Dongfeng Fukang ES600

The ES600 is an all-electric C-segment sedan launched under the Dongfeng Fukang brand by Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile (DPCA), officially hitting the market on 28 March 2022. Converted from the previous-generation Dongfeng Peugeot 408 platform, the vehicle marked another strategic deployment by the Fukang brand in the commercial (B2B) new energy vehicle sector following the ES500, specifically tailored for fleet operations such as e-hailing and taxis. The 2022 ES600 was offered in several variants, including the Taxi Edition, Ride-Hailing Edition, and T3 Customised Edition, with an official retail price of RM153,800. The subsequent 2023 iteration revised its NEDC-rated range to 410 km, carrying a price tag of RM163,800. As a pivotal move within DPCA’s "Yuan+" plan under its "4+4+X" market strategy, the ES600 was tasked with expanding Fukang’s presence in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment, yet its market reception ultimately fell far short of expectations.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the ES600 largely mirrors the pre-facelift Dongfeng Peugeot 408, featuring only subtle EV-specific aesthetic revisions. The front end adopts a closed-off grille, ditching the petrol model’s horizontal chrome slats in favour of a body-coloured blanked-off panel with a starry dot-matrix motif, centred by the Dongfeng Fukang emblem which conceals the charging port beneath. The sculpted headlamp clusters remain identical to those on the 408, housing halogen light units with manual levelling adjustment.

The profile retains the exact lines of the Peugeot 408, defined by clean, straight dual character lines that lend a simple, understated silhouette. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,750 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,518 mm in height, with a 2,730 mm wheelbase. Compared to the petrol-powered 408, the overall height has been slightly raised to accommodate the underfloor battery pack. The rear remains stubby and planted, framed by broad tail lamps that mirror the front design, with the number plate recess integrated into the rear bumper for an unpretentious look. The cabin architecture largely mirrors the Peugeot 408, though it swaps out the conventional gear lever for a rotary shift dial and introduces a portrait-oriented 9.7-inch central touchscreen; while it exhibits a somewhat budget, parts-bin feel, the infotainment system comes integrated with AutoNavi online navigation, media streaming, and smartphone mirroring capabilities.

Powertrain and Performance

Powering the ES600 is a front-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous motor (model TZ200XS059), churning out a maximum output of 110 kW (150 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. Paired with a single-speed reduction gear transmission, drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels (FWD). It completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in an official 10.7 seconds, with a top speed capped at 140 km/h.

As for the battery, the 2022 model utilises a CATL-sourced ternary lithium battery pack with a 53.59 kWh capacity and an energy density of 169 Wh/kg, delivering an NEDC-rated range of 430 km. The 2023 version sees the battery capacity revised to 50.95 kWh, yielding an NEDC range of 410 km. Under DC fast charging, juicing the battery from 30% to 80% takes around 36 to 43 minutes (approximately 0.6 hours on the 2022 model and 43 minutes on the 2023 model), while a full AC slow charge takes 10 hours. Its rated energy consumption stands at 12.2 kWh/100 km, equivalent to a fuel consumption of 1.38 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the ES600 carries over the Peugeot 408’s front-wheel-drive platform, featuring MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a torsion beam non-independent rear setup. It utilises a monocoque chassis paired with electric power steering (EPS). Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, coupled with an electronic parking brake (EPB). It rides on 215/50 R17 tyres, supplied with a tyre repair kit in place of a spare wheel. The chassis setup benefits from French engineering expertise in torsion beam tuning, delivering decent bump absorption and a distinctly comfort-biased ride quality. Drive modes include Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort, supported by a standard regenerative braking system.

Cabin and Equipment

Cabin appointments vary across the trim hierarchy. The instrument cluster incorporates a multi-info colour trip computer display (non-fully digital), complemented by a rotary shift knob. For infotainment, the Ride-Hailing and T3 Customised Editions are equipped with a 9.7-inch vertical touchscreen featuring AutoNavi navigation with real-time traffic, Bluetooth, Baidu CarLife connectivity, connected services, and 4G capability; the Taxi Edition omits the central screen for a no-frills, utilitarian setup. The seats are upholstered in faux leather, with the driver’s seat offering manual fore/aft, backrest, and 2-way height adjustments alongside a front centre armrest. Standard convenience kit includes manual air conditioning, rear air-con vents, all-round power windows, and power-adjustable heated side mirrors. The audio setup features a 6-speaker layout. Boot capacity is rated at 455 litres, though the rear bench lacks a folding mechanism.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the ES600 comes standard with basic active and passive systems, including dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Tyre pressure monitoring is offered via a direct tyre pressure readout. However, notably, the vehicle omits front side airbags and side curtain airbags, offering only entry-level passive protection. On the driver assistance front, the Ride-Hailing Edition is equipped with rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and Hill-Start Assist (HSA), while the Taxi Edition does without the reverse camera; cruise control is absent across the entire lineup. Its driver assist capability remains strictly at Level 0 (L0), devoid of advanced active safety systems such as Lane Keep Assist or Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). A battery thermal pre-heating system comes standard across all variants to maintain charging efficiency in colder climates.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its market debut in 2022, the ES600 has been squarely targeted at commercial fleet applications like e-hailing and taxis. At its launch event, DPCA signed bulk procurement framework agreements with multiple corporate partners totalling 30,000 orders, with the initial batch of 1,000 units delivered simultaneously in Wuhan. On the warranty front, commercial fleet vehicles were backed by a 1-year or 120,000 km whole-vehicle warranty alongside an 8-year or 600,000 km warranty for the core EV powertrain components and battery cells; private (non-commercial) registrations received a 3-year or 120,000 km whole-vehicle warranty, 8-year or 150,000 km powertrain cover, and a 5-year or 500,000 km battery cell warranty.

Despite the initial splash, the model's actual retail and market uptake proved underwhelming. Sales data shows that in June 2025, the Dongfeng Fukang ES600 shifted just 18 units, with cumulative full-year sales in 2025 reaching a mere 451 units. Positioned against rivals like the Geely Emgrand EV450, BAIC BJEV EU5, and BYD Qin PLUS EV, the ES600 found itself outclassed in terms of electric range, smart cockpit features, and brand cachet.

Feedback from automotive reviews labelled the ES600 essentially as "a Peugeot 408 running on batteries", viewing it as a move by DPCA to repurpose an aging vehicle platform and clear out surplus body panels. Consumer complaints on portals like 12365auto pointed heavily to traction battery malfunctions and a severe lack of spare parts supply, with owners raising grievances over unresolved battery issues and manufacturer delays in supplying replacement components. Industry analysts largely viewed the Fukang ES600 as a transitional "compliance car" rolled out to meet China's dual-credit regulations. Bound by an outdated petrol-to-EV conversion architecture, it lacked the fundamental competitive edge needed in an increasingly sophisticated EV market.

In summary, while the Dongfeng Fukang ES600 leverages the Peugeot 408's proven platform to offer decent rear legroom from its 2,730 mm wheelbase, comfortable French-tuned chassis dynamics, and tailored commercial fleet warranty packages, its underlying petrol-to-EV architecture, lacklustre driving range, stripped-back tech, and spare parts supply risks stemming from dismal sales make it practically irrelevant for private buyers. For fleet operators, the ES600 may have held some short-term appeal in bulk B2B purchases via pricing incentives and dedicated warranty terms; for everyday car buyers, however, it remains an unconvincing choice.