China's First PHEV Pickup Truck, Z9 GE PHEV, Hits the Market

On May 30th, the first PHEV pickup truck from Zhengzhou Daxia auto officially launched in the market. The vehicle comes with seven variants of configurations and price range starts from 15.69 to 21.99 thousand yuan.

Detailed Specifications

The following table presents the specifications for each variant:

| Distance | Drivetrain Standard Version | Price (thousand yen) | | --- | --- | --- | | 60 km | Behind standard version | 15.69 | | 60 km | Four-wheels standard version | 16.99 | | 135 km | Behind standard version | 14.89 | | 135 km | Back wheel Enjoy Version | 17.59 | | 135 km | Four-wheel Explore Edition | 17.99 | | 135 km | Four-wheel Luxury Edition | 19.99 | | 135 km | Four-wheel Enjoy Edition | 21.99 |

Unique Features

The new Z9 GE PHEV features an "Z-vision" design language with LED daytime driving lights, an integrated headlight and tail lamp system shaped like the letter 'Z', and advanced materials in high-quality interior elements.

The rear section of the vehicle has a grille that is similar to the front section, and utilizes high-light sensitivity when turned on. It also features a flat exhaust muffler cover.

Technical Capabilities

The Z9 GE PHEV takes 1.5L gasoline engine and an e motor into its PHEV combination system. The whole vehicle power output reaches up 320kW and torque output up to 800Nm. In terms of transmission, the DHT mix drive 4-step gear box supports different types of road driving conditions.

The vehicle is 5494x1960x1950milimeters in length, width, and height respectively and it has 3300milimeters wheel basis. The corresponding cargo dimensions are (15201600490)milimeters. It includes the highest maximum lifting capacity of 490kg.

Interior Specifications

The new Z9 GE PHEV features a "T"-shaped cabin layout, with a big panoramic windshield and the advanced technology system supporting navigation using voice commands. This is supported by integrated systems like smart charging system and the advanced electronic stability control. With this configuration, users have an optimized performance on roads.

The interior will be equipped with 14.6 inches floating screen display for perfect viewing experience with excellent ambient temperature management support of driver's seat through hot and cold air ventilation systems with massagers.

Security Features

The vehicle comes standard to safety items like automatic emergency braking, parking assist detection system, lane departure warning system, etc., in addition the new model can also be equipped with 14 new security features including rearview radar, front view camera with transparent LED glass lens.

On top of this, Z9 GE PHEV has installed state-of-the-art safety technology systems such as 800 million pixel Hawk Eye eye protection technology and 540-degree panoramic view.

Competition Analysis

The first PHEV model will be released shortly in the domestic automotive market; there are four brands competing for attention on that segment.

Long Cheng Mountain Sea Cannon Hi4T is considered to have an advantage with a strong brand backing due to its extensive user base, so although Z9 GE has strong price competitiveness, it faces stiff competition.

Compared to Long Cheng Mountain Sea Cannon Hi4T, the following advantages of zhe jiang dayn auto company lie ahead. This car model offers enhanced and improved specifications like better overall driving range performance, as well as faster charging speed, which can provide significant added value in an integrated electric vehicle package.

Another one is Lejing Hunting by Changan (LCH) is actually the new energy modified version of previous model. Its main difference lies in it has the longer working life of advanced plug-in and regenerative capabilities on highways.

Additionally the LSH (Bi-AT) of BYD at present also provides a strong competition in that segment.

Editor's Evaluation

As consumers increasingly prioritize the functionality, usability, and performance of their vehicles, pickup trucks are experiencing a shift towards more specialized models. With increased emphasis on safety, comfort, and infotainment features, these modern pickup trucks are evolving toward meeting this new set of expectations.

The introduction of the PHEV is being encouraged by China's government for electric-powered vehicle models since many users have started to look at an environmentally friendly alternative of conventional vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel. There were 20 regulations in place to stimulate growth within the industry in the second week of January of this year, as well as a huge amount of additional funding has been made possible for charging stations throughout the country.