Chinese brand promises low running costs, a good payload and solar charging capability
14 April 2025 - 17:32
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
The DFSK EC35 fully electric cargo and/or passenger panel van. Picture: SUPPLIED
Chinese commercial vehicle brand DFSK has launched its EC35 electric panel van in SA.
The company offers a variety of commercial vehicles with the EC35 panel van aimed at enterprises such as logistics and transport services that seek affordable cargo carriers with a low ecological footprint.
The model can be bought as a panel van or with a rear passenger bench for the same price. The passenger bench can be removed when the full payload of 1,015kg or 4.8m³ volume space is required. The car measures 4,500mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,910mm.
The electric drivetrain comprises a 38.6kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a 14.7kWh energy consumption rating driving a 60kW and 200Nm electric motor. Charging takes place at a regular home wall socket or using the electric car charging infrastructure that is available countrywide, with up to 240km promised on a full charge.
It takes one hour on a rapid DC charger, six hours on an AC port and longer on a 220V socket. Optionally, the company offers a solar AC wallbox charger for R10,350. Fleet buyers have the option of a larger unit that charges at least five cars at a time, priced at R132,250.
Top speed of the EC35 panel van is rated at 80-100km/h and charging costs are as low as R120, or about 40c/km, according to DFSK SA.
The digital screen with a reversing camera view is a standard fitment in the DFSK EC35. Picture: SUPPLIED
Comfort features include air conditioning, Bluetooth with voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 6.8-inch touchscreen with reversing camera and parking sensors, and remote central locking and keyless entry.
Safety features include a driver’s side airbag, pedestrian warning, immobiliser and automatic door locking.
The DFSK EC35 is priced at R655,500, excluding VAT. It comes standard with a three-year/60,000km warranty and five-year battery warranty.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Local Launch
Electric-powered DFSK panel van now on sale in SA
Chinese brand promises low running costs, a good payload and solar charging capability
Chinese commercial vehicle brand DFSK has launched its EC35 electric panel van in SA.
The company offers a variety of commercial vehicles with the EC35 panel van aimed at enterprises such as logistics and transport services that seek affordable cargo carriers with a low ecological footprint.
The model can be bought as a panel van or with a rear passenger bench for the same price. The passenger bench can be removed when the full payload of 1,015kg or 4.8m³ volume space is required. The car measures 4,500mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,910mm.
The electric drivetrain comprises a 38.6kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a 14.7kWh energy consumption rating driving a 60kW and 200Nm electric motor. Charging takes place at a regular home wall socket or using the electric car charging infrastructure that is available countrywide, with up to 240km promised on a full charge.
It takes one hour on a rapid DC charger, six hours on an AC port and longer on a 220V socket. Optionally, the company offers a solar AC wallbox charger for R10,350. Fleet buyers have the option of a larger unit that charges at least five cars at a time, priced at R132,250.
Top speed of the EC35 panel van is rated at 80-100km/h and charging costs are as low as R120, or about 40c/km, according to DFSK SA.
Comfort features include air conditioning, Bluetooth with voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 6.8-inch touchscreen with reversing camera and parking sensors, and remote central locking and keyless entry.
Safety features include a driver’s side airbag, pedestrian warning, immobiliser and automatic door locking.
The DFSK EC35 is priced at R655,500, excluding VAT. It comes standard with a three-year/60,000km warranty and five-year battery warranty.
How to tow like a pro this Easter holiday
FIRST DRIVE: Mercedes adds Vito Select to passenger van range
New Fiat Scudo one-tonner debuts diesel and electric versions
New Citroën C3 panel van announced as global CEO visits SA
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Ferrari wins top award for ‘out of the box icon’
New tariffs likely to put China’s car exports under pressure
FIRST DRIVE: Mercedes adds Vito Select to passenger van range
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.