During this year’s Manila International Auto Show or MIAS, Changan Philippines, through its official local distributor, Inchcape Philippines, showcased its new electrified (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) models available in the market today. The centerpiece in its booth is the Changan Nevo lineup, featuring the Nevo Q05 PHEV compact SUV and the Nevo Hunter K50 Range-Extended hybrid EV pickup.
Changan backed up these models with a chronicle of its 160-year history as one of China’s well-established carmakers, expanding its research and development collaborations to regions such as Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Today, Changan shares that it has “set a new standard” with the creation of its EV and PHEV models that, it says, record the longest range in class. These include the Q05 and the Hunter K50.
Starting with the Q05, Changan claims that the compact PHEV SUV came out on top, posting a full EV mode range data of 115 kms and total range of up to 1,215 kms as per the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). This is achieved, in part, via its 18.4 KW/h battery pack. To compare, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i PHEV compact SUV records a full EV mode range of 105 kms (NEDC record) with a combined driving range of 1,100 kms, thanks to its 18.3 KW/h battery.
The difference is relatively small and, for the most part, negligible. But for those who are critical of numbers, it’s something to consider.
As for the Changan Hunter K50, it’s claimed to have registered a full EV mode range of 131 kms and a total driving range of 1,031 kms based on NEDC. This is thanks to its 31.18 KW/h battery. Like the Q05, Changan didn’t cite a comparison to benchmark these numbers on, but in the Philippines, the Hunter K50’s closest rival is the BYD Shark 6 DMO, also a hybrid pickup.
The Shark posted an NEDC full EV mode range of 100 kms and a total driving range of 800 kms, figures attained with help from its 29.6 KW/h battery pack. The Hunter vs. Shark figures suggest that the former does excel over the latter. Though the margin is noticeably wider, it ultimately goes down to consumer preferences as to which model fits best for the need.
The Changan Nevo Q05 is retailed at P1,259,000 for the SE variant and P1,449,000 for the iD variant. It features PHEV, BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), REV (Range-Extended Vehicle), and iEM (intelligent Energy Management) drive modes. Movement is via a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a range extending electric motor, coupled to a dedicated hybrid transmission of DHT. This powertrain is rated at 212 hp and 330 Nm of torque.
Across the range, the Changan Nevo Q05 comes with safety and convenience features such as 360-degree camera, auto emergency braking with dynamic brake control, panoramic sunroof, park assist, among others.
On the other hand, Changan Philippines offers the Nevo Hunter K50 at P1,699,000 for the 4×2 version and P1,970,000 for the 4×4 variant. It goes with a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine that serves as a range extender. The 4×2 gets a single electric motor, while the 4×4 has two. As a result, the former produces 174 hp with 320 Nm torque, while the latter makes 268 hp with 470 Nm torque.
It comes fitted with 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker audio, 540-degree panoramic camera, speed limit reminder, among others. But its notable equipment is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) which is essentially an onboard power supply for various electric devices of up to 3.3 Kw. This feature can provide power for around 100 hours via two 220-volt sockets.
