The Dongfeng Palaso New Energy is an all-electric mid-to-large SUV/multipurpose utility vehicle rolled out by Zhengzhou Nissan under Dongfeng Motor. Positioned as an "intercity logistics and commercial multipurpose electric vehicle", it emphasises generous cabin space, long driving range, and multi-scenario versatility. Built upon the electrified chassis architecture of the ICE-powered Palaso, it is tailored for multifaceted demands including commercial logistics, field engineering operations, and large-family transport.
First introduced in 2024, the Palaso New Energy lineup welcomed updated variants in September 2025. The on-sale 2025 range offers variants such as the "Rear-Wheel Drive Edition" and "Van Long Range Edition", with an official indicative price of around RM259,800, alongside a dealer reference price of approximately AED 67,500 (approx. RM130,000, depending on regional markets and trim specifications). Within the electric commercial and multipurpose vehicle segment, its chief rivals include the Rich 6 New Energy and SAIC MAXUS EV90.
In terms of exterior design, the Palaso New Energy retains the rugged, utilitarian profile of the ICE Palaso with a clean, functional approach. Up front, it features a closed-off front grille integrated with broad black trim accents, flanked by headlamps that seamlessly merge into the grille assembly. The front bumper sports a clean-cut layout complete with a silver skid plate and integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), delivering a steady, recognisable look. Down the sides, straight body lines define its boxy van silhouette, featuring solid blank metal panels in place of rear quarter windows (on the Van Long Range Edition) to accentuate its cargo practicality and commercial DNA. The rear end is straightforward, fitted with vertically arranged tail lights on either side and dual barn-style split rear doors for effortless cargo loading and unloading.
Dimensional-wise, the Palaso New Energy is offered in two size configurations depending on the model year. The initial 2024–2025 version measures 5,252 mm in length, 1,894 mm in width, and 2,010 mm in height, with a 3,150 mm wheelbase; the refreshed 2025 model has been updated to 5,277 mm × 1,864 mm × 1,998 mm while retaining the same 3,150 mm wheelbase. Fully laden ground clearance stands at 181 mm, complemented by a turning radius of 6.4 metres.
Inside, the cabin adopts a minimalist, workhorse-oriented design. The dashboard is finished predominantly in durable hard plastics, anchored by a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display (on selected variants). The steering wheel is moulded in plastic and supports manual tilt adjustment, while the instrument cluster combines conventional analogue dials with a multi-info LCD screen. Seats are trimmed in synthetic leather (on selected variants), with manual adjustments for both driver and front passenger. Climate control is manual, with physical tactile buttons and rotary knobs retained on the centre stack for fuss-free blind operation on the move.
The Palaso New Energy is powered across the range by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor (model TZ220XSFDM50A), churning out 130 kW (approx. 177 PS) and 435 Nm of peak torque. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via a single-speed direct-drive transmission. It completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 12 seconds, on to a top speed of 120 km/h. Given its commercial and utility slant, the powertrain is calibrated specifically for robust low-end torque delivery and hauling capability rather than outright acceleration.
Juice is supplied by a CATL-sourced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with a capacity of 77.28 kWh, delivering a CLTC-rated electric driving range of 429 km. Charging-wise, both DC fast charging and AC charging are supported: with a 70 kW DC fast charger, a 30% to 80% top-up takes 30 minutes; standard 6.6 kW AC charging takes roughly 9.5 hours to go from 20% to 100%. This charging performance is on par with the class average for commercial EVs. The vehicle is backed by a three-year or 100,000 km warranty, while the EV powertrain (battery, motor, and electronic control system) comes with an eight-year or 120,000 km warranty.
Underneath, the Palaso New Energy rides on a front double-wishbone independent suspension paired with a rear leaf spring non-independent setup. The front double-wishbone layout is a rarity in its segment, offering decent lateral support and steering stability. Meanwhile, the heavy-duty rear leaf springs prioritise payload capacity over ride pliancy, sacrificing secondary ride comfort for superior load-hauling durability in line with its commercial vehicle brief.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels (RWD), with steering handled by an electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system. Braking duties are managed by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, accompanied by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/60 R18 tyres all round. While official approach and departure angles remain unstated, the 181 mm ground clearance easily accommodates light off-tarmac trails and uneven terrain.
In-car equipment on the Palaso New Energy leans heavily towards utility. Mid-to-high variants receive a 10-inch central touchscreen supporting Bluetooth telephony, media playback, and a reverse camera. However, higher-tier tech such as connected telematics, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aids are omitted across the line-up, creating a noticeable equipment gap compared to passenger-centric EVs at a similar price point.
Seating is configured strictly as a 5-seater. The seats are wrapped in faux leather (fabric on selected trims), featuring manual fore/aft and recline adjustment up front, while the rear seatback angle is fixed. The 2024 model and early batches lack folding rear seats, which limits cargo expansion; later 2025 iterations and higher-spec models introduce split-folding rear backrests for improved hauling flexibility. Manual air conditioning with dedicated rear air vents comes standard.
In the safety department, the Palaso New Energy gets standard core active safety systems, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Passive safety kit includes front dual airbags (driver and front passenger, depending on variant) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Standard LED DRLs, front fog lamps, and manual headlamp height levelling further aid visibility in inclement weather conditions.
As for advanced driver assistance, the Palaso New Energy does not feature Level 2 or higher ADAS suites. Driver aids such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Blind Spot Monitoring are absent. The vehicle's safety package remains focused strictly on fundamental active and passive protections, positioning its driver-assist capability at an entry-level tier among EVs in this price bracket.
The Dongfeng Palaso New Energy serves as a key strategic offering for Zhengzhou Nissan in the new energy commercial sector. Capitalising on its imposing 5,277 mm body length, 3,150 mm wheelbase, and robust leaf-sprung payload capacity, it delivers substantial utility for intercity logistics, utility fleet duty, and multi-passenger transport. Nonetheless, its market momentum remains constrained by several intrinsic factors.
As of June 2026, the Palaso New Energy has yet to register on mainstream domestic new energy passenger vehicle sales charts, with negligible public monthly sales data and a muted market footprint. Industry watchers attribute this modest uptake to three primary reasons: firstly, its utility-first commercial brief limits its appeal among private passenger car buyers; secondly, its sparse tech equipment and 429 km range lag behind the fast-evolving 2025–2026 EV passenger market; thirdly, its retail distribution relies heavily on Zhengzhou Nissan’s commercial vehicle network, leaving it with minimal showroom exposure in tier-one and tier-two passenger car retail hubs.
On the owner feedback front, early adopters appreciate its cavernous cargo room, sturdy chassis load ratings, and the dependable range consistency of the CATL battery. On the flip side, criticisms centre on the bare-bones cabin tech, lack of folding rear seats in early batches, a modest 70 kW DC fast charging rate (30% to 80% in 30 minutes) that feels dated in today’s EV landscape, and limited brand equity in the passenger EV space. All in all, the Dongfeng Palaso New Energy is an electric utility workhorse built around practicality and rugged hauling capability as its primary USPs, carving out a viable niche in commercial duties while remaining largely peripheral in the mainstream passenger EV arena.
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
Help us improve our website
