Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology is now here as a bridge for Indonesian consumers who crave the sensation of driving an electric car without being hindered by limited charging infrastructure. To prove the capabilities of this system, Changan Indonesia conducted intensive testing by taking the Deepal S05 model on a journey from Jakarta to the Ciletuh Geopark area in Sukabumi.
The route was strategically chosen to represent various road conditions in Indonesia, ranging from urban traffic congestion, highway efficiency, to challenging terrain consisting of inclines and sharp turns towards Ciletuh. In the REEV system, the 1,500 cc gasoline engine does not directly drive the wheels, but instead functions as a generator to charge the battery when capacity starts to deplete.
The resulting driving characteristics still maintain the advantages of a pure electric car, namely instant throttle response and smooth acceleration without transmission gear shifts. The generator system works automatically in the background, giving the driver peace of mind as there is no need to worry about immediately finding a public electric vehicle charging station (SPKLU) mid-journey.
The technical specifications of the Deepal S05 are quite capable, supported by a 160 kW electric motor and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The combination of a 27.28 kWh battery with generator support allows the car to claim a total travel range of up to 1,100 kilometers based on NEDC standards, with a pure electric range of 170 kilometers.
CEO of Changan Indonesia, Setiawan Surya, emphasized that the presence of this technology is a strategic step to address the anxieties of prospective electric car users regarding charging infrastructure. He emphasized that the combination of futuristic design, capable performance, and smart features such as Integrated Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) and Lane Keeping Assist is specifically designed to ensure driver comfort across various terrains.