Master Changan Aims to Accelerate Pakistan’s Mass EV Adoption with DEEPAL

Master Changan Motors Limited (MCML), a collaboration between Master Group of Industries and Changan International, is set to boost Pakistan’s mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) with the launch of DEEPAL, Changan’s electric-first brand. The unveiling took place on August 16, 2024, at Dolmen Mall Clifton in Karachi, where visitors can experience and test-drive the vehicles until August 25.

Master Changan showcased two models under the DEEPAL brand: the L07, a pure electric luxury sports sedan, and the S07, a premium electric SUV. Both models deliver an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Equipped with a 66.8 kWh Ternary Lithium battery from CATL, the L07 offers a range of up to 540 km, while the S07 boasts a range of 485 km. Designed at Changan’s R&D center in Italy, the models have received the prestigious German RedDot design award in 2023, reflecting their cutting-edge design language.

The initial pricing of DEEPAL vehicles is competitive with traditional gasoline and hybrid models. Each purchase includes a complimentary 7kW fast home charger, enabling a full charge within 5 to 8 hours.

The name DEEPAL represents a deep friendship between three global powerhouses: Changan, Huawei, and CATL. This partnership aims to deliver the best value to customers through economies of scale. Changan, a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer, developed the EV-first EPA-01 platform, while Huawei provided its advanced Harmony OS software, powered by the Snapdragon 8155 processor. CATL, the world’s leading battery manufacturer, contributed a Ternary Lithium battery with 99% state-of-charge accuracy, addressing range anxiety concerns.

With 41% of Pakistan’s energy coming from non-fossil fuel sources and an oil import bill reaching USD 15.16 billion, promoting EVs is seen as a strategic move to reduce the country’s economic burden. EVs, especially when charged through solar systems installed at homes, could significantly reduce fuel imports and enhance Pakistan’s economic outlook.

Despite having over 2,000 EVs on the road, Pakistan’s mass EV adoption has been slow. “We have identified four key challenges to mass EV adoption: offering the right EV product at competitive prices, ensuring efficient batteries for extended driving ranges, establishing a nationwide after-sales support network, and expanding charging infrastructure to 17 cities,” said Danial Malik, sharing the company’s strategic plans.

Master Changan addresses these challenges by introducing DEEPAL vehicles at prices comparable to older gasoline and hybrid models, offering up to 540 km range, providing an industry-leading 8-year or 240,000 km warranty, and equipping 23 dealerships in 17 cities for after-sales support. The company also plans to expand Pakistan’s charging network from 5 to 17 cities, with 23 new charging stations.

Looking ahead, Master Changan Motors is dedicated to leading the EV transition in Pakistan, with plans to introduce 3 to 4 new locally assembled EV models within the next two years. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to fostering innovation in the automotive industry, benefiting both the environment and the economy.