South Africans now have a more affordable electric car alternative with the local introduction of the Chinese-built Dayun Yuehu S5.
Imported by Enviro Automotive, which also sells the DFSK electric commercial vehicles in Mzansi, the S5 claims to be the country’s most affordable battery electric vehicle. But it depends on how you define a car. Essentially it’s the least expensive electric ‘real car’ as opposed to the even cheaper quadricycle options such as the Eleksa CityBug.
The Dayun Yuehu S5 is priced from R399,900 in ‘Standard’ trim, while the ‘VIP’ version retails at R449,900. That makes the base model R140,000 less expensive than the BYD Dolphin.
But there is a catch.
Although it’s slightly larger than a Renault Kwid, the S5 has a top speed of just 100km/h, meaning it’s not suited to regular long distance freeway driving.
It is primarily a city car, featuring an e-motor that delivers 35kW and 105Nm, which is said to provide more than adequate performance in urban conditions.
The importer says its top speed was set to 100km/h in order to preserve range, so it should theoretically be capable of comfortably covering shorter highway runs in denser traffic conditions.
Enviro Automotive claims that the S5’s 31.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery will provide a range of 330 kilometres, although the usual disclaimer applies as real-world mileage often differs from claimed figures.
The vehicle supports Level 2 AC and DC charging and with a standard 220V charge it is said to take four hours to juice up - but be sure to charge it from solar if you want any environmental benefits. Connected to a DC fast charger, the S5 can reportedly charge from 20% to 80% in under an hour.
What features you get
The cabin has a minimalist design, and the vehicle is operated via an Electronic Rotary Switch on the centre console.
Features include an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, 7.0-inch LCD driver information display, reverse camera, keyless start, climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, electric windows and cruise control.
The S5 VIP model gains ultrasonic radars at the front and rear, enabling additional driver assist features, and the flagship also comes with a SmartLink APP that enables remote locking, unlocking, starting and aircon activation via your phone.
Visually the VIP swops the base model’s 15-inch steel wheels for 16-inch alloys.
Dayun brand and local back-up
China’s Dayun brand traditionally focused on motorcycles and commercial vehicles, and the Yuehu S5 was its first passenger car, introduced in 2017. Since then over 35,000 units have been sold in 20 countries across the world.
Its local retailer also imports a range of DFSK electric commercial vehicles, including the EC35 panel vans and the EC31 forward cab bakkie.
Enviro Automotive says it expects to announce a nationwide dealership network within the next month, but for now potential buyers can view and experience its vehicles at the company’s head office dealership in Waxbill Street, Pretoria.
Alternatively the company says it will bring a vehicle to your chosen address if you book a test drive through its website.
The Dayun S5 is sold with a service plan and warranty that’s valid for three years or 60,000km, while the traction battery is covered for five years/120,000km.
Buyers can also service their vehicles through participating Bosch Electrical Service Centres, through an agreement signed with the importer.