--- title: "The World’s Cheapest Convertible EV Is as Terrible as It Is Adorable" description: "The cheapest convertible electric car in the world is the Wuling Mini EV Cabrio and it's surprisingly charming." date: "2023-11-05" modified: "2023-11-05" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-worlds-cheapest-convertible-ev-is-as-terrible-as-it-is-adorable" categories: - "News" --- # The World’s Cheapest Convertible EV Is as Terrible as It Is Adorable ![]() *Wheelsboy* Pugs are adorable, lovable little dogs, with their oddball looks and fun-loving nature. However, they're pretty bad at being dogs. They're small, can't run far due to breathing issues, and few intruders will ever be afraid of a "Beware of Pug" sign. The Wuling Mini EV Cabrio—the world's cheapest [convertible electric vehicle]()—is like the pug of the automotive world. It isn't very good at being a car but it's incredibly easy to love. The Chinese-market [Wuling ]()Mini EV Cabrio costs the equivalent of around $14,000, which would make it $15,000 cheaper than the [Mazda MX-5](), if it were sold in the U.S. For that $14,000, you get a fully electric convertible, with a power-folding roof, and ... well, that's about it. This new video from Wheelsboy breaks down the Wuling Mini and, despite being a pretty bad car, there's something incredibly charming about it. ![]() **Wheelsboy** ![]() **Wheelsboy** Under its adorable boxy styling lies a 26.5 kWh battery pack, which sends juice to a single, rear-mounted electric motor that makes 40 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque. So even though it isn't very heavy, being the size of a tic-tac and about as well-equipped, it's incredibly slow. Does it make up for its lack of speed with comfort? No. Inside, it's so basic that it's the only EV I've ever seen to have a physical key. The climate controls are physical, as is the handbrake, and the radio looks like it time traveled from 1999. It doesn't even have a trunk. Instead of a trunk lid, the rear cargo area is accessed from inside the cabin, by folding the seats down and unzipping a cover. In its defense, that's still more storage space than some Manhattan apartments. Driving the Wuling isn't about its creature comforts, though, it's about the experience. ![]() **How's that for trunk space?* | *Wheelsboy** Sadly, the experience isn't good, either. Its ride is said to be terrible, with its 12-inch wheels and bicycle-like tires, its steering is completely vague, and its interior sound insulation is about as bad as it gets. But even still, there's something fun and silly about it that overshadows its many downfalls. Wheelsboy host Ethan Robertson even says that it gets more attention than most sports cars, as people seem to gravitate to it. Why is the Wuling so charming, despite being objectively bad at everything a car is supposed to do? I'm not sure but there's something intangibly delightful about it and I desperately want to drive one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rms7apNh-0 *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()