Livan Auto Maple 80v Pro

Model Overview

The Livan Maple 80v PRO is an all-electric compact MPV launched by Livan Auto in September 2022 as the higher-spec variant of the Maple 80v lineup (where "PRO" stands for "Professional", signifying upgraded equipment). Built on Livan Auto's GBRC modular battery-swap platform and positioned as a "chargeable and swappable EV MPV", it targets dual-purpose segments including e-hailing, passenger shuttles, and large family transport, highlighting its 60-second rapid battery-swapping capability and generous cabin practicality. As an upgraded iteration of the standard Maple 80v, the PRO variant brings notable improvements in interior refinement and tech features. The 2022 model serves as the core offering, available in 2 variants: the Shuxiang Standard Range (410 km) and the Shuxiang Long Range (480 km), priced at RM162,800 and RM178,800 respectively. Featuring a 6-seater layout, it remains one of the few pure electric MPVs in China to support battery-swapping technology.

Design Language

The Maple 80v PRO adopts Livan's signature family design language, presenting a sleek and modern profile. Up front, it features an octagonal closed-off honeycomb-pattern grille flanked by sharp, smoked headlamp clusters that seamlessly blend across the fascia, enhancing the vehicle's visual width. The charging port is neatly integrated into the centre of the front grille, highlighting its EV credentials. Notably, this model does not come with an AC slow-charging port. The lower front bumper features a full-width blacked-out intake that helps reduce aerodynamic drag while channelling airflow to cool the underbody battery pack.

In profile, the MPV sports clean, defined character lines paired with a gently sloped D-pillar. A dual-tone paint finish, pronounced wheel arches, and 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55 R18 Kumho 7 tyres give it a commanding stance and a premium touch. Dimension-wise, it measures 4,706 mm in length, 1,909 mm in width, and 1,699 mm in height, with a 2,807 mm wheelbase. Spanning over 1.9 metres wide, it boasts a true wide-body stance in the compact MPV segment, providing ample shoulder room inside. It also offers an approach angle of 15°, a departure angle of 21°, and a laden ground clearance of 130 mm.

At the rear, a chunky gloss-black garnish connects the slim taillights on either side, echoing the front-end treatment. A floating roof effect up top combined with a rear diffuser accented in chrome lends it a subtle sporty vibe.

Inside, the Maple 80v PRO features a stylish black-and-blue two-tone cabin theme tailored for a younger audience. The dashboard houses a 7-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, lending the cockpit a high-tech feel. Drivers get a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with tilt and telescopic manual adjustment, complemented by an electronic shift-by-wire gear selector. The seats are upholstered in two-tone NAPPA leather, with power adjustment for the driver's seat (slide and recline), while the front seats can recline up to 165° to form a flat resting space.

Powertrain and Performance

Powering the Maple 80v PRO across the range is a single front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor driving the front wheels (FWD) via a single-speed reduction gearbox. The electric motor churns out 100 kW (136 PS / 134 hp) and 230 Nm of peak torque, allowing for a top speed of 130 km/h. The powertrain is tuned primarily for smooth daily drivability; real-world test drives note that acceleration is linear and predictable in Eco mode, while engaging Sport mode sharpens throttle response with brisk, responsive pickup.

Battery options consist of two ternary lithium (NMC) battery packs depending on the variant:

Both packs feature liquid cooling, returning an average energy consumption of 14.1 kWh/100 km.

For charging and replenishment, the Maple 80v PRO supports both DC fast charging and automated battery swapping:

• DC Fast Charging: 30%-80% state of charge (SoC) in 30 minutes for the Standard Range, and 40 minutes for the Long Range

• Battery Swapping: Fully automated pack swap completed in just 60 seconds

Do note that the vehicle lacks a standard AC slow-charging port, meaning replenishment relies entirely on DC fast chargers or dedicated battery-swapping stations.

Chassis and Handling

The Maple 80v PRO is built on a monocoque chassis with a front-wheel-drive layout. It rides on MacPherson strut independent suspension up front and a multi-link non-independent rear suspension (rigid axle setup). This combination strikes a balance between ride stability and load-hauling durability—with the rear setup optimised to handle heavy loads, multiple occupants, and luggage. Test-drive impressions highlight composed cornering behaviour, showing no obvious understeer through sequential bends and maintaining reassuring body control throughout.

Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system with a light, effortless feel. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, supported by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold. It rides on 225/55 R18 tyres and comes without a spare wheel.

