Dayun bringing electric vehicles for city dwellers

This zippy city SUV aims to redefine the local compact SUV family car market with functionality, style and efficiency.

Targeting city dwellers and environmentally conscious individuals, the Dayun Yuehu S5, which is priced under R400 000, is the most affordable battery-electric vehicle on South African roads. The Dayun Yuehu S5, with its chic appearance, stands out in everyday life, offering a dynamic city SUV experience for the whole family.

Dayun, founded in China, initially focused on motorcycles and commercial vehicles before venturing into electric cars. In 2017, it launched the Dayun Yuehu S5, a compact battery-electric SUV. It has since been successfully marketed under different names in more than 20 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

With more than 35 000 units sold over the seven years since its introduction, the Dayun Yuehu S5 has built up a credible reputation as a spunky urban cruiser, offering low ownership costs, functionality and tested reliability, and becoming an extremely popular choice for environmentally conscious customers, says the company.

"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 electric vehicle options," says Gideon Wolvaardt, Managing Director of Enviro Automotive. "This impressive urban commuter has been extensively tested in various markets globally, proving highly reliable. It reduces your environmental footprint while saving you money in the long run."

The local Dayun Yuehu S5 SUV line-up includes two 5-door models: the Standard and the VIP.

The Dayun Yuehu S5 features a front-mounted 35 kW synchronous permanent magnet AC electric motor known for high efficiency and low maintenance. It delivers 105 Nm peak torque, with a single-speed gearbox for smooth, explosive performance, quickly reaching a top speed of 100 km/h.

It has a 31.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery with a 330-kilometre range, ideal for daily commutes. It supports Level 2 AC and DC charging for easy home charging or quick recharges at DC fast-charging stations. It consumes 10.7 kWh per 100 km. With a standard 220V charge, it takes about four hours to recharge. Using a DC fast charger, recharging from 20% to 80% takes under an hour.

Measuring 3 695 mm (L), 1 685 mm (W) and 1 598 mm (H), with a 2 410 mm wheelbase, it optimises interior space efficiently.

For peace of mind in motoring safety, the Dayun Yuehu S5 features a high-strength steel cage body, front and rear MacPherson independent suspension and dual disc brakes. It also features driver and passenger airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Slope Descent Control (SDC) and Automatic Cruise Control (ACC), amongst others.

The Dayun Yuehu S5 mini-SUV line-up comprises two derivatives:

Dayun Yuehu S5 Standard (R399 900) and the Dayun Yuehu S5 VIP (R449 900).

The Dayun Yuehu S5 offers a 3-year/60 000 km warranty and service plan, which also includes roadside assistance. The battery warranty is 5-years/120 000 km. Service intervals are set for every 12 months or 20 000 km.