The Changan Hunter REEV is South Africa's first range-extended electric bakkie.
Image: Supplied
The Changan brand launches in South Africa this week, with the Alsvin sedan, CS75 Pro SUV, and Hunter bakkie spearheading the initial line-up, but the excitement does not end there.
Among other products, importer and distributor Jameel Motors South Africa also plans to enter the new energy vehicle space with the Deepal S07 electric crossover and the Hunter REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle).
The Hunter REEV is due to hit South African showrooms in early November, and while final pricing has yet to be announced, a source has told IOL that we can expect it to come in below the R800,000 mark.
This will be South Africa’s first range-extended electric bakkie, aiming to offer the best of both worlds thanks to a petrol-powered generator.
So how does it work? Two electric motors power all four wheels with a combined 200kW and 470Nm. The e-motors are fed by a 31.2 kWh LFP battery pack that allows an all-electric range of up to 145km on the CLTC cycle.
When that runs out, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine fires up to extend the range to around 1,000km, but it doesn’t power the wheels directly; instead, it serves as a generator for the two electric motors.
The REEV has a one-tonne payload.
Image: Supplied
“With electric four-wheel drive, it offers the capability and strength expected from a bakkie while leading the way into a sustainable future,” says Jameel Motors.
It’s also impressively brisk for a bakkie, with Changan claiming a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds. Though not in Raptor or BYD Shark territory, the REEV is certainly above average.
While the REEV shares its basic shape and architecture with the regular diesel-powered Hunter bakkie, it has unique exterior styling, including slim vertical headlights and a large frameless grille.
The cabin features upgraded materials and wraparound digital displays, including a 12.3-inch HD infotainment system.
The REEV has a unique dual-screen interior.
Image: Supplied
Features include wireless phone charging, a 540-degree panoramic camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning, among others. It also boasts a 3.3 kW power outlet in the load bed for running tools or camping equipment.
“The Hunter REEV is more than a new model, it’s a new category. It shows that electrification is not just for compact EVs or luxury sedans, but for the toughest, hardest-working vehicles on South African roads,” Jameel Motors SA said.
The Hunter REEV, as with its other Changan siblings, will be backed up by a five-year or 150,000km warranty.
IOL Motoring