Deepal S05 PHEV could help drivers maximise electric-only commuting

Chinese challenger Deepal is expanding beyond pure electric vehicles with the launch of a new plug-in hybrid version of its S05 SUV.

Arriving in the UK this September, the Deepal S05 PHEV is expected to be priced around £38,000 and will compete directly with plug-in hybrid versions of the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Jaecoo 7.

For company car drivers, the headline figure is the electric range. Deepal claims up to 62 miles of EV-only driving from an 18.4kWh battery, putting it ahead of both the Sportage and Tucson PHEVs and slightly ahead of the Jaecoo 7. That could allow many drivers to complete daily commuting and local business journeys without using any petrol at all.

The new "Ultra Hybrid" powertrain combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined 254bhp, while 55kW DC charging should make topping up the battery quicker than many rival plug-in hybrids.

If the equipment list mirrors the electric S05, buyers can also expect a generous specification including heated front seats, an electric tailgate, head-up display, premium audio system and a 15.4-inch touchscreen.

The launch highlights how quickly Chinese brands are moving into the plug-in hybrid market. For drivers not yet ready to go fully electric, longer-range PHEVs such as the S05 are increasingly becoming a credible alternative to traditional family SUVs.

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