The Skywell Shodai is an all-electric multi-purpose commercial vehicle developed for export markets by China's Skywell New Energy Automobile Group. Based on the domestic Skywell D11 (NJL6111 series), it forms Skywell Group's commercial EV line-up for Southeast Asia and other regional markets alongside period-equivalent models such as the Daesho (D07), Pandai (H6), and Yoshi.
Headquartered in the Lishui Economic Development Zone in Nanjing, Skywell Group was established in 2010 by Skyworth Group founder Huang Hongsheng. It has since evolved into a high-tech enterprise integrating the R&D, manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service of new energy complete vehicles and core components. As of 2023, Skywell Group operates production facilities across Shenzhen, Wuhan, Xuzhou, Hohhot, and Weinan, supported by a global sales network spanning over 60 countries, a workforce of over 4,000 employees, and a total investment scale of RM10,000,000,000.
The Shodai is primarily tailored for commercial fleet operators in overseas markets, including taxi fleets, logistics and courier providers, corporate shuttle services, institutional clients, and owner-operators. In overseas markets (particularly Thailand), the van was introduced at the end of 2019 by Skywell Thailand with a starting price of around THB 2.5 million, positioned as an electric alternative to traditional diesel-powered commercial vans such as the Toyota HiAce and Nissan NV350. In its domestic market, the 2023 Skywell D11 carries an official retail price of approximately RM289,800.
The Skywell Shodai retains the brand's signature utilitarian design philosophy for commercial vehicles, characterised by an upright, squarish silhouette. Up front, it retains traditional combustion-engine styling cues, featuring cooling apertures on the front grille accented with blue trim to highlight its new energy credentials. Flanking the grille are clean-cut halogen headlamp clusters. Engineered with practical utility as its primary focus, the Shodai sports a clean, no-nonsense exterior where its long wheelbase and high-roof profile maximise cargo capacity while ensuring a generous passenger cabin.
Export variants feature prominent "Skywell" lettering embedded in the radiator grille and a "Shodai" emblem at the rear. The vehicle comes equipped with dual sliding side doors (with single- or dual-side manual sliding doors depending on the trim), while the rear features wide-opening barn doors to facilitate cargo loading and passenger access. In Thai taxi operator registries, the Shodai is classified as an 11-seater passenger van.
Dimensions vary depending on the specific variant. The standard version measures 5,960 mm in length, 2,020 mm in width, and 2,360 mm in height (with select variants measuring up to 6,005 × 1,995 × 2,650 mm), riding on a 3,665 mm wheelbase. Kerb weight ranges between 2,720 kg and 2,850 kg, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 4,490 kg. The cargo bay measures roughly 3,450 × 1,780 × 1,710 mm, delivering a total cargo volume of over 10 cubic metres.
Note: As records specifically confirm an "11-seater" layout, this configuration may not apply across all variants. Seating capacities on other specifications may vary depending on local market regulations and model year updates; please refer to official showroom specifications for exact details.
The Skywell Shodai is driven by a fully electric powertrain featuring a single permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted at the rear in a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. The motor delivers a maximum power output of 100–120 kW (approximately 136–163 PS) and a peak torque of 750–1,100 Nm. This substantial torque output rivals and surpasses conventional 2.8-litre turbodiesel commercial vans, ensuring effortless pulling power for laden take-offs and steep hill climbs. Top speed is capped at 100 km/h. Paired with a single-speed reduction gearbox, the electric drivetrain provides seamless power delivery, offering noticeably smoother low-speed crawl and stop-and-go refinement in urban traffic compared to traditional diesel vans.
Energy is stored in a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack supplied by CATL, with capacities ranging from 73.6 to 75 kWh. This delivers an electric driving range of approximately 288 km under the NEDC test cycle and around 278 km under the CLTC standard. In terms of charging, DC fast charging from 20% to 80% state of charge takes around 60 minutes, while a full charge via AC slow charging takes approximately 18 hours.
