It’s fair to say the Changan Deepal K50 isn’t your average pickup. This Hilux-sized truck claims to be the world’s first range-extended electric pickup, and while it’s an intriguing bit of engineering, it’s one we’re unlikely to see on UK roads any time soon.
The K50 comes from Changan Automobile, one of China’s biggest carmakers and a name that we’ll see here in the UK when it launches a range of electric cars this year. This model, however, is for Southeast Asia, where it’s aimed at drivers who want the benefits of electric power without the headaches of limited range or patchy charging infrastructure.
Under the skin sits a range-extended electric system. Power primarily comes from a 31.8kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery mounted within the chassis rails, which provides up to 112 miles of electric-only range. Once that’s depleted, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine kicks in to generate electricity for the motors. It’s not connected to the wheels — it’s purely a generator — but with the help of a 70-litre fuel tank, the total claimed range stretches to more than 620 miles.
Electric power and petrol practicality
Performance looks impressive on paper. The electric motors produce up to 268hp and 470Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels, with multiple terrain modes for mud, sand and snow. It’ll reportedly reach 0–62mph in 7.9 seconds — brisk for a pickup that weighs considerably more than a Ford Ranger.
The K50’s physical footprint will feel familiar to UK pickup owners, at 5.38m long, 1.98m wide and 1.88m tall. The load bed measures 1,590×1,580×490mm, which is almost identical to that of a Hilux Double Cab, and features reinforced anchor hooks for tie-downs.
There’s a 2.5-tonne towing capacity, but no mention of the payload limit. Don’t expect a full tonne, though.
K50 cabin and technology
Inside, the K50 takes a modern approach, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 7.5-inch digital instrument panel, and a column-mounted gear selector. Changan claims cabin noise levels of just 63dB at 62mph, on par with a mid-range SUV, and there’s the now-expected list of creature comforts: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, a 540° camera system, and even a built-in 360° dashcam.
There’s also a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) socket delivering 3.3 kW so that you can power a kettle, tools or camping gear straight from the truck.
Would the Changan Deepal K50 REEV work in the UK?
The K50’s hybrid-EV formula could, in theory, suit British buyers. A truck that covers 100-plus miles on battery power, yet can still haul a trailer to Scotland without worrying about charging stops, sounds ideal. But the complex REEV drivetrain could make it expensive, and the UK’s 3.5-tonne GVW limit for most licence holders would cap the battery size and payload balance — a challenge every electric pickup currently faces.
Then there’s the market positioning. Thai pricing starts at 1.1 million baht (around £26,000) before tax, but by the time you add UK homologation costs, VAT, and import duties, it could easily push beyond £40,000. And while Chinese EVs are edging into Europe, the pickup sector remains far more conservative, which explains why GWM has brought the Poer 300 to the UK with diesel power rather than an electric motor.
Even if it never makes it here, the K50 hints at one possible direction the industry is heading. Range-extended vehicles bridge the gap between pure EVs and diesel models, providing the torque and silence of electric drive without the anxiety of finding a rapid charger halfway up a mountain.
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