Author: Xie Ruxin
On the evening of July 25th, Changan’s new energy brand – Deep Blue, released the price of its first model SL03. The extended version is priced at 168,900 yuan, the pure electric version is priced at 183,900 and 215,900 yuan, and the hydrogen-powered version is priced at 699,900 yuan.
Before discussing whether the SL03’s price is attractive enough, it is necessary to reiterate its core selling point – rear-wheel drive, 0-100km/h acceleration of 5.9 seconds, front-to-rear weight ratio of 50:50.
Rear-wheel drive is not difficult for an electric car, but there are not many choices for rear-wheel drive electric cars in this price range. Because the SL03 is built on the new EPA1 pure electric platform, its highly integrated electric drive system achieves a 10% weight reduction, a 37% increase in power density, and a 5% increase in efficiency, which minimizes the impact of a rear-wheel drive layout on interior space. After all, its size is not overly large, with dimensions of 4820/1890/1480mm and a wheelbase of 2900mm.
More importantly, the front-to-rear weight ratio of the SL03 is 50:50, which is the weight ratio of classic sports cars. Furthermore, it uses a multi-link independent suspension system with a rear H-arm, which has handling close to a double-wishbone suspension, while also being better able to balance comfort, as seen in some sports cars. These hardware conditions mean that the SL03 can better leverage the advantages of rear-wheel drive layout.
As for the 5.9 second acceleration time, given Changan’s reputation, there is no need to say more. Considering that the SL03 is rear-wheel drive and electric, and its maximum power of 190kW is already approaching Tesla Model 3 Standard Version, the acceleration performance should be guaranteed.
By now, it can be said that the price of the SL03 is really attractive. Qualities such as being rear-wheel drive, having a 5.9 second zero to sixty time, and a 50:50 weight distribution were once traits that cost a lot of money to obtain. Today, Changan is offering them at a much lower price to more consumers, which is like a dream come true. Not to mention its stylish elements such as the sloping roof, liftback tailgate, and frameless doors.
Aside from the advantages mentioned above, the SL03 also has a unique feature that sets it apart from other cars, which is its range-extending hybrid system. Try searching for range-extending hybrid models priced below 200,000 CNY on major car websites and see how many results you can find. One advantage of a range-extending hybrid is that it can use both gasoline and electricity, which eliminates range anxiety and reduces the dependence on charging stations. At the same time, it ensures lower travel costs. Although plug-in hybrids have similar benefits, most plug-in hybrids in this price range are family SUVs, which are obviously different from the SL03 rear-wheel drive sedan.
Let’s take a closer look at the specs. The SL03 range-extending version has a maximum motor power of 160 kW, a maximum torque of 320 Nm, and a zero to sixty time of 7.5 seconds. It is equipped with a 28.39 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that can be fast charged to 80% in 0.5 hours. Under the Chinese Light-duty Test Cycle (CLTC), the pure electric range is 200 km, and the total range is 1200 km. Its range extender uses a 1.5L Atkinson cycle engine (which can run on 92 octane gasoline) with a maximum horsepower of 95 PS. It can generate about 3.3 kWh of electricity from 1L of fuel. When operating as a generator, fuel consumption is 4.5 L/100 km.
Based on practical experience, the SL03 range-extending version has a good power experience, with abundant power and quick response. Also, the sound is relatively low when the range extender starts (much better than the similar range-extending hybrid Idean ONE). However, because the previous test drive was not comprehensive enough, we cannot draw a final conclusion about the adequacy of its power matching yet. We will do a more comprehensive test of the SL03 range-extending version when the opportunity arises, so stay tuned.
The SL03 pure electric version is equipped with 160 kW and 190 kW motors, both with a peak torque of 320 Nm. Battery capacity is available in two options: 58.1 kWh and 79.97 kWh (both are ternary lithium batteries). The CLTC comprehensive range is 515 km and 705 km, respectively.
It is worth noting that the 515km range version has a power output of 190kW, accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, and has a price of 183,900 yuan. On the other hand, the 705km range version has a power output of 160kW, accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds, and has a price of 215,900 yuan. That is to say, the faster accelerating version is cheaper, and this configuration and pricing is not common. If it is possible to add a 160kW motor to the 515km version with a price lower than 183,900 yuan, and increase the power output to 190kW in the 705km version with a slightly higher price, the coverage will be more extensive.
In terms of performance, the pure electric SL03 may not have an advantage over the BYD Dolphin, but its price is lower, and the cost-effectiveness may become an important factor for choosing it.
As for the hydrogen-powered version, the SL03 is equipped with a 160kW motor and 28.39kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which can have a comprehensive operating range of 730km and can complete hydrogen fuel replenishment in 3 minutes. The core components of the entire system are 100% domestically sourced, and the hydrogen-electric conversion efficiency of the system is greater than 60%. One kilogram of hydrogen can generate 20.5 kWh of electricity, and the hydrogen consumption rate is less than 0.65kg/100km (CLTC condition). Calculated at a hydrogen price of 25 yuan/kg, the cost of driving one kilometer is lower than 0.2 yuan. However, the hydrogen-powered version is expensive, and it should not be considered by ordinary consumers. Its appearance is more to showcase Changan’s technological strength.
In terms of configuration, each version is almost fully loaded, and details are not introduced. The 8155 chip is standard, and the popular sunflower central control screen is also standard. Level 2 driving assistance is standard, and higher-level driving assistance hardware and software require an additional fee, similar to Tesla’s FSD, but the extended range version does not currently support this option. The 19-inch star-shaped closed wheel rim is standard, and the same size sports wheel rim and high-performance Bridgestone tires are optional. The 14-speaker SONY sound system and AR-HUD head-up display system are standard on the pure electric version, and are optional on the extended range version. However, the extended range version has a V2V fast charging function, which means that it can charge other cars, while the pure electric version only has V2L discharging.
For users who pre-order before the listing and complete the booking within 30 days of listing, Changan Shenlan has launched a number of exclusive benefits. Please refer to the following figure for details.
At the press conference, Changan Shenlan revealed that there will be multiple models launched in the future, covering compact to mid-to-large-sized cars. According to the official data released by Changan Shenlan, the booking volume of SL03 exceeded 10,000 units in just 33 minutes after its listing, indicating that SL03 has achieved initial success and that Changan Shenlan, as a brand-new car brand, has taken the first step on a promising road.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.