News from March 2nd, ChangAn Automobile's world-first super extended-range pickup—ChangAn Hunter, has officially hit the market. It launches with 8 different models, with prices ranging from 139,900 to 216,900 Yuan. The company claims it to be the best pickup under 200,000 Yuan, bar none.
Unlike regular pickup trucks, the Changan Hunter stands out as the world's first super-range pickup. Its powertrain is the standout feature, consisting of the Blue Whale 2.0T engine and the R100G generator. The generator boasts an industry-leading maximum efficiency of 97%, addressing the issue of insufficient overall vehicle power during challenging road conditions such as heavily loaded ascents on long slopes for pickup trucks.
Traditional pickup truck models have high fuel consumption and average power in their gasoline versions. Hybrid models, despite being a combination of gasoline and electric power, do not qualify for purchase tax exemptions. Pure electric versions have low operating costs but face range anxiety issues, limiting their practicality. Plug-in hybrid pickup trucks offer a good driving experience but come with complex series-parallel structures, leading to higher failure rates and maintenance costs.
Only extended-range electric pickup trucks provide the best of both worlds, delivering an electric driving experience while maintaining a simple series structure. This results in lower maintenance costs, powerful performance, and overall lower combined operating expenses.
The Chang'an Hunter is equipped with the Blue Whale 2.0T super range-extender engine, which, at the same rotation speed, generates twice the electrical power compared to the industry's commonly used 1.5 range-extenders.
An official dataset from Chang'an indicates that, at 1750rpm, the Hunter's Blue Whale 2.0T range-extender generates an electrical power of 30kW, which is double the 15kW generated by other 1.5T range-extenders.
At a higher rotation speed of 3750rpm, the electrical power reaches an impressive 70kW, matching the power of domestic fast-charging stations and significantly surpassing models from certain brands.
The Changan Hunter introduces a groundbreaking dual-loop safety charging and discharging technology. The Blue Whale 2.0T range extender achieves a rated power generation of 20kW even at idle, essentially functioning as a mobile power station. With a full tank and battery, it can generate up to 227 kWh of electricity.
In outdoor settings, the discharge panel boasts a maximum power of 3.3kW. This capability allows for continuous usage of an electric drill for over 319 hours or an electromagnetic stove for an impressive 5 days. Essentially, it provides a worry-free power source for outdoor electricity needs, making it convenient for activities like continuous hot pot sessions for 5 days straight.
Under the hood, the Changan Hunter features a range-extender setup, equipped with a 2.0T Blue Whale range extender engine, delivering a maximum output of 140kW, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.
The rear-wheel drive model sports a 130kW electric motor mounted in the rear, while the all-wheel drive version combines a dual motor setup with 70kW and 130kW motors, achieving a peak torque of 470N·m and accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.9 seconds. This performance surpasses that of traditional 3.0T engine pickups, showcasing impressive power.
The vehicle is fitted with a 31.18kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a pure electric range of 180km and a combined range of 1031km under the CLTC cycle.
The Changan Hunter essentially provides owners with a versatile pickup truck that doubles as a mobile power station for outdoor activities, blending work and leisure seamlessly.
In everyday use, pickup trucks often encounter off-road conditions, and the Chang'an Hunter is equipped with three "differential locks," including front and rear axle electronic differential locks, as well as a central power lock. This ensures owners can get unstuck in extreme scenarios.
Moreover, the Hunter introduces a "one-touch power boost" mode, allowing the vehicle to efficiently recharge while carrying a load of 1 ton and climbing long distances with an altitude difference of over 2000 meters. This feature enables it to navigate all of the country's extreme driving conditions, thanks to the direct benefits of the Blue Whale 2.0T super range extender.
In terms of size, the Hunter comes in two variants: standard and extended. The standard model measures 5380x1930x1885mm with a wheelbase of 3180mm, while the extended model measures 5630x1930x1885mm with a wheelbase of 3430mm.
The cargo container is equipped with cargo barriers on the top, and the rear end can unfold in two stages. If only the upper section is unfolded, the tailgate can form a three-step ladder, making it easier and more efficient to load and unload goods from the cargo bed. This practical innovation adds significant usability to the pickup truck industry.
In terms of design, the front face of the Hunter adopts the UNI series, giving it a more youthful overall appearance. The interior features Changan's latest dual-screen design, contributing to a high level of technological sophistication. Despite being a pickup truck, the vehicle's refined aesthetics defy the typical expectations associated with pickups and lean more towards that of a passenger car. Perhaps, this exemplifies the essence of Changan's strategy for differentiation in the competitive market.
Moreover, the central control area includes a wireless charging setup for phones, with a vent designed below it to reduce the temperature during wireless charging, showcasing a keen attention to detail.
Like all pickup models, the space in the rear seats of the Chang'an Hunter does not proportionally match its 3.4-meter wheelbase. To leave enough length for the cargo bed, the rear seat space has not been intentionally enlarged and is comparable to that of an average mid-sized SUV, ensuring a comfortable ride for rear passengers.
Currently, there are no hybrid electric pickups available in the domestic market. The launch of the Chang'an Hunter will fill this gap. Compared to traditional fuel pickups, hybrid pickups offer unique advantages in terms of power, fuel efficiency, and the ability to charge or discharge electricity in the wild.
Furthermore, with a starting price of only 139,900 CNY, the Chang'an Hunter offers a competitive price-performance ratio even when compared to models like the Great Wall Cannon and the Shanhai Pickup. We are eager to see how the Chang'an Hunter will reshape the competitive landscape of the domestic pickup market upon its release.
