Changan unveils the 2024 Hunter EREV in China

Extended Range Electric Vehicles are a sort of compromise between the world of electric vehicles and internal combustion engines. It gives the owner the security of fuel stations and the reliability of an engine while providing the power and eco-friendliness of electric vehicles. Because the electric motors run the vehicle while the engine keeps the batteries topped up, EREV vehicles or series hybrids alleviate the fear motorists have of EVs, which is range anxiety.

This type of tech has been fitted to numerous cars over the years, a prime example for our case is the Nissan Kicks e-POWER crossover. However, nobody has thought of using this type of powertrain to power, let’s say, a pickup truck — until now.

Hailing from China is the 2024 Changan Hunter EREV, like the Nissan Kicks e-POWER it employs a series hybrid powertrain, electricity provides the push while fuel provides the juice. In China, the Hunter is available with two powertrain options, one with a single rear electric motor or a dual-motor setup, providing all-wheel drive functionality. The single-motor version boasts an output of 174 hp and 320 Nm of torque, while the AWD dual-motor variant elevates performance with 254 and 447 Nm of torque.

Equipped with a fully-charged 31.18 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, Changan says that the pickup can cover a distance of up to 180 km on electric power alone. When combined with the generator, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Chinese automaker claims the Hunter EREV can drive up to 1,031 km. The engine delivers a commendable performance of 187 and 340 Nm of torque, more than enough muscle to keep the battery topped up while on the move.

In terms of the truck’s dimensions, the Hunter EREV is quite similar to the diesel-powered trucks we have here like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. It measures 5,380 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,885 mm in height, featuring a wheelbase of 3,180 mm. Changan is also offering an extended wheelbase version that extends the length to 5,630 mm for those who want more space. Payload capacity, however, is a modest 495 kilograms. It makes up for it though by featuring an approach angle of 29 degrees and a departure angle of 27 degrees which means it will be ready for most trails you take it to right out of the showroom.

As for the looks, it’s safe to say that nothing on the road looks like the Changan Hunter EREV with its huge grille and aggressive front end. The designers have also added sporty touches like black plastic cladding on the wheel arches, two-tone colors on the roof rails and step board along with a set of stylish two-tone alloy wheels. 

The Changan Hunter might not be the workhorse in the sea of pickup trucks, but, it does give us hope that pickup trucks will live on even when the diesel engine is no more.

The Changan Hunter is not yet available here in the country, hopefully, just for now. In the meantime, head on over to AutoDeal.com.ph to browse an extensive selection of pickup trucks, SUVs, and even commercial vehicles. It’s simple and easier than going for a trip to the showrooms.