The Dayun Yuehu S5 Mini SUV Becomes The Lowest Priced EV In South Africa

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Autotrader did a survey in South Africa some time in the past to learn the way a lot South Africans have been prepared to pay to purchase an EV. The survey outcomes present that 64% of respondents said that they might buy an electrical car throughout the subsequent 5 years. 72% of customers are prepared to spend as much as R600,000 ($33,000) on an EV. There haven’t been many EVs priced underneath R1 million in South Africa so far, and just one is priced underneath R600,000, which is the BYD Dolphin.

The Dolphin shall be provided in two predominant variants:

• 45kWh with 70 kW motor, 94hp and 330 km vary — R539,000
• 60kWh with 150 kW motor, 201hp and 427 km vary — R599,900

Unusually sufficient, BYD hasn’t been as aggressive with its advertising and marketing in South Africa, in contrast with different markets akin to in South America. I hope BYD can ramp up its operations in South Africa, together with advertising and marketing and buyer consciousness applications in a market that actually wants extra schooling on EVs. BYD has the chance to actually push its extra reasonably priced EVs on this market. I additionally hope a right-hand drive BYD Seagull can also be within the works, and it may then come to South Africa and different markets on the African continent as an much more reasonably priced EV.

In some attention-grabbing information, South Africans now have a further mannequin that’s priced underneath R600,000. In truth, each variations of this EV are priced underneath R500,000, with the entry degree mannequin priced underneath R400,000 ($22,500). Meet the Dayun Yuehu S5 mini EV!

Enviro Automotivean importer and distributor of battery-electric autos, has introduced the introduction of the stylish Dayun Yuehu S5, a battery-electric mini-SUV. The corporate says this zippy metropolis SUV goals to redefine the native compact SUV household automotive market with performance, fashion, and effectivity. Focusing on metropolis dwellers and environmentally aware people, the Dayun Yuehu S5, priced underneath R400,000, is essentially the most reasonably priced battery-electric car on South African roads. The corporate says the Dayun Yuehu S5, with its stylish look, stands out in on a regular basis life, providing a dynamic metropolis SUV expertise for the entire household.

Dayun, based in China, initially centered on bikes and business autos earlier than venturing into electrical vehicles. In 2017, it launched the Dayun Yuehu S5, a compact battery-electric SUV. It has since been efficiently marketed underneath completely different names in additional than 20 international locations throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Center East, and Africa.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Dayun Yuehu S5 to our EV product line-up, as it appeals to a broader group of customers seeking affordable electric vehicle options,” says Gideon Wolvaardt, Managing Director of Enviro Automotive. “This impressive urban commuter has been extensively tested in various markets globally, proving highly reliable. It reduces your environmental footprint while saving you money in the long run.”

The native Dayun Yuehu S5 SUV line-up contains two 5-door fashions: the Normal and the VIP. The Dayun Yuehu S5 includes a front-mounted 35 kW synchronous everlasting magnet AC electrical motor identified for prime effectivity and low upkeep. It delivers 105 Nm peak torque, with a single-speed gearbox for easy, explosive efficiency, shortly reaching a prime velocity of 100 km/h.

At this worth, it’s the lowest priced EV in South Africa, but it surely seems to be a bit dear in contrast with a number of the widespread ICE autos on this section. For instance, a 1-liter petrol engine Renault Kwid retails for about R220,000, which is half the worth of the highest mannequin of the Dayun Yuehu S5 SUV. The Renault Kwid additionally has a extra highly effective motor (50kW). These small vehicles are fairly widespread with college students, early profession professionals, and small households. These folks even have a lot tighter budgets than most individuals, so the upfront buy worth makes an enormous distinction. In fact, on a complete value of possession foundation, the Dayun Yuehu S5 Mini SUV may have some benefit.

The Dayun Yuehu S5 has a 31.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery with a 330-kilometer vary, which is right for each day commutes. It helps Stage 2 AC and DC charging for simple house charging or fast recharges at DC fast-charging stations. It consumes 10.7 kWh per 100 km. With an ordinary 220V charger, it takes about 4 hours to recharge. Utilizing a DC quick charger, recharging from 20% to 80% takes underneath an hour.

“Electric mobility is the future. In a country rapidly adopting alternative energy solutions, like solar panels, inverters, and battery packs at home, the Dayun Yuehu S5 offers the best return on investment when buying a car today; the savings are immense,” says Gawie Brink, Technical Director and co-founder of Enviro Automotive. Enviro Automotive says the Dayun Yuehu S5’s eye-catching, sporty, and fashionable design ensures ample inside area whereas sustaining a compact profile, excellent for easy maneuverability in city settings. Measuring 3,695 mm (L) by 1,685 mm (W) by 1,598 mm (H), with a 2,410 mm wheelbase, it optimizes inside area effectively.

The corporate provides that the Dayun Yuehu S5’s clear, curved design traces complement its modern closed grille and LED headlights and taillights, giving it a contemporary, high-tech look and enhancing visibility at evening, in rain, and fog for improved driving security. The black rear window part creates a gorgeous distinction with the physique coloration, whereas the high-mounted brake gentle enhances the security options of the Dayun Yuehu S5.

For peace of thoughts in motoring security, the Dayun Yuehu S5 includes a high-strength metal cage physique, entrance and rear MacPherson strut impartial suspension, and twin disc brakes. It additionally options driver and passenger airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Digital Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Help (BAS), Traction Management (TCS), Hill Begin Help (HSA), Slope Descent Management (SDC), and Automated Cruise Management (ACC). The Dayun Yuehu S5 options computerized headlights, a rear-view digital camera with Reverse Help (RA), a Tire Strain Monitoring System (TPMS), a keyless begin system, central locking, an ISOFIX youngster seat anchor level within the rear, and a low-speed driving warning system for pedestrian security.

