New chapter for electric vehicles: Changan introduces first REEV in Indonesia

The development of electric vehicles in Indonesia is no longer limited to a single type of technology. If the domestic electrified vehicle market was previously dominated by BEVs (battery electric vehicles) or pure electric vehicles whose entire power comes from the battery, another option is now emerging in the form of REEV (range extended electric vehicle), an electric vehicle equipped with a small-capacity petrol engine that functions not to drive the wheels, but as a generator to recharge the battery. “The presence of two variants of the Deepal S05 with different technologies reflects Changan’s commitment to presenting more diverse electrification solutions that are relevant to the needs of Indonesian consumers,” said Changan Indonesia CEO Setiawan Surya. Simply put, a REEV can be understood as an electric vehicle that carries its own energy reserve. The electric motor remains the sole driver of the wheels, whilst the petrol engine inside only powers a generator to recharge the battery when power begins to run low, especially during long-distance journeys. This approach differs from conventional hybrid vehicles, as the petrol engine in a REEV is not directly connected to the wheels. This technology is one answer to the common concerns of prospective electric vehicle users regarding the limitations of charging infrastructure when travelling far, without having to fully rely on conventional engines like ordinary fossil fuel vehicles. Changan, a global automotive brand marketed in Indonesia by the Indomobil Group, is one of the manufacturers presenting this technology choice. Changan introduced the Deepal S05 as the first SUV or sport utility vehicle in Indonesia to offer two electrification technology choices at once in a single model, namely BEV and REEV. The Deepal S05 REEV was first introduced last April as the first REEV technology vehicle to officially enter the Indonesian market, before the pre-booking period for both variants was officially opened on Tuesday (30/6). From a technical perspective, the difference between the two Deepal S05 variants lies in their propulsion energy source. The BEV variant relies on a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a capacity of 56.12 kWh, offering a range of up to 470 kilometres based on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) testing standard. Meanwhile, the REEV variant combines a smaller capacity battery of 27.28 kWh with a 1,500 cc petrol engine that functions as a generator, thus delivering a combined range of more than 1,100 kilometres, with a pure electric mode range reaching 170 kilometres.