Drive modes comprise Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport.

Cabin and Equipment

The interior of the Maple 80v PRO focuses heavily on practical versatility and passenger comfort. Utilising a 2+2+2 six-seater layout, the second row is fitted with individual captain chairs with slide and recline adjustments, alongside a walkthrough central aisle for easy third-row access. Boot space measures 139 litres with all seats in place, expanding up to a cavernous 1,198 litres with the third-row seats folded flat.

On the infotainment front, it runs on the GKUI smart ecosystem. The 12.3-inch centre touchscreen integrates AutoNavi navigation, reverse camera display, and multimedia apps like iQIYI and Ximalaya, along with Over-The-Air (OTA) update support. An intelligent voice control system allows hands-free operation of navigation, media playback, climate control, and power windows with responsive voice recognition.

In terms of comfort features, standard kit includes an operable panoramic glass roof, leather multi-function steering wheel, faux leather upholstery (the 2022 Shuxiang model gets leatherette instead of full NAPPA leather), electric driver's seat adjustment, front and rear centre armrests, and automatic climate control. Connectivity includes 1 front USB port, 3 rear USB ports, and a 12V auxiliary power socket.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For passive safety, all Maple 80v PRO variants are equipped with dual front airbags (driver and front passenger) as standard, lacking front side or curtain airbags. Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are standard. The body structure utilises high-strength steel in a protective cage design to maintain passenger cell integrity during a crash.

Active safety is backed by standard electronic aids including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA/BAS), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP). Auto Brake Hold and Hill-Start Assist (HSA) also come standard.

Driver assistance systems remain basic. The MPV is equipped with rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and conventional cruise control. It does not feature Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) or millimetre-wave radar sensors—as evidenced by the clean lower front bumper—meaning autonomous driving capabilities are absent. Driver assistance is rated at Level 0.

Based on customer complaint data from 12365auto, common issues reported for the 2022 Maple 80v PRO include:

• Severe traction battery degradation: Multiple complaints regarding noticeable battery capacity drop

• Infotainment connectivity glitches: Inability to connect to the onboard 4G network

The vehicle comes with a four-year or 150,000 km manufacturer warranty, alongside an eight-year or 150,000 km warranty for the traction battery.

Market Performance and Verdict

Following its market debut in 2022, the Maple 80v PRO was gradually phased out over 2023 and 2024, with remaining market units primarily consisting of existing showroom stock. Its direct successor is the Livan 8 (2025 model), which introduces upgrades in cabin dimensions, driving range, and smart connectivity. Direct rivals in the swappable and commercial EV MPV segment include the BYD D1 and Bestune NAT.

According to owner feedback, the model's key strengths lie in:

• Ultra-fast battery swapping: 60-second rapid swap eliminates charging downtime and range anxiety

• Roomy, practical cabin: 2,807 mm wheelbase combined with a 1.9-metre width delivers comfortable 6-seater accommodation

• Upgraded interior ambiance: Two-tone upholstery, leatherette seats, and a 12.3-inch screen offer a noticeably more premium cabin than the base 80v

• Low running costs: Pure EV economics, with battery-swap subscription shielding owners from battery degradation risks

On the downside, notable drawbacks include:

• DC fast charging and swapping only: No AC slow-charging port limits convenience for home wallbox users

• Absence of ADAS: Lacks Level 2 active safety and driving aids

• Battery degradation complaints: Reports from some owners citing steep battery health decline

• Low brand awareness: Limited brand presence for Livan in the mainstream passenger car market

Key Competitor Comparison

While the Maple 80v PRO holds an edge in overall width and versatile seating, it trails mainstream competitors in brand recognition and smart driving tech.

Summary

As the flagship tier of the Maple 80v series, the Livan Maple 80v PRO carves out a distinctive niche in the RM150,000 to RM180,000 pure electric MPV bracket, underpinned by its 60-second rapid battery swap, 2,807 mm long wheelbase, and versatile 6-seater layout. While the 2022 model brought welcome enhancements in interior refinement and tech over the baseline model, modest brand presence and a lack of active driver assistance systems kept its market traction relatively muted. With the model now discontinued and replaced by the Livan 8, the Maple 80v PRO remains an attractive option for e-hailing operators and fleet buyers prioritising rapid turnaround times and low operating costs. However, prospective buyers should remain mindful of battery degradation complaints and local after-sales service network availability.