Voyah, Dongfeng's electric vehicle brand, has unveiled the Free 318, a new EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) designed for adventure-hungry young drivers. Taking its name from the epic China National Highway 318, a 5,476-kilometer trek, the Free 318 builds upon the existing Voyah Free platform with a focus on long-distance exploration.
The exterior gets a makeover with a new "Titanium Crystal Gray" paint job that sets it apart from the standard Free. Black five-spoke rims with 255/45 R20 Michelin tires and red sports calipers add a touch of dynamism. While the overall dimensions remain the same as the 2024 Voyah Free (length 4905mm, width 1950mm, height 1645mm), and the wheelbase is still 2960mm, the Free 318 offers a distinct visual upgrade.
Inside, the driver is greeted by a futuristic triple-screen setup: an instrument panel, a central control screen, and a dedicated entertainment screen for the passenger. Tech takes center stage with the upgraded Baidu Apollo 2.0 system, boasting new features like traffic cone recognition on highways for enhanced safety and improved traffic light following and reminders for a smoother urban driving experience. The system even offers precise autonomous parking capabilities, allowing the car to navigate tight spots even in dim-light conditions.
Voyah has prioritized seamless connectivity with a system that maintains network quality in areas with weak signal, such as tunnels or underground parking lots. For added convenience, over 100 new functions for vehicle control have been incorporated. Animal lovers will appreciate the unique "smart pet monitoring mode" that keeps an eye on furry companions in the back seat and warns of any potential issues.
Powering the Free 318 is the latest generation of Voyah's Lanhai platform. This innovative system combines a 149 hp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a powerful 268 hp electric motor. The setup is paired with a 43 kWh Voyah Amber battery pack. Notably, Voyah claims this platform is unique in the market, capable of supporting BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), PHEV, and EREV configurations.
The impressive figures speak for themselves: the Free 318 boasts a pure electric range of 318 km, a staggering 1,458 km comprehensive range when combining electric and gasoline power, a fuel consumption of 6.19 liters per 100 km, and a sporty 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds.
With pre-sales underway and a launch date set for June 14th, 2024, the Voyah Free 318 positions itself as a compelling option for young Chinese explorers seeking a blend of extended electric range, advanced technology, and long-distance comfort.