Deepal G318 on the horizon as potential EV rival to Toyota Prado, Ford Everest
Range-extender hybrid system could provide an electrified alternative for those wanting to go bushThe Ford Everest and Toyota Prado could soon have some electrified competition in the form of the Deepal G318.
Newcomer Chinese brand Deepal has confirmed it is considering bringing the distinctively styled range-extender hybrid Down Under as a fuel-sipping EV alternative to the diesels that dominate in the large SUV space.
The G318 is a large five-seat SUV powered by up to two electric motors but has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine acting as a generator to create electricity and extend the range for longer journeys.
Its 35kWh battery would provide upwards of 100km of EV range while the petrol engine extends that to more than 1000km of claimed range.
That would allow owners to drive daily on electricity before reverting to petrol for longer journeys.
“A product in that segment with a range-extender EV opportunity could be exciting,” said Cormac Cafolla, Deepal Australia general manager.
“We’ll definitely do some deep analysis with the Deepal team to understand the opportunity.”
As the popularity of hybrid vehicles continues to rise, the G318’s range-extender EV technology could offer a tempting alternative in the 4WD segment.
It would also provide an electrified alternative to off-road rivals such as the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, which dominate the off-road SUV segment with diesel propulsion.
Deepal says the G318 is currently only available in left-hand drive but that it would only take “12 to 15 months” to engineer it for right-hand drive.
That means it could be on Australian roads as soon as 2026 – if that all-important business case can be made.
Cafolla says the vehicle could be a strong contender in the Australian market, although investing in right-hand drive manufacturing would require commitment from other markets.
“It comes down to the opportunity within the market, both in Australia and other right-hand drive markets,” he said.
While Toyota has promised electrified versions of its Prado and LandCruiser by 2030 – either hybrid, plug-in hybrid, range extender, hydrogen fuel cell or full electric – there’s currently little in the space offering eco alternatives.
GWM’s Tank 500 is one, although its hybrid system is more focussed on performance over fuel saving.
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