Changan has launched the world's first range-extender pickup truck, the Changan Hunter, in the Chinese market

Changan has launched an extended-range pickup called Hunter in the Chinese market, which is the first in the world to use extended-range drive. Let's see how this pickup does.

Pickup trucks used to be dominated by diesel engines, and then turbocharged diesel engines and gasoline engines. In the new energy era, some manufacturers have done pure electric drive, but for pickup trucks with work car attributes, it limits many trips and the scope of use. Therefore, the extended-range drive form can guarantee fuel economy, but also provide more power, and most importantly, no range anxiety.

On March 1, 2024, Changan officially released the Hunter in China, offering eight models with two-wheel and four-wheel drive, priced from ¥139,900-216,900 (approximately 696,000-1,079,000 Thai Baht).

What makes the Changan Hunter noteworthy?

The Hunter is equipped with a 2.0T Blue Whale range extender, electric motor, and battery, forming a range-extended hybrid system. The 2.0T range extender boasts a maximum power of 190 horsepower, while the two-wheel-drive variant features a 130 kW rear-mounted electric motor. The four-wheel-drive model employs a dual-motor setup of 70 kW and 130 kW, with a peak torque of 470 Nm and an acceleration time of 7.9 seconds per hundred kilometers.

In comparison to models using 1.5T engines as range extenders, Hunter's powerful 2.0T range extender provides ample energy output and supports charging as low as 8% and below. Additionally, the Hunter introduces an industry-first one-key power injection mode for effortless tackling of loaded uphill conditions.

In terms of range, the Changan Hunter achieves 131 kilometers in pure electric range (NEDC) and surpasses 1000 kilometers in comprehensive range. With a CLTC combined fuel consumption of 1.3L/100km, the vehicle offers efficient energy usage. Additionally, it features a 3.3 kW external power discharge function, an integrated 220V plug, and a maximum reserve of 227-degree electricity. This allows practical use of 2000W appliances for over 100 hours, catering to diverse driving scenarios.

Additionally, the battery pack features five major safety protections, including a "cage-type" battery crash structure, all-weather thermal management temperature control technology, and high-security zero-heat diffusion.

The Changan Hunter offers both standard and optional extended cargo beds. The standard cargo bed measures 1600×1595×500mm, while the extended version is 1850×1595×500mm. The maximum rated payload capacity is 495 kilograms, and the dual-motor four-wheel-drive model is qualified for towing up to 2500 kilograms. Consideration for the optional extended cargo bed allows for increased load capacity. Additionally, the tailgate features a slow lowering function and a segmented opening footstep,which can enhance practicality.

In terms of exterior, the Changan Hunter adopts the latest family-oriented design with a borderless grille featuring a matrix-style decoration. Paired with sharp headlights on either side, it presents a refined and stylish visual effect that's hard to associate with a pickup. However, the robust front bumper accentuates a rugged style, cleverly merging fashion and toughness, breaking away from traditional pickup design concepts and delivering a completely fresh visual experience.

In terms of body color options, the Changan Hunter offers consumers a choice of eight colors, including vibrant options like Magnetic Blue, Bordeaux Red, and Samoa Orange.

The vehicle's side profile incorporates fashionable elements, featuring distinctly sporty wheel rims for a more dynamic appearance. However, I believe equipping it with contemporary concealed door handles would better align with the electric pickup's positioning and possibly generate more discussion. Nevertheless, the absence of this feature might stem from practical considerations. Additionally, the new model comes equipped with foot pedals and a luggage rack.

The rear design is more conventional. It did not continue the exquisite design style of the front face, but returned to the rough and hard style of the traditional pickup truck, which is very consistent with the positioning of its pickup truck and practical. At the same time, the tail door is equipped with the pinyin letter "CHANGAN" logo.

Entering the cabin, it's hard to imagine this as a pickup. The overall layout boasts a simple, stylish design with a strong home-like atmosphere. Equipped with dual screens, a flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and a full-width air vent, the interior exudes a sense of modernity. However, the inclusion of a column-mounted shifter in the Changan Hunter seems somewhat illogical, elevating the tech ambiance to new heights.

The Changan Hunter features a dual-screen design, with the main high-definition central touchscreen measuring 12.3 inches. This central display incorporates functions such as vehicle connectivity, navigation, and voice control. Additionally, popular applications like Kugou Music and Himalaya are also pre-installed as convenient mini-programs.

The seats are upholstered in beige synthetic leather that provides excellent support. The driver's seat features 6-way power adjustment, while the passenger seat has 4-way power adjustment. Both seats offer heating functionality. The rear seats have relatively upright backrests, but the cushions can be folded against them, revealing two small storage compartments.

Why does Changan launch such a range extender pickup truck?

Chen Weijie, general manager of Changan Kaicheng and CEO of Changan Pickup Brand Division, previously said in an interview with the media: Super extended range power may be the optimal solution to the new energy technology route of pickup trucks, and the use scenario of pickup truck users is very rich. The general driving route will not be relatively fixed, unlike many cities that are commuting to and from work in the city, relatively fixed, charging is also very convenient

Pickups often traverse both urban and rural areas, posing inevitable challenges such as range anxiety, terrain adaptability, and recharging convenience. Range-extenders offer driving experiences similar to pure electric vehicles while providing convenient recharging solutions, making them the optimal choice. With diesel becoming obsolete in the future, user demands are shifting towards new energy technologies, particularly with range-extended solutions effectively addressing user pain points.

Regarding the use of the 2.0T Blue Whale powerplant as a range extender, Chen Weijie stated: "Pickups often require sustained uphill climbs, and with our setup, we achieve rapid recharging. The charging power in feed-in mode is also at the forefront of the industry." He conducted a personal experiment, driving uphill continuously in feed-in mode, noting that the battery level remained stable, with the engine rapidly recharging. This aligns well with the needs of pickup truck users.

Changan not only offers range-extended pickups but also has an all-electric product, the Changan Explorer EV, priced at 279,900 RMB. Positioned as a pure electric pickup, it features a rear single motor with a maximum output power of 130 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm. Equipped with a 65.17 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, the Explorer EV achieves a CLTC cycle pure electric range of 405 km.

(Author: Kevin Wong)