In the local setting, the pickup truck market is dominated by diesel power. It’s the default engine in the midsize class, with the last gas-fed model being the previous-generation Toyota Hilux.
Now, there’s Changan trying its luck with a different kind of powertrain for its pickup. It’s the Hunter REEV, and it’s the first true electrified pickup truck in the country.
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The Changan Hunter uses a series hybrid powertrain. That means its gas-powered engine only has one thing to do, and that’s to charge the batteries that keep the motors running. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged mill provides 188hp and keeps the 31.18-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack topped up.
As for design, there’s a boxy front end, a wide grille, and T-shaped headlights for a bold and brash look. It also has a novel tailgate design that offers two ways of opening. The top half can be opened to accommodate long loads, meaning the entire tailgate doesn’t have to be laid down and risk unsafe transport.
Inside, it adapts a minimalist look with not much in the way of physical buttons. A wide panel houses two screens that displays the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The electronic column shifter frees up space in the wide floating center console, giving it extra storage space.
Filled up, the EV has a maximum payload capacity of 495kg with a 2.5 ton towing capability. A keynote trait of EVs nowadays is the ability to power appliances, and the Hunter is no exception with battery capacity of 277kWh giving out around 100 hours of power.
Two versions of the Changan Hunter REEV will be offered in the Philippines: The RWD 4x2 model uses a single electric motor that makes 174hp, while the dual motor 4x4 version gains an extra motor that bumps the power up to 268hp.
On a full tank and a full charge, the Hunter can drive around 1,031km. Changan has slated its release for the first quarter of 2025. While prices aren’t definite, the Hunter REEV is expected to come in at less than P2 million.