In the Chinese domestic market, the "Skywell Shodai" nameplate can refer to various all-electric panel vans and light commercial vehicles under Skywell Auto. The 2023 D11 carries an official retail price of RM289,800, while the more compact Skywell D07 (4,165 × 1,680 × 1,930 mm, with a 2,605 mm wheelbase) is priced at around RM208,000.
The Skywell Shodai adopts a rear-mounted motor with rear-wheel drive. For the running gear, the front suspension utilises an independent MacPherson strut setup, while the rear relies on heavy-duty leaf springs (with a solid live axle setup on select versions), riding on a rugged body-on-frame (ladder chassis) architecture. The rear leaf springs deliver robust load-bearing support, ensuring the Shodai handles fully laden hauls and rigorous commercial duty cycles, with the ladder frame enhancing overall structural rigidity.
Steering is managed via electric power steering (EPS) or an electro-hydraulic power steering setup. The braking system comprises front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, paired with a conventional mechanical handbrake. The van rides on 215/75 R16 commercial tyres. Operating cost models from Thailand indicate that the Shodai consumes approximately 0.31 kWh per kilometre, with an electricity running cost of around THB 6.60 per kWh.
The cabin of the Skywell Shodai is focused entirely on functionality and long-lasting durability. The cockpit features a straightforward, ergonomic layout with a durable urethane steering wheel and hard-wearing fabric seat upholstery. The instrument cluster combines traditional analogue gauges with a central monochrome LCD multi-info display. Climate control is manually operated, and transmission control is handled via an electronic rotary gear selector. The centre console is equipped with standard USB charging ports and a basic radio head unit. In terms of cabin configuration, export models offer an 11-seat arrangement, where the rear seats can be folded or removed to easily switch between passenger shuttling and cargo haulage duties.
On the safety front, the Skywell Shodai employs a high-strength cage-type impact-absorbing body structure designed to maintain the structural integrity of the passenger cabin and cargo hold. Active safety equipment includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and a reverse camera on select variants. Driver assistance features on specific trims include rear parking sensors and a driver's airbag. The Shodai is not fitted with Level 2 or higher advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS); its electronic aids remain basic, prioritising practical and dependable baseline safety protection for commercial fleet duties.
The Skywell Shodai is a cornerstone model in Skywell Group's regional expansion across Southeast Asian markets. In Thailand, the vehicle anchors Skywell's all-electric commercial line-up alongside the Daesho, Pandai, and Yoshi. According to financial operational models from Thai energy policy research institutions, when deployed on fixed daily commercial routes, the Shodai incurs an estimated monthly operations and maintenance (O&M) cost of around THB 4,000—just 36% of the THB 11,000 required for a comparable 13-seater diesel van, delivering a significant long-term total cost of ownership (TCO) advantage.
In the Chinese domestic market, the pure electric Skywell D11 (the domestic equivalent of the Shodai) has an official retail price of approximately RM289,800, placing it in the mid-to-high tier of the electric light commercial vehicle segment. Since 2023, Skywell Group has accelerated its international expansion, securing fleet export contracts in markets such as Pakistan and rapidly increasing its export volumes. Skywell Group's commercial range is now exported to over 60 countries and regions globally, with overseas operations contributing an increasing share of its business. In terms of operational track record, earlier batches of the Skywell D11 received occasional fleet feedback regarding fast-charging anomalies and motor drive glitches, with extended resolution times noted for certain after-sales cases.
Overall, the Skywell Shodai carves out a competitive niche in domestic and export commercial markets with its cavernous interior, long wheelbase, high-torque electric motor delivering up to 1,100 Nm, and a dependable EV powertrain anchored by CATL's 73–75 kWh LFP battery packs. Serving as a key pillar in Skywell Group's dual passenger-commercial vehicle strategy, the Shodai's continued rollout across right-hand-drive Southeast Asian markets like Thailand underscores the growing footprint and capabilities of Chinese new energy commercial vehicle marques overseas.
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