By Otsile Kadiege

Zero emissions mobility is without a doubt in full-swing in South Africa. However, whilst some are embracing new age mobility, most South Africans are finding it hard to switch-over to the future due to numerous factors – one of them being affordability. Enter Enviro Automotive, an importer and distributor of battery-electric vehicles,with the introduction of the Dayun Yuehu S5, a battery-electric mini-SUV priced under R400,000.

Brief history

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 a credible reputation as a spunky urban cruiser, offering low ownership costs, functionality, and tested reliability, becoming an extremely popular choice for environmentally conscious customers.

“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.”

 Performance and charging

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

The Dayun Yuehu S5 has a 31.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery with a claimed 330 km range (in CLTC working condition). It supports Level 2 AC and DC charging for easy home charging or quick recharges at DC fast-charging stations. It consumes a claimed 10.7 kWh/100 km. With a standard 220V charge, Enviro Automotive claims it takes about four hours to recharge. Using a DC fast charger, recharging from 20% to 80% takes under an hour.

Safety and assistance systems

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).

The Dayun Yuehu S5 features automatic Headlights, a rear view camera with Reverse Assistance (RA), a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a Keyless Start System, central locking, an ISOFIX child seat anchor point in the rear and a Low-speed Driving Warning System for pedestrian safety.

Exterior

The mini city SUV measures 3,695 mm (L), 1,685 mm (W), and 1,598 mm (H) and has a 2,410 mm wheelbase. The Dayun Yuehu S5 boasts a 10.7-meter turning circle and a 201 mm ground clearance. Noteworthy exterior highlights include a closed grille, LED headlights and taillights with an LED strip, 15-, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Dayun Yuehu S5 is available in five colours: Ivory White, Pale Green, MistyRose Pink, Teal and Dark Red to meet customers’ aesthetic needs.

Interior

Inside, The Dayun Yuehu S5 features electronic power steering (EPS), an air-conditioner (A/C) with climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, and electric windows (E/W). The vehicle is operated via an Electronic Rotary Switch (ERS) on the centre console.

Other highlights of the Dayun Yuehu S5 include a 7-inch LCD Infotainment screen and an 8-inch central Control screen with Dayun’s Intelligent Car System offering driver-assistance features including functions for vehicle monitoring, Bluetooth, a hands-free system, radio, the selection of various media as well as climate control and specific vehicle settings. Content from the Internet can also be displayed using its WiFi hotspot. It also features USB and Type-C multimedia ports.

The  Dayun Yuehu S5 VIP boasts a SmartLink APP, which remotely controls car locking and unlocking, the windows, and the air-conditioner and enables it to start without entry. The SmartLink APP also features an Electronic Fence, which, when the vehicle travels outside the set area, will automatically raise an alarm to trace the car.

Pricing and warranty

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

Dayun Yuehu S5 Standard – R399,900

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-year/120,000 km. Service intervals are set for every 12 months or 20,000 km.