Because the Chinese language Automaker launches its European Technique, we take a look at Changan’s new Deepal S07 SUV and ask what affect it’s 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 transport 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 trade, and difficult the – till just lately – US dominance of the market.
Aimed squarely at Europe’s fastest-growing EV phase, 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 worth.
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 under the fastest-charging rivals like Hyundai’s E-GMP platform autos.
The Deepal S07’s electrical structure operates on an 800-volt system, like premium choices from Porsche and Audi, enhancing each charging and general effectivity. This means Changan’s focus is on incorporating superior technological options reasonably than competing solely on worth, 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 shoppers. Previous to its market introduction, the car secured a 5-star Euro NCAP security ranking, all-important for European automotive patrons. The purpose of the design crew, led by former Pininfarina designer Frank Stephenson, was to stability the Chinese language model id 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 shoppers,” mentioned Nic Thomas, Head of Advertising and marketing, Gross sales & Service Europe.
To that finish the car consists of driver help programs widespread within the European market, resembling clever adaptive cruise management, computerized emergency braking, and site visitors signal recognition.
Nevertheless, manufacturing takes place at Changan’s Nanjing manufacturing facility, which represents a big funding in Trade 4.0 manufacturing ideas. The plant makes use of over 1,200 superior robots with a 70% automation charge 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 via this digital manufacturing revolution.”
Changan’s European entry coincides with an unprecedented wave of Chinese language automakers establishing presence within the area. Based on information 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 enlargement happens in opposition to a backdrop of evolving EU-China commerce relations. In July 2024, the European Fee applied tariffs starting from 17.4% to 37.6% on Chinese language-made EVs following an anti-dumping investigation. Nevertheless, analysts at Bernstein Analysis be aware that the affect has been mitigated by Chinese language producers accelerating plans to determine European manufacturing services. Though not like rivals resembling BYD, which has introduced a producing plant in Hungary, Changan has not but revealed plans for European manufacturing.
Incredible voyage
The primary cargo of 155 Deepal S07 autos departed from China again in Might, with main locations together with Germany, Norway, and the UK. The preliminary car allocation is anticipated to reach in Europe in June, following a six-week sea voyage. Buyer deliveries are scheduled to start 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 said 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 similar timeframe.
“Now we have rigorously chosen companions who share our dedication to customer support excellence and have deep expertise of their native markets,” mentioned 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 rising EV gross sales, shopper adoption stays uneven throughout the continent.
“We enter Europe with respect for its automotive heritage and confidence in our means to contribute meaningfully to its electrical future,” says Yin. “The Deepal S07 is only the start of a long-term dedication to European drivers and the European automotive panorama. As these first 155 ambassadors make their approach 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 autos uniquely suited to Europe’s evolving mobility wants.”
And people wants embrace 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 means to determine 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 retaining its European shoppers comfortable.
