There is a new player in the electric vehicle market in South Africa in the form of Enviro Automotive which is importing the Dayun Yuehu S5 with the base model coming in at under R400 000 and offering a claimed range of 320 kilometres.
Dayun, a company from China, originally specialised in motorcycles and commercial vehicles before branching out into electric cars. In 2017, they launched the Dayun Yuehu S5, a compact battery-electric SUV, which has since been sold under various names in more than 20 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
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"We're excited to add the Dayun Yuehu S5 to our EV lineup. It appeals to a wider range of customers looking for affordable electric vehicles," says Gideon Wolvaardt, managing director of Enviro Automotive. "This urban commuter has been thoroughly tested globally and has proven to be highly reliable. It reduces your environmental footprint while saving you money in the long run."
The local lineup includes two 5-door models, the Standard and the VIP, both of which are kitted with a front-mounted 35 kW synchronous permanent magnet AC electric motor that offers 105 Nm peak torque and has a top speed of 100 km/h.
Its 31,7-kWh ternary lithium-ion battery offers a range of 330 kilometres and supports Level 2 AC and DC charging for easy home charging or quick top-ups at DC fast-charging stations. It consumes 10,7 kWh per 100 km, taking about four hours to recharge on a standard 220V outlet, and less than an hour to charge from 20% to 80% using a DC fast charger.
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"Electric mobility is the future. In a country quickly adopting alternative energy solutions, like solar panels and battery packs at home, the Dayun Yuehu S5 offers the best return on investment when buying a car today; the savings are immense," adds Gawie Brink, technical director and co-founder of Enviro Automotive.
The Dayun Yuehu S5 measures 3 695 mm in length, 1 685 mm in width and 1 598 mm in height, with a 2 410 mm wheelbase.
It has a closed grille and LED headlights and taillights and is built on a high-strength steel cage body, MacPherson independent suspension front and rear and dual disc brakes. Safety features include driver and passenger crash bags, anti-lock braking, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Slope Descent Control and Automatic Cruise Control.
Additional features include automatic headlights, a rearview camera with Reverse Assistance, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, a Keyless Start System, central locking, an ISOFIX child seat anchor point and a Low-speed Driving Warning System.
The VIP model adds four ultrasonic radars, LED Daytime Running Lights, Turn Assist Lights and Front Fog Lamps along with alloy wheels with 185/55 R16 tyres, while the Standard model comes with 175/65 R15 tyres.
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"At just 3.65 meters long, the Dayun Yuehu S5 is ideal 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 comprehensive safety features," adds Wolvaardt.
Interior features include electronic power steering, climate control, electrically adjustable front seats and power windows. The vehicle is operated via an Electronic Rotary Switch on the centre console, making driving easy and safe. The Electronic Parking Brake is also conveniently located on the centre console.
The Dayun Yuehu S5 includes a 7-inch LCD Infotainment screen and an 8-inch central control screen with Dayun's Intelligent Car System, offering driver-assistance features, vehicle monitoring, Bluetooth, a hands-free system, radio, various media options, climate control, and vehicle settings. It also has a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB and Type-C multimedia ports.
The VIP model gains a SmartLink APP, allowing remote control of car locking and unlocking, windows and the air-conditioner, and enabling start without entry. It also includes an Electronic Fence that raises an alarm if the vehicle travels outside a set area.
"With the Dayun Yuehu S5, you open the door to the future of electromobility, fitting perfectly with the modern lifestyle of city dwellers and those conscious about the environment and their financial investments," concludes Brink.
Pricing:
- Dayun Yuehu S5 Standard: R399 900
- Dayun Yuehu S5 VIP: R449 900
It comes with a 3-year/60 000 km warranty and service plan, including roadside assistance, and a 5-year/120 000 km battery warranty. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20 000 km.
Colin Windell
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