Venucia T60 EV

Model Overview

The Venucia T60 EV is a fully electric B-segment SUV under Dongfeng Nissan's Venucia brand, officially launched in Beijing on 28 November 2019. Serving as the marque's third all-electric offering, the T60 EV is derived from the petrol-powered Venucia T60 and positioned as an entry-level electric family SUV. At launch, the line-up comprised 4 variants, priced between RM138,800 and RM156,800 post-subsidies. On 1 March 2023, the updated Venucia T60 EV Changxing Edition debuted as a sole variant priced at RM189,800, concurrently replacing the older variants which were phased out. Its key rivals in the electric SUV segment include the BYD Yuan PLUS, GAC AION Y, and Neta U.

Design Language

Aesthetically, the Venucia T60 EV carries over the general silhouette of the ICE-powered T60 while introducing bespoke EV styling cues. Up front, it features a closed-off grille finished with blue panels and triangular motif inserts to emphasise its zero-emission credentials. The wide headlight clusters feature full-LED high and low beams, complemented by distinctive "Y"-shaped LED daytime running light signatures flanking the fascia. Along the sides, clean and chiselled character lines are paired with blacked-out A- and B-pillars to create a floating roof aesthetic. The rear sports sculpted smoked tail lamps that mirror the front "Y"-shaped design, underpinned by a dual-tone rear bumper finished in black and silver-grey cladding. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4,415 mm long, 1,820 mm wide, and 1,668 mm tall, with a 2,640 mm wheelbase. Five monotone exterior colours are on offer—Pearl White, Tungsten Steel Grey, Flame Red, Clear Sky Blue, and Sunrise Orange—alongside a Pearl White/Obsidian Black dual-tone finish.

Inside, the T60 EV adopts a symmetrical wraparound dashboard architecture. The cockpit is fitted with an 8.0-inch colour TFT digital instrument cluster and a 10.0-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment display. The mechanical gear lever from the standard ICE model has been replaced with a modern shift-by-wire electronic gear selector. The steering wheel is moulded in urethane and offers manual tilt adjustment.

Powertrain and Performance

Propulsion for the Venucia T60 EV comes from a Valeo Siemens-sourced TZ235XS2GR permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The front-mounted motor produces a maximum output of 120 kW (approximately 163 PS) and 250 Nm of peak torque, paired with a single-speed reduction gear transmission. It completes the 0-50 km/h sprint in 5 seconds, with top speed electronically capped at 125 km/h.

Supplying power is a 60.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack manufactured by Dongfeng Times (Wuhan) Battery System Co., Ltd., boasting an energy density of 171 Wh/kg. It delivers an NEDC-rated range of up to 442 km on a single charge. Via DC fast charging (200A), a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) takes 30 minutes, whereas AC slow charging from 30% to 100% requires 6.8 hours. Additionally, the vehicle comes equipped with a Bosch RBS (Regenerative Braking System), achieving an energy recuperation efficiency of over 23%.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the Venucia T60 EV rides on a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a torsion beam rear setup, configured in a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Built around EV-specific chassis tuning derived from the Nissan LEAF, the setup has been comprehensively calibrated; combined with strategic battery placement, it achieves an optimal front-to-rear axle weight distribution, lowers the centre of gravity, and suppresses body roll for enhanced cornering composure. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, accompanied by an Electric Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 215/60 R17 tyres, features a tight 5.6-metre turning radius, and registers a kerb weight of 1,590 kg.

Cabin and Features

In terms of digital amenities, the T60 EV features an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.0-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment display. The system integrates full-time satellite navigation, a smart voice assistant, and online audio streaming. Through a companion smartphone app, users can remotely manage climate pre-conditioning, headlights, and the sunroof. The car also supports smart home connectivity, allowing voice-controlled remote access to over 40 compatible home appliances. Standard comfort and convenience features include a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, reverse camera, keyless entry with push-start button, EPB, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), automatic air conditioning, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The 2023 Changxing Edition comes upholstered in faux leather. Luggage capacity stands at 508 litres in standard configuration, expandable to 1,499 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Venucia T60 EV incorporates comprehensive multi-tiered protection spanning the battery cells, modules, pack, and overall vehicle chassis. Utilising over ten layers of precision insulation, dedicated fuse mechanisms, and heat-resistant materials, it offers all-round protection against water, fire, and short circuits. The battery enclosure has successfully passed rigorous safety assessments, including fire exposure, high-pressure water jet, seawater immersion, and crush/impact resistance tests. Passive safety gear includes standard front and front side airbags across the range; however, the 2023 Changxing Edition omits the curtain airbags previously available on the flagship model.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on higher-end trims include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive/Standard Cruise Control (ASCD). A 360-degree camera with 3D Around View Monitor (AVM) is also featured on higher variants. However, the 2023 Changxing Edition loses several key features found on the previous top-spec variant, such as Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, rear parking sensors, and the 360-degree camera system.

Market Performance and Reception

Following its market debut, the Venucia T60 EV recorded sluggish sales. Throughout 2022, cumulative sales reached just 323 units; full-year 2023 deliveries stood at roughly over 1,000 units, with November 2023 accounting for a mere 50 registrations. The 2023 Changxing Edition was priced higher at RM189,800 compared to the previous flagship AI trim (RM181,800), yet suffered from notable equipment de-contenting, further weakening its value proposition. Consequently, secondary distributor channels engaged in heavy discounting, offloading 2023 Changxing Edition stocks at clearance prices above RM90,000 in early 2024.

In terms of market feedback, industry commentators highlighted that the T60 EV, as an ICE-to-EV conversion, exhibits inherent package compromises in terms of usable range and ride quality. Certain owners also noted chassis harshness and safety concerns over rough road surfaces. Conversely, reviewers acknowledged that its 442 km range was commendable against contemporary rivals at launch, with the Bosch RBS energy recuperation setup noted as a technical highlight. On the whole, while the Venucia T60 EV leveraged the engineering backing of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and a respectable 442 km range within the RM130,000–RM190,000 EV bracket, its converted ICE platform limitations, content downgrades, and modest brand equity ultimately kept it from meeting market expectations.