China Has A Category Of Cars Called Minicars And They Are Simply Amazing - The Autopian
China Has A Category Of Cars Called Minicars And They Are Simply Amazing - The Autopian
China’s automotive landscape is buzzing with innovation, and minicars are leading the charge. Unlike Japan’s Kei cars, which follow a strict formula that restricts engine size and dimensions, Chinese minicars have no fixed definition. Generally, the max length is about 11 feet. Most are three-door h...
I've been living in China for 7 years and am currently here for the New Year celebrations, and yeah those things are everywhere and they are quite versatile. Best thing is, if they block the road you can push it away single handedly, or even carry it over obstacles with 2-3 people.
They are roadworthy, but wouldn't ever survive an actual crash; but that's not what they are meant for. With top speeds of maybe 35 kmh (22 mph) they are really just intended for short commutes, and may even drive in bike lanes. So there's next to no risk of them getting involved into anything serious.
To bad we will never see these in the states.
Unless you introduce another vehicle class that doesn't require the same comprehensive crash tests as a regular car. In China bicycles were the number one means of transport until like 20 years ago, so there were bike lanes in abundance, that have then been converted to e-bike lanes, usually with a divider to both the main road and sidewalk. Opening those up for those small cars was easy enough, so traffic flows pretty neatly. That is, totally chaotic, but without different vehicle types obstructing one another unless for major intersections.
The article talkes about top speeds of 75 mph, so 120 kmh.
Would love to see these cars rated by ANCAP / NCAP
That will be a zero rating. They're basically bicycles with weather protection.
No I'm not being literal