Changan CS55 EV

Model Overview

The Changan CS55 EV is a compact all-electric SUV launched by Changan Automobile in July 2020, developed on the platform of the petrol-powered CS55 PLUS as a strategic model in the marque's new energy vehicle (NEV) lineup. The EV was offered in two versions—Standard Range and Ultra-Long Range—spanning five variants, with post-subsidy recommended retail prices ranging from RM159,900 to RM200,900. The Standard Range variant delivers an NEDC-rated range of 403 km, while the Ultra-Long Range variant achieves up to 605 km on the NEDC cycle, powered by an 84.2 kWh ternary lithium battery pack. As Changan Automobile's first fully electric SUV, its standout technological highlight is its segment-leading ultra-long range.

Design Language

Positioned as a compact SUV, the Changan CS55 EV measures 4,515 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,690 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, featuring minor dimensional tweaks over the petrol-powered CS55 PLUS. In terms of styling, the EV inherits the bold, rugged design language of the CS55 PLUS, sporting an inverted trapezoidal semi-closed front grille finished with horizontal chrome inserts for added depth. To highlight its electric identity, the closed grille gets a body-coloured finish, complemented by a blue-accented brand emblem and blue trim accents along the front wings and body panels. Up front, it features integrated high/low-beam LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, matched by full-width LED taillights at the rear that echo the front horizontal motif. The side profile exhibits clean, sculpted lines complemented by newly styled 18-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out D-pillars that create a floating roof effect.

Inside, the CS55 EV features a driver-oriented wraparound cockpit with the centre console angled slightly towards the driver for optimal ergonomics and visibility. Swapping out the petrol variant's metallic trim for distinctive blue inserts, the cabin is further enhanced by a flat-bottom multi-function sports steering wheel and a yacht-style electronic gear selector, underscoring its modern, tech-focused EV appeal.

Powertrain and Performance

The Changan CS55 EV is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor paired with a single-speed reduction gearbox. With a maximum motor speed of up to 12,000 rpm, the system pushes out 160 kW (approximately 218 PS) and 300 Nm of peak torque, delivering performance comparable to a conventional 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Range-wise, the Standard Range variant packs a 52.7 kWh ternary lithium battery pack offering 403 km of NEDC range, while the Ultra-Long Range variant carries an 84.2 kWh pack rated for 605 km (NEDC). Official rated power consumption stands at 14.7 kWh/100 km for the Standard Range and 15.4 kWh/100 km for the Ultra-Long Range variant. The SUV supports both AC slow charging and DC fast charging, with DC charging taking up to 90 kW to replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Changan CS55 EV rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, configured exclusively in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout with electric power steering (EPS). It offers a minimum ground clearance of 170 mm and has a kerb weight of 1,880 kg. In terms of driving dynamics, the EV provides two drive modes: ECO and Sport. ECO mode delivers linear, subdued throttle response and curbs torque delivery to maximise driving range, whereas Sport mode sharpens motor responsiveness for punchier acceleration and a more pronounced push-back sensation. The chassis tuning is on the firmer side, providing ample lateral support through corners, maintaining composed body control across undulating roads, alongside a well-weighted steering setup that ensures balanced handling during wider turns.

Cabin and Features

In terms of digital cabin features, the CS55 EV comes standard across the range with a dual 10.25-inch screen setup comprising a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment system supporting dual-screen interconnectivity. It runs the Wutong AutoLink infotainment operating system co-developed with Tencent, integrating QQ Music, online radio, online navigation, and the AI "Xiao An" intelligent voice assistant that handles voice commands for phone calls, air-con toggles, and temperature adjustments. For convenience and comfort, standard equipment includes keyless entry with push-button start, remote engine start, remote climate pre-conditioning, remote vehicle diagnostics, scheduled charging, and anti-theft monitoring. Higher-spec variants gain a premium Sony sound system (tuned for crisp highs, clear mids, and deep bass extension), heated front seats, a Qi wireless smartphone charger, and a 220V vehicle-to-load (V2L) external power outlet.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the CS55 EV incorporates extensive high-strength hot-stamped steel within its body structure, backed by official claims of 10-year / 240,000-km structural durability. Active safety kit across all variants includes Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Hill-start Hold Control (HHC), Traction Control System (TCS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) display. Mid-to-high-spec variants are equipped with Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including a 360-degree HD surround-view camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring / Lane Change Assist, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Furthermore, the battery pack boasts an IP68 ingress protection rating (military-grade spec), ensuring robust protection in wet-weather and water-wading conditions.

Market Performance and Evaluation

Upon its launch, the Changan CS55 EV made headlines as the only all-electric SUV in its segment boasting an NEDC range beyond 600 km (at 605 km), which served as its primary product highlight. However, overall sales fell short of expectations, with market observers attributing this to lower brand recall in the NEV arena compared to frontrunners like Tesla and BYD, limited promotional campaigns, and stiff rivalry in its price bracket. User feedback has been largely favourable regarding its real-world range capability (achieving close to 600 km in actual driving), spacious cabin, responsive power delivery, and overall ride comfort. Areas noted for improvement centred on an ageing infotainment system with limited functionality, relatively soft brake pedal tuning, and modest ground clearance. Representing an early foray by Changan into the pure electric SUV arena, the CS55 EV made its mark with headline-grabbing range; while it did not replicate the massive sales success of its petrol sibling, it laid critical technical groundwork and gathered valuable market data for Changan's subsequent EV offensive.