Because the Chinese language Automaker launches its European Technique, we take a look at Changan’s new Deepal S07 SUV and ask what influence it is going to have on a post-US tariff market
Following a model launch occasion in Mainz, Germany on March 21, 2025, Chinese language automotive producer Changan has begun delivery its Deepal S07 electrical SUV to key European markets. This comes amid an accelerating pattern of Chinese language EV producers increasing into Europe, creating new aggressive dynamics within the business, and difficult the – till just lately – US dominance of the market.
Aimed squarely at Europe’s fastest-growing EV section, the Deepal S07 is a mid-sized electrical SUV that delivers a 475-kilometer WLTP vary. This locations it competitively in opposition to established fashions just like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, whereas undercutting them on value.
The car’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration delivers 320 kW (429 hp) of peak energy with 620 Nm of torque, attaining 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The platform helps 110 kW DC quick charging, enabling a 30-80% cost in roughly half-hour, which meets present European shopper expectations although falls beneath the fastest-charging rivals like Hyundai’s E-GMP platform automobiles.
The Deepal S07’s electrical structure operates on an 800-volt system, like premium choices from Porsche and Audi, enhancing each charging and total effectivity. This means Changan’s focus is on incorporating superior technological options reasonably than competing solely on value, a technique that differentiates it from another Chinese language market entrants.
Designs on Europe
Though an East Asian firm, Changan developed the Deepal S07 at its design middle in Turin, Italy, and conceived it particularly for European customers. Previous to its market introduction, the car secured a 5-star Euro NCAP security ranking, all-important for European automobile consumers. The intention of the design staff, led by former Pininfarina designer Frank Stephenson, was to steadiness the Chinese language model identification with European aesthetic preferences.
“The CHANGAN DEEPAL S07 represents our dedication to delivering an aesthetically pleasing and clever absolutely electrical car that enhances the on a regular basis driving expertise for European customers,” stated Nic Thomas, Head of Advertising, Gross sales & Service Europe.
To that finish the car contains driver help programs frequent within the European market, comparable to clever adaptive cruise management, automated emergency braking, and visitors signal recognition.
Nonetheless, manufacturing takes place at Changan’s Nanjing manufacturing facility, which represents a major funding in Business 4.0 manufacturing ideas. The plant makes use of over 1,200 superior robots with a 70% automation fee throughout most manufacturing processes.
“Our Nanjing facility represents the convergence of Chinese language manufacturing innovation and European high quality requirements,” says Ethan Yin, Managing Director Changan Europe. “Each Deepal S07 embodies the precision and craftsmanship unlocked by means of this digital manufacturing revolution.”
Changan’s European entry coincides with an unprecedented wave of Chinese language automakers establishing presence within the area. In keeping with knowledge from Schmidt Automotive Analysis, Chinese language manufacturers captured 8.4% of the European EV market in 2024, up from 4.2% in 2023, with BYD, SAIC’s MG, and Geely’s manufacturers main the cost. There at the moment are 17 Chinese language automotive manufacturers working in Europe, in comparison with simply 5 in 2020.
This growth happens in opposition to a backdrop of evolving EU-China commerce relations. In July 2024, the European Fee carried out tariffs starting from 17.4% to 37.6% on Chinese language-made EVs following an anti-dumping investigation. Nonetheless, analysts at Bernstein Analysis observe that the influence has been mitigated by Chinese language producers accelerating plans to ascertain European manufacturing amenities. Though in contrast to rivals comparable to BYD, which has introduced a producing plant in Hungary, Changan has not but revealed plans for European manufacturing.
Improbable voyage
The primary cargo of 155 Deepal S07 automobiles departed from China again in Could, with main locations together with Germany, Norway, and the UK. The preliminary car allocation is predicted to reach in Europe in June, following a six-week sea voyage. Buyer deliveries are scheduled to begin in September 2025 throughout 5 markets: Germany, Norway, the UK, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Changan has established partnerships with established automotive retail teams throughout these markets to create its preliminary seller community. The corporate has acknowledged that it goals to have a presence in over 10 European markets by the top of 2025, with a goal of working greater than 100 dealerships throughout the continent inside the identical timeframe.
“We now have fastidiously chosen companions who share our dedication to customer support excellence and have deep expertise of their native markets,” stated Leevon Tian, Deputy Basic Supervisor of ChangAnAutomobile Europe Holding BV.
Recognizing that profitable market entry requires greater than car availability, Changan has established a European components distribution middle in Helmond, the Netherlands, in partnership with logistics supplier Kuehne+Nagel. This facility is designed to assist the corporate’s aftersales operations from the outset of buyer deliveries.
“European drivers count on distinctive service all through their possession journey,” says Thomas. “Our components and repair community has been designed with European expectations at its core – as a result of incomes belief in Europe requires dedication past the showroom.”
For Changan, the European market presents each alternatives and challenges. Whereas the EU’s stringent CO2 emissions targets successfully mandate growing EV gross sales, shopper adoption stays uneven throughout the continent.
“We enter Europe with respect for its automotive heritage and confidence in our skill to contribute meaningfully to its electrical future,” says Yin. “The Deepal S07 is just the start of a long-term dedication to European drivers and the European automotive panorama. As these first 155 ambassadors make their means throughout oceans, they carry with them not simply Changan’s dedication for Europe however our tangible demonstration of how Chinese language innovation and European design sensibilities can create automobiles uniquely suited to Europe’s evolving mobility wants.”
And people wants embody the European Fee focusing on a 55% discount in fleet emissions by 2030 and an entire phase-out of inside combustion engines by 2035. Changan’s skill to ascertain a foothold in opposition to each conventional European producers and fellow Chinese language rivals will rely upon its capability to fulfil these wants whereas balancing technological innovation, manufacturing effectivity, and preserving its European customers joyful.