Enviro Automotive additionally provides that the Dayun Yuehu S5 VIP options 4 ultrasonic radars within the entrance and rear. It additionally options LED daytime operating lights, flip help lights, and entrance fog lamps for enhanced comfort and security. The Dayun Yuehu S5 boasts a ten.7-meter turning circle for optimum maneuverability and 201 mm of floor clearance. The VIP mannequin options alloy wheels with 185/55 R16 tires, whereas the Normal mannequin comes with 175/65 R15 tires.

“At just 3.65 meters long, the Dayun Yuehu S5 is perfect for daily urban commutes, navigating congested city streets, and fitting into tight parking spots. It offers responsive handling, superior performance, ample space, family comfort, and peace of mind with its comprehensive safety features,” provides Wolvaardt.

Regardless of its compact dimension, the Dayun Yuehu S5 offers comfy seating and ample area for each driver and passengers, complemented by a minimalist inside design. The high-quality leather-based inside is sensible and straightforward to take care of. The adjustable multi-function steering wheel, designed with a flat backside, enhances legroom for a snug commuting expertise.

The Dayun Yuehu S5 options digital energy steering (EPS), an air-conditioner (A/C) with local weather management, electrically adjustable entrance seats, and electrical home windows (E/W). The car is operated through an Digital Rotary Swap (ERS) on the middle console, making driving and working straightforward and secure. The Digital Parking Brake (EPB) can also be located on the middle console for comfy and secure operation.

Additional making a high-tech really feel, the Dayun Yuehu S5 includes a 7-inch LCD Infotainment display screen and an 8-inch central management display screen with Dayun’s Clever Automotive System providing driver-assistance options, together with capabilities for car monitoring, Bluetooth, a hands-free system, radio, the collection of varied media, and local weather management and particular car settings. Content material from the web may also be displayed utilizing its WiFi hotspot. It additionally options USB and Sort-C multimedia ports.

The Dayun Yuehu S5 VIP boasts a SmartLink APP, which remotely controls automotive locking and unlocking, the home windows, and the air-conditioner, and allows it to start out with out entry. The SmartLink APP additionally boasts an Digital Fence, which, when the car travels exterior the set space, will robotically elevate an alarm to hint the automotive.

“With the Dayun Yuehu S5, you open your door to the electromobility future, which perfectly fits the modern lifestyle of city dwellers and people who are conscious about the environment and their own future financial investments,” concludes Brink.

Product Lineup & Pricing

The Dayun Yuehu S5 mini-SUV line-up is comprised of two derivatives:

• Dayun Yuehu S5 Normal — R399,900
• Dayun Yuehu S5 VIP — R449,900

The Dayun Yuehu S5 presents a 3-year/60,000 km guarantee and repair plan, which additionally contains roadside help. The battery guarantee is 5-years/120,000 km. Service intervals are set for each 12 months or 20,000 km.  The Dayun Yuehu S5 is accessible in 5 colours: Ivory White, Pale Inexperienced, MistyRose Pink, Teal, and Darkish Crimson to fulfill clients’ aesthetic wants.

“Only eight units from our first batch of Dayun Yuehu S5 remain after customers placed their orders months in advance. We suggest prospective buyers contact us and pre-order to benefit from our attractive launch pricing,” concludes Wolvaardt.

Enviro Automotive’s DFSK vary includes the EC35 EV 2-seater and 4-seater panel vans and the EC31 EV forward-cab 1-tonne bakkie. The corporate’s truck lineup contains the Dayun Autoplead EV 4-tonne truck. Enviro Automotive just lately confirmed the launch of the bigger DFSK EC75 EV panel van within the final quarter of 2024. The corporate additionally plans to introduce the brand new SRM T3 EV 1.6-tonne later this 12 months, with the launch date nonetheless to be introduced.

Gross sales of electrical autos have been very sluggish to select up in South Africa, however the business is beginning to present indicators of development. Gross sales of battery-electric autos (BEV) got here near breaching the 1,000 models per 12 months mark in South Africa for the primary time ever. Final 12 months, 931 BEVs have been bought in South Africa, nearly doubling from 502 in 2022 and quadrupling from 218 in 2021. With only one,955 BEVs bought since 2018, it’s clear that gross sales of BEVs have been sluggish in South Africa in comparison with related auto markets all over the world. That is because of the restricted number of BEV fashions within the nation, coupled with the excessive import duties and taxes levied on electrical autos.

This implies many of the autos accessible within the international market would find yourself being fairly costly in comparison with their equal ICE autos in the event that they have been launched in South Africa. This worth distinction can be extra outstanding within the smaller car segments, making it a bit difficult to promote these EVs. Taxes in South Africa are set at 18% for ICE imports vs 25% for EV Imports. There’s additionally the advert valorem tax for EVs, which pushes the price of an EV to greater than 2X that of the common worth of a brand new ICE car of an analogous make/mannequin typically. That is in all probability why nearly all of EV fashions bought in South Africa are the extra premium fashions priced from nicely over 1 million rand ($54,000) and a whole lot of them are priced from nicely over 2 million rand as nicely ($108,320). It’s nice to see that we’re beginning to get smaller, decrease priced EVs as nicely, such because the BYD Dolphin and this Dayun Yuehu S5.

Photographs courtesy of Enviro Automotive