Pretoria-based importer and distributor of battery electric vehicles (EVs) Enviro Automotive has launched the Dayun Yuehu S5 mini sports-utility vehicle (SUV) in South Africa.

The 3.6 m S5 is priced under R400 000, which makes it one of the cheapest EVs on the market, with Enviro Automotive targeting city dwellers and environmentally conscious individuals as the most likely buyers.

Dayun, founded in China, initially focused on motorcycles and commercial vehicles before venturing into electric cars.

The company launched the Dayun Yuehu S5 in 2017.

Enviro Automotive says the vehicle has since been marketed under different names in more than 20 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, selling more than 35 000 units.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Dayun Yuehu S5 to our EV product line-up, as it appeals to a broader group of customers seeking affordable EV options,” says Enviro Automotive MD Gideon Wolvaardt.

The local Dayun Yuehu S5 SUV line-up includes two five-door models – the Standard and VIP.

All vehicles feature a front-mounted 35 kW synchronous permanent magnet AC electric motor, delivering 105 Nm peak torque.

Top speed is 100 km/h.

The vehicle has a 31.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery with a 330 km range.

It supports Level 2 AC and DC charging, which allows for home charging or quick recharges at DC fast-charging stations.

The vehicle consumes 10.7 kWh per 100 km.

With a standard 220 V charge, it takes about four hours to recharge, says Enviro Aurtomotive. Using a DC fast charger, recharging from 20% to 80% should take under an hour.

Features include driver and passenger airbags, antilock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control, hill-start assist, slope-descent control, automatic cruise control, electronic power steering, an air-conditioner with climate control, electrically adjustable front seats and electric windows.

Also included are automatic headlights, a rearview camera with reverse assistance, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a keyless start system, central locking, a seven-inch infotainment screen and an eight-inch central control screen.

The S5 VIP model adds four ultrasonic radars in the front and rear, LED daytime running lights, turn-assist lights and front fog lamps.

The model also offers a SmartLink APP, which remotely controls car locking and unlocking, the windows, and the air- conditioner, while it also enables the vehicle to start without entry.

The app also has an electronic fence feature, which alerts the owner when the vehicle travels outside a set area.

Pricing starts at R399 999.

Included is a three-year/ 60 000 km warranty and service plan with roadside assistance included. The battery warranty is five years/120 000 km.

Service intervals are every 12 months, or 20 000 km.