Deepal enters PH with REEV tech, showcases at MIAS 2026
As interest in electric vehicles (EV) grows in the Philippines because of record-high fuel prices, a new challenger has arrived to make its mark on our shores.
Chinese new-energy-vehicle manufacturer Deepal held an exclusive industry preview last April 7 in Makati City, followed by its public launch on Thursday at the 2026 Manila International
Auto Show (MIAS). The premium brand is owned by Changan Automobile and was founded in 2008 as Changan New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd.
Among Deepal’s proprietary technologies is its Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) system, which is a plug-in-hybrid powertrain that simultaneously offers the environmentally friendly performance of an EV and the convenience of a gasoline car.
While Changan Auto in the Philippines is managed by multinational distributor Inchcape,
Deepal’s exclusive local distributor is the Autohub Group, which handles other prestigious marques like Lotus and MINI.
“There is no perfect time to launch Deepal here in the Philippines except now and there is no other time to launch REEV here in our country except today!” said Autohub Group president and recently appointed Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines president Willy Tee Ten in a speech at MIAS 2026.
“This is more than a brand launch – it is the start of a new era in mobility and beyond,” he added. “With Deepal, we are ready to deliver not just cars, but an experience – vehicles that are safe, intelligent, and designed for our roads and our lifestyle, built on innovation and smart technology.”
Deepal S05
Among the brand’s first models is the S05 compact crossover, which is available as an REEV or a full EV and uses a rear-mounted electric motor, thus making it rear-wheel drive (RWD).
Although final Philippine specifications have not been announced, the S05 REEV is available in other countries with a 1.5-liter, inline-4 gasoline engine mated to a 27.28-kWh LFP battery pack for a combined output of 215 horsepower. It has a WLTP battery range of 155 kilometers on a full charge and claimed, maximum, combined range of over 1,200 kilometers.
Meanwhile, the S05 BEV is available in other markets with a 56.12-kWh LFP battery pack for a combined output of 235 horsepower. Maximum CLTC range is 510 kilometers, while DC fast-charging allows it to go from 30 to 80 percent in 15 minutes.
Premium features in S05s sold in other countries include Huawei xPixel LED headlights, a 14-speaker surround-sound system and a 15.4-inch, 2.5K touchscreen infotainment system with a QualComm Snapdragon processor. The crossover also gets an active-safety suite with five high-definition cameras, five millimeter-wave radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
The S05 BEV is priced at P1,588,000 and takes on the likes of the BYD ATTO 3. Meanwhile, the S05 REEV costs P1,688,000 and competes directly with plug-in crossovers like the best-selling BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.
Deepal G318 REEV
For those who want a more adventure-oriented Deepal, there’s the G318 REEV midsize sport-utility vehicle (SUV).
Final Philippine specifications are not yet available, but the G318 REEV in other markets uses a turbocharged, 1.5-liter, inline-4 gasoline engine mated to either an 18.4-kWh or a 35.1-kWh battery pack. Combined output in the RWD version is 248 horsepower, while the all-wheel-drive, dual-motor version produces 424 horsepower.
Priced at P2,600,000, this five-seater, unibody SUV takes on similar vehicles like the Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM.
Deepal S07
Also on display at Deepal’s MIAS 2026 booth is the upcoming S07 midsize crossover, which is available as an REEV or EV with a rear-mounted electric motor.
In other countries, the S07 REEV has a 235-horsepower motor, a 95-horsepower gasoline range extender and a 39.05-kWh battery pack that allow for a battery-only range of up to 285 kilometers.
Meanwhile, the S07 EV is available in standard-range form with a maximum CLTC range of 520 kilometers on a full charge or a long-range variant has a maximum CLTC range of 620 kilometers.
‘Touch the Future’
MIAS 2026 visitors can check out the Deepal Philippines lineup at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from April 9 to 12.
Changan Auto Southeast Asia vice president Guan Xin said in a speech at the show that Deepal’s arrival in the Philippines was not simply a launch, but a statement on the future of mobility, guided by its philosophy ‘Touch the Future.’
“Deepal is not just a new brand entering the market,” he said. “It is a brand built on advanced technology, bold design, and a clear vision – to create smarter, cleaner, and more exciting mobility for the next generation.”
“Bringing Deepal to the Philippines is a major milestone for us,” Xin added. “And to every Filipino customer who is ready for the future – today, we introduce a brand that is designed to inspire you, built to empower you, and ready to move forward with you.”
