cons of the Wuling EV50

• Pros:
• Exceptionally low purchase price starting at $13,596
• Strong 1100 kg payload capacity
• Competitive real-world range up to 260 km
• Compact dimensions ideal for dense urban areas
• Minimal operating costs with excellent battery durability
• Cons:
• Basic interior with minimal comfort features
• Limited top speed of 100 km/h restricts highway use
• Absence of advanced driver assistance systems
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity
• Firm ride quality when lightly loaded

Final thoughts

The Wuling EV50 punches above its weight in a world obsessed with pricey EVs. Compact, affordable, and genuinely useful for city logistics, it’s the smart choice for businesses that need practicality without draining their budgets. Simply put, it’s the right van for the right time.