Deepal, a new Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is preparing to enter the Australian market with its S07 electric SUV, marking another entrant in the increasingly competitive EV space.
Deepal, a subsidiary of Chinese automotive giant Changan, is set to launch its S07 electric SUV in Australia by late 2024 or early 2025. This move represents yet another Chinese brand entering the Australian automotive market with a focus on electric vehicles.
Design and Dimensions
The Deepal S07 is a mid-size SUV, positioning itself as a competitor to popular models like the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3. While specific dimensions aren't provided, the S07 is described as having a sleek, modern design typical of contemporary electric SUVs.
Powertrain Innovation
The S07 will be available in two powertrain configurations:
- A single-motor rear-wheel drive variant with 250kW of power.
- A dual-motor all-wheel drive version producing 430kW.
Both variants will feature a 98kWh battery pack, with the rear-wheel drive model claiming a range of up to 620km on China's CLTC test cycle.
Performance and Weight
Performance figures for the S07 are impressive:
- The rear-wheel drive model can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
- The all-wheel drive variant achieves the same sprint in just 3.7 seconds.
Exact weight figures are not mentioned, but as an electric SUV, it's likely to be relatively heavy due to the large battery pack.
Vision
Deepal's entry into the Australian market aligns with the brand's vision to expand globally and capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles. The company aims to position itself as a premium alternative to existing Chinese EV brands in Australia.
Future Implications
The introduction of the S07 could further intensify competition in Australia's electric SUV market, potentially driving down prices and accelerating EV adoption. It may also pave the way for more Deepal models to enter the Australian market in the future.
Industry Context
Deepal's arrival comes as Chinese EV brands are rapidly expanding their presence in Australia. This trend is reshaping the automotive landscape, challenging established players and offering consumers more affordable electric vehicle options.
While exact pricing for the Australian market hasn't been announced, the S07 is expected to be competitively priced. In China, it starts from the equivalent of AUD $45,000, suggesting it could offer a compelling value proposition in the Australian market. The S07's launch will be closely watched as another indicator of the growing influence of Chinese EV manufacturers in the global automotive industry.
