Young Deepal brand officially debuts in the PH
Deepal, a premium electrified vehicle brand under Changan, has officially debuted in the country.
Through its exclusive distributor, Autohub Group, the young brand is bringing in range-extended (REEV) and battery-electric (BEV) models, including the S05 SUV, S07 SUV, and the G318 off-road SUV.
This newest entry aspires to bolster the competition in the local electrified vehicle segment by offering SUV options that combine range-extended technology for cleaner mobility.
“Today, we’re launching the Deepal brand to the Philippine market. Deepal is very popular for the range extended electric vehicles (REEVs), which, for me, is one of the reasons why we applied for the distributorship,” Autohub Group president, Willy Tee Ten, said during an interview with Inquirer Motoring.
“We believe that REEV is the next best thing, or the nearest to a BEV, or a full hybrid now.”
REEV for real
According to sources, Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) is an electric vehicle where the wheels are powered exclusively by electric motors, while a small internal combustion engine acts solely as a generator to recharge the battery.
Unlike plug-in hybrids, the engine in a REEV has no mechanical connection to the wheels.
This then offers smooth, quiet, and responsive acceleration of a traditional BEV, eliminating range anxiety” by allowing refueling at petrol stations when the battery is low, providing long-distance capability (often 900+ km).
This, however, is still charged, like PHEVs.
Initial lineup
Autohub Group is bringing in its initial lineup of the flagship Deepal S05, compact SUV, the S07 midsized SUV and the G318, off-road focused REEV SUV.
These vehicles feature advanced technology, including Huawei’s Harmony OS, smart cabin features, and high-tech safety systems.
The Deepal S05 was globally launched in late 2024 and is designed for urban maneuverability with a high-resolution 15.4-inch touchscreen and 53-inch AR Head-Up Display. Meanwhile, the S07 is known for its futuristic Italian-designed exterior and a range of approximately 475–485 km (WLTP).
The young Deepal brand was launched in 2023 under the arm of Changan Auto, which has been manufacturing vehicles for over 40 years already.
Deepal has already expanded rapidly to global markets including Thailand, Australia, Pakistan, Singapore, and Europe.
The brand will make is major public appearance at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, slated from April 9 to 12, 2026.
