As the penetration of new energy vehicles continues to rise, major automotive manufacturers are accelerating their transition. This trend is particularly evident in the commercial vehicle market, including pickup trucks, where electric, hybrid, extended-range, and hydrogen-powered options are flourishing.
On March 1st, Changan Pickup Truck took the lead in mass-producing the world's first super extended-range pickup truck—Changan Hunter.
This vehicle just hit the market on March 1st. How does its performance stack up?
In terms of appearance, the overall style of the Changan Hunter is youthful and stylish. The design of the front face is quite similar to the UNI series, giving it a high level of recognition. Inside the car, it adopts the popular dual-screen design from the Changan passenger car family.
If you were to sit inside the car for the first time, many people wouldn't believe it's the interior of a pickup truck.
In terms of cargo box size, the Changan Hunter offers two options: standard and long bed.
The standard version measures 5380/1980/1875mm in length, width, and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 3180mm. The long bed version measures 5630/1930/1885mm in length, width, and height respectively, with an even longer wheelbase reaching 3430mm.
There are two different sizes available to meet various needs and purposes.
There's a bold idea here: with the legal trend of "adding a cover" to pickups for urban use, the long-bed version could even serve as a platform for converting into a camper, catering to both daily use and holiday getaways.
As an extended-range pickup, power performance is undoubtedly the focus of attention for many.
According to official data, the powertrain combination of the Changan Hunter pickup performs very impressively. Under CLTC conditions, the comprehensive range can exceed 1000 kilometers in pure mode, with an electric range of up to 180 kilometers.
In terms of transmission, the Changan Hunter offers two variants: two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), with one electric motor each for the front axle and rear axle.
Regarding fuel efficiency, the 2WD version of the Changan Hunter has a fuel consumption rate of 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers, while the 4WD version consumes 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Even for a pickup truck with a length of 5 meters, these fuel consumption figures are impressively low, especially considering they are electrically assisted.
The most anticipated model is the dual-motor 4WD variant, equipped with "three locks," boasting off-road performance comparable to fuel-powered pickups. Compared to traditional mechanical differential locks, electronic differential locks allow for seamless switching between 2WD and 4WD modes while driving.
For avid outdoor enthusiasts, the Changan Hunter is a great fit.
Especially with its towing capacity of 2.5 tons, it offers limitless possibilities for various outdoor activities. Whether it's transporting camping gear or fishing equipment, or towing a yacht or RV, it provides a mobile home in various outdoor environments.
Compared to fuel consumption, I'm particularly impressed with the quietness of this extended-range pickup.
Thanks to its extended-range technology, the vehicle is driven by an electric motor, resulting in smoother output. The engine is only responsible for generating electricity, making it quieter and less vibrating compared to traditional fuel-powered pickups.
Additionally, the Changan Hunter also features external power discharge capability, supporting dual 220V sockets with a 3.3kW output.
Compared to typical electric pickup truck models, its advantage lies in its convenience of use. Even when the battery is depleted, the engine can be immediately started to provide supplementary power.
In conclusion, the market for extended-range pickup trucks in China is still in its early stages. Changan Hunter's pioneering mass production has undoubtedly seized the market opportunity, marking the inaugural year of new energy pickups with a bold move.
Compared to equivalent fuel-powered pickups, the Changan Hunter offers smoother driving, enhanced comfort, and greater fuel efficiency. Compared to electric pickup trucks in the same category, the Changan Hunter eliminates concerns about battery life, range anxiety, and travel anxiety. It boasts stronger practicality and versatility, lower purchasing costs, and is poised to perform well in the market ahead.
