Dongfeng‘s eπ (Yipai) brand is set to expand its portfolio with a new battery-swapping version of its mid-to-large sedan, the eπ EP7. The vehicle has appeared in the latest Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) catalogue.

Design and dimensions
The eπ EP7 features a closed-off front grille and a “star-ring” full-width light bar. The front end is further accented by a shovel-style front lip and vertical air ducts. The side profile showcases semi-hidden door handles, while the rear echoes the front with a cohesive full-width taillight assembly.

The vehicle measures 4,910 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,478 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. It has a curb weight of 1,851 kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,251 kg.

Performance and technology
Under the hood, the EP7 is powered by a single electric motor (model TZ225XYH02) manufactured by Zhixin Technology Co., Ltd of the Dongfeng Group. The motor delivers a maximum power output of 215 kW (288 hp).

A key highlight of this model is its energy storage system. The vehicle is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack provided by CATL, which supports battery-swapping technology.

In the same batch, this model also had a non-swappable battery version registered, which uses ternary lithium batteries developed in-house by Dongfeng.

Judging by its dimensions, this car is similar to Arcfox’s battery-swap model, the Beta S3, and the price is expected to be similar as well.

CATL’s battery-swapping landscape

So far, all of China’s six major traditional state-owned car manufacturers (FAW, Dongfeng, Changan, SAIC, GAC, BAIC) have launched battery-swap models based on CATL’s Choco-SEB technology.

In addition, Chery has also launched a battery-swapping version of the iCar. As for the battery-swapping model, it faces a “chicken-and-egg” dilemma, however, it seems this issue has now been resolved. CATL has already built more than 2,000 battery-swapping stations for passenger vehicles, with a target of reaching 3,000 stations by the end of this year.

Source: CarNewsChina (View original)