Dongfeng EVs coming to Australia

Chinese brand Dongfeng Sokon (DFSK) is set to launch at least two battery electric vehicles onto the Australian market.

And, if that’s not a surprise, consider the start-up is not heading down the traditional dealer route. Instead, local representative, EV Automotive, Pty Ltd says the cars will be sold to order via retail shopfronts within shopping centres.

The first two DFSK models earmarked for sale in Australia are the EC35 van and Glory E3 compact SUV.

A left-hand drive example of the latter Qashqai-sized SUV will be previewed at Chatswood Shopping Centre on Sydney’s (NSW) North Shore from October 14-24, before the brand’s “soft launch” at the AEVA Sydney Electric Vehicle Expo at the Sydney Showgrounds later in the month.

The DFSK vehicles use components from brands including Bosch, Valeo, Webasto and Delphi and EV Automotive says they “pass all the safety and engineering certifications required for import to their destination countries”.

EV Automotive boss, David Potter has a long history in heavy vehicle importation and sales including machinery from Japan and China.

Potter said his initial plans were to bring electric trucks to Australia. However, post discussions with DFSK, he established EV Automotive to import the Chinese company’s passenger car and light commercial models to Australia and other Oceania markets.

According to Potter, EV Automotive expect to have right-hand drive versions of the EC35 and Glory E3 ready for an on sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2020.

“We’re working through finalising ADR testing at the moment. Frontal impact testing is still to be done, but the first quarter is our target,” Potter told carsales.

Potter confirmed the start-up would sell via shopfronts.

“I would refer to as the Tesla principle… As far as having yards with 50 or 60 cars out the front, we won’t be doing that,” he said.

EV Automotive says negotiations are in progress with two “national service providers” for provision of ongoing servicing and warranty operations.

“Each of the providers has over 150 service outlets across Australia enabling EV Automotive to offer nationwide coverage from the very first delivery,” the company said.

The EC35 is described as “HiAce sized” with a payload of just over 1000kg. It is equipped with a 41.4kWh battery which EV Automotive says it delivers a range of 290km “semi laden”. Power and torque figures are 60kW/200Nm and a “quick charge” time from 20-80% in 30 minutes is claimed.

The Glory E3 rides on a 2655mm wheelbase and presents as a conventional two-row compact SUV. By way of comparison, Nissan’s Qashqai has a 9mm shorter wheelbase but is 9mm longer overall. The Glory is taller (55mm) and wider (44mm) than the Nissan.

The Glory’s powertrain has a claimed output of 120kW and 300Nm and its 52.5kwh battery delivers a claimed range of 405km. Fast charge time match the EC35, although no detail is given on the charging power required to achieve the 30 minute top-up time.

The DFSK pair will be offered with a two-year road side assistance package as part of their aftersales offering.