Changan launches an electric van with a range of 355 km for just 11,000 euros...in China

The Chinese market continues to show that electric vans can have prices far different from those found in Europe. While here many professionals must calculate costs carefully to justify buying an electric commercial vehicle, China offers alternatives designed for daily use at rates that seem hard to find in our market.

The latest example comes from Changan Kaicheng, Changan’s commercial vehicle division, which has just introduced a new version of its V919 van. Named the 8-cubic-meter V919 Glory Edition, this variant is aimed at freight transportation and urban delivery, featuring a body design optimized for cargo space and dimensions that allow it to fit into most urban parking spaces.

The difference compared to Europe lies not only in price. It is also interesting to see what such an electric delivery vehicle offers, with a modern design, charging capacity tailored to the needs of drivers, and certified range that allows for daily commuting without relying on a combustion engine.

Changan V919: An electric van for work for less than 10,000 euros

The new Changan Kaicheng V919 Glory Edition features a simple design with the typical closed front end seen in electric vehicles and black trim framing the front lighting units. The steeply angled windshield is designed to improve visibility from the driver’s seat and help reduce aerodynamic resistance. It is not intended to be a eye-catching vehicle but rather a work tool tailored to the needs of modern delivery services.

The body is 5.02 meters long, 1.91 meters wide, and 1.99 meters high, with a wheelbase of 3.15 meters. One of the most practical features is its height, under two meters, which makes it easier to access many underground parking lots and shopping mall loading areas. For a van designed for urban delivery, being able to enter such spaces can make a significant difference in daily work.

The loading area has also been designed to make the most of the available width. The space designated for goods is 3.38 meters long and 1.74 meters wide, while the wheelbase is 1.32 meters. The rear door is 1.45 meters wide, dimensions that facilitate the loading of bulky items and make better use of the available space.

Under the hood, the V919 is equipped with an electric motor developed by Changan itself, delivering a maximum power of 70 kW (95 HP) and a torque of 175 Nm. The manufacturer did not specify acceleration times or other performance details in the launch information, which is less important for a vehicle whose primary purpose is transporting goods at low operating costs. The rear suspension features a five-link steel leaf spring setup, a common solution in commercial vehicles designed to handle continuous loads.

The battery uses cells supplied by CATL, and it is marketed with a maximum range of 355 kilometers according to China’s CLTC testing cycle, which is equivalent to around 310 km under the WLTP standard.

The price is the aspect that catches attention the most. The Changan Kaicheng V919 is available in China in two configurations, with official prices of 95,900 and 97,900 yuan, which is around 12,800 to 13,100 euros at the current exchange rate. However, thanks to launch promotions, the price drops to 88,900 and 90,900 yuan, equivalent to 11,800 and 12,100 euros respectively.

This huge difference compared to the vehicles available in Europe, which usually start at no less than 30,000 euros for their most affordable versions and often exceed 40,000 euros.

For now, the Changan Kaicheng V919 Glory Edition has been announced for China, with no news of its arrival in Europe. As such, it is not possible to compare its price to that of an equivalent version sold in Spain. Nevertheless, its launch brings back one of the main obstacles to electrifying commercial transportation: artificially inflated prices in Europe.