Enter the PHEV War: Changan PH to launch BYD Sealion 6 rival
Changan to add another PHEV; but which one is it?
With the Philippines still very limited when it comes to our EV charging infrastructure, 2024 became the year when hybrids have made a major impact on the automotive market. That was also brought on by cutting import duties for HEVs and PHEVs to zero.
That became the precedent for the influx of full hybrids and plug-in hybrid vehicles from countries that do not have a free trade agreement that covers such vehicles. Think Japan, Germany, the UK, Italy, the USA, (until recently) South Korea, and (critically) China. That's why the prices of the BYD Sealion 6 and Seal 5 are as attractive as they are.
Of course, automotive brands will always try to one-up their competition by trying to offer a better alternative, and one of those brands is Changan. Last year, they announced the first plug-in hybrid pickup truck in the country with the Hunter EREV. For 2025, the brand that’s under Inchcape Philippines has set its sights on entering the plug-in hybrid crossover market.
A high-ranking executive of Changan Auto Philippines has shared with us that they will launch a PHEV crossover that will compete against the BYD Sealion 6. While the executive hasn’t mentioned a particular model, the said Changan PHEV crossover will have a bigger battery for a greater all-electric range. But more importantly, the sticker price will just be as competitive as the Sealion 6.
For now, that’s all the information we have. But of course, that allows us to make a few educated guesses after checking out what Changan has in its lineup that falls under those hints. With that in mind, three models popped up on our radar, and one of these could make its way to the Philippines.
Changan Nevo Q05
The first one that came up on our list is from the brand’s new energy vehicle sub-brand called Changan Nevo, and this particular one hits closer to home. The Changan Nevo Q05 shares a lot of similarities with the ICE-powered CS55 crossover, save for the less prominent grille in front and the electrified powertrain underneath.
Based on available information on the internet, the Changan Nevo Q05 combines a 1.5-liter engine and an electric motor to form the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The total system output is rated at around 215 PS while it makes a maximum torque of 330 Nm. In terms of the all-electric range, the Q05 can reach up to 95 km with its 18.4 kWh battery under WLTP conditions, while the total CLTC range is set at 1,150 to 1,215 km. In China, the Q05 retails for RMB 119,900 to RMB 149,900 (PHP 950,000 to 1,195,000) at the current exchange rates.
Changan Nevo Q07 / C798
Meanwhile, this other possible candidate is a yet-to-be-launched model from Changan. It’s called the Nevo Q07, and it’s essentially bigger than the CS55 and the Sealion 6 at 4.8 meters long with five seats inside. From the available photos, the Q07 does have a bigger perceived volume and looks more premium with its retractable door handles, blackened pillars, and a double-layered taillight unit.
Like the Q05, the Q07 combines a 1.5-liter engine and an electric motor for its PHEV powertrain but is offered with two LFP battery options from the CATL-Changan JV. The standard range version has a 21.5 kWh battery for 95 km of all-electric range, while the bigger 31.7 kWh battery option gives an all-electric range of about 165 km.
Based on a report from CarNewsChina, the Q07 will enter the Chinese market by early 2025 with a price tag of around RMB 200,000 (PHP 1.595M).
Changan UNI-Z
Last but not least is the Changan crossover from the brand’s UNI premium lineup – the UNI-Z. While the vehicle was launched in other markets as early as 2022, it’s only last year that Changan has put in a plug-in hybrid variant of the UNI-Z. At about 4.7 meters long, it’s the closest in size to the Sealion 6 and matches the premium level of creature comforts inside with large tablet screens and plenty of leather in the cabin.
The UNI-Z could be sharing the same PHEV powertrain as the Nevo Q05, making 215 PS and 330 Nm of torque paired to an E-CVT transmission. The 18.4 kWh LFP battery gives the UNI-Z an all-electric range of 95 km under WLTP conditions. In its home market, the Changan UNI-Z starts at RMB 117,900 (PHP 940,000).
Which one of these do you think will Changan PH launch? Let us know in the comments.
