South Africa is set to debut the world’s first range-extended electric pickup, the Changan Hunter REEV, in early November.
A range-extended electric vehicle, or REEV, is an electric car or truck that runs primarily on electricity but includes a small internal combustion engine that functions as a generator to recharge the battery when it runs low.
Unlike traditional hybrids, where the engine directly powers the wheels, in a range-extended EV the engine’s only role is to extend the driving range by producing electricity.
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Developed by Changan South Africa, the Hunter REEV combines a 31.2 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol generator, offering 145 km of pure-electric range and up to 1,000 km total range once the generator activates.
It delivers 200 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque while reducing fuel dependency. Changan described the launch as a “reimagining of the pickup for the future,” according to Business Tech.
The model features LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, digital displays, wireless charging, and over-the-air software updates.
“This vehicle shows that electric and hybrid technology can also serve the toughest, hardest-working vehicles on South African roads,” the company said.
All models will come with a five-year or 150,000 km warranty, with pricing to be announced at launch.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
