Master Changan Motors Limited (MCML), a collaboration between Master Group of Industries and Changan International, introduced Changan’s electric-first brand, DEEPAL, on August 16, 2024, at Dolmen Mall Clifton, Karachi. The event allows customers to experience and test drive the new models until August 25.
The DEEPAL brand features two electric models: the L07, a luxury sports sedan, and the S07, a premium SUV. Both vehicles deliver 250 horsepower and 320 Nm of instant torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/hr in just 5.9 seconds. Equipped with a Ternary Lithium battery from CATL, the L07 offers a range of up to 540 km, while the S07 provides 485 km on a single charge. Designed in Italy and awarded the German RedDot design award in 2023, both models boast a striking, futuristic design. The introductory pricing of the DEEPAL vehicles is set to be competitive with gasoline engine cars, including both internal combustion engines and hybrids. MCML is also offering a complimentary 7kW fast home charger with each purchase, capable of fully charging the vehicles in 5-8 hours.
The name DEEPAL reflects “Deep Friendship (Pal),” representing a joint venture between Changan, Huawei, and CATL. Changan has developed the EV-first EPA-01 platform, Huawei contributes advanced Harmony OS software with the Snapdragon 8155 processor, and CATL provides a highly accurate Ternary Lithium battery that minimizes range anxiety. With 41 percent of Pakistan’s energy coming from non-fossil sources and a significant oil import bill of USD 15.16 billion impacting the country’s reserves, promoting electric vehicle adoption is economically beneficial.
EVs, particularly those charged via home solar systems, could reduce fuel imports and improve economic conditions. Despite having over 2,000 EVs in the country, mass adoption remains limited. Danial Malik of Master Changan identified four key challenges to overcome: offering competitively priced pure EVs, ensuring efficient battery performance, expanding after-sales support, and developing nationwide charging infrastructure. Master Changan addresses these challenges by pricing the DEEPAL models similarly to older gasoline and hybrid cars, offering a top-tier range of up to 540 km, providing an 8-year or 240,000 km warranty, and expanding the charging network from 5 to 17 cities with 23 new charging points. Looking ahead, Master Changan Motors plans to introduce 3 to 4 new locally assembled EV models over the next two years, reaffirming its commitment to advancing Pakistan’s automotive industry with innovative and sustainable solutions.
