The Chinese manufacturer Changan is launching into the leisure vehicle niche with an interesting proposition. The CD701 electric crossover is a mix of SUV and pickup.
Presented in concept form in September 2022, the astonishing Changan CD701 is now arriving in a form close to the series. All that is missing is the final name for this vehicle which should be launched under the new Qiyuan brand. The name E0 is mentioned by the Chinese media.
At first glance, the CD701 might seem to be just another proposal on the “SUV Coupe” theme with its very sloping rear. But this big baby, 5 meters long and almost 2 meters wide, is much more than that. Its rear trunk is not accessible by a simple tailgate, but by a combination of a flap in the lower part and a rear window that slides upwards. All electrically of course and completed by a flat-folding bench seat.
| Length | 5000 mm |
| Width | 1970 mm |
| Height | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3100 mm |
Neither one nor two, here is our large SUV transformed into a real pick-up. Leisure pick-up rather than construction site of course. Here, we will transport paddles, bikes, camping equipment. You can imagine sleeping on board, or attaching a tent to the whole thing. With this versatile offering, Changan hopes to benefit from the growth of leisure vehicles in China, which is seeing multiple pickup or camper van offerings appear.
A state-of-the-art platform
Although they are increasingly attracted to leisure vehicles, Chinese customers do not intend to abandon comfort and technology. The Changan CD701 is therefore not a rustic pick-up. Its production version was thus unveiled during a technology conference in Chongqing. It is based on the manufacturer’s latest platform. It adopts the principle of the battery integrated into the structure (Cell-to-chassis CTC), a centralized electronic architecture or even a rear unit made in a single piece, according to the principle of giga-casting dear to Tesla. Changan also mentions an on-board satellite communication system.
Changan, on the other hand, has not communicated any information relating to the motors or batteries of this model.
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Changan CD701: so as not to choose between SUV and electric pick-up
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