Deepal S07 EREV firms as BYD Sealion 6 rival

The inbound Deepal S07 could soon be offered with a BYD-baiting plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, following the November release of the initial battery-electric versions.

Speaking to carsales earlier this month, Deepal Australia general manager Cormac Cafolla acknowledged the growing popularity of plug-in hybrids and rampant success of cars like the BYD Sealion 6, and said the local operation was already considering introducing range-extender hybrids alongside its EVs.

“We think the range-extender could have a great potential for the Australian consumer, those who like to do that longer drive,” he said.

When asked specifically which models would or could feature range-extender powertrains, the local GM refused to reveal what the Changan-owned brand was planning.

“We will explore all the different powertrain opportunities that the brand can offer and, at the right time, bring them to Australia.”

Cafolla also refused to announce any timings for the new hybrid Deepals, but since the hybrid versions of the S07 are already on sale in China, the new variants could be only a matter of months away.

The S07 EREV and features a 1.5-litre (70KW) petrol engine and either a 175kW or 190kW, however there’s also a choice of three batteries for the range-extender that sees it cover 125km, 215km or 285km on EV power alone on China’s CLTC test cycle.

Combined with a full tank of fuel, the long-range versions are said to capable of more than 1200km on a full fuel load.

- With Feann Torr

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