Changan Kaicene Changxing EV

Model Overview

The Changan Kaicene Changxing EV is an all-electric compact MPV produced by Changan Automobile under its Changan Kaicene commercial division. Developed from the petrol-powered Changan Oushang Changxing (also known as the Keshang EV), it represents the brand's key strategic move into the new energy commercial vehicle and entry-level MPV segments. The model first debuted in 2019 as the "Changan Oushang Changxing EV" before being integrated into the Changan Kaicene lineup following brand restructuring, subsequently receiving a facelift in 2022. Positioned as an "economical all-electric multi-purpose vehicle", the Changxing EV targets dual-purpose use such as e-hailing services, passenger transfers, logistics transport, and multi-member family mobility. The variants currently available are 2022 models, offered in three trims: Standard 5-seater, Standard 6-seater, and Deluxe 5-seater, with retail prices ranging from RM163,200 to RM169,800. Across the range, power comes from a front-mounted 90 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor paired with a 56.68 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering an NEDC-rated pure electric range of 402 km. Notably, this model is now in a "run-out" status (discontinued but clearing existing stock), with no updates introduced after the 2022 model year, resulting in subdued market traction and virtually negligible showroom registrations.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Changxing EV retains the design framework of the Changan Oushang family, presenting a clean and functional profile. Up front, it features a closed-off front grille (retaining the petrol version's grille surround but blanked off internally) to denote its EV credentials, flanked by headlights seamlessly integrated with the grille for a sensible, understated aesthetic. Air intake ducts on both sides of the front bumper add a subtle touch of sportiness. Along the sides, straight and clean shoulder lines complement the upright, boxy MPV silhouette, laying the foundation for maximum interior room. Around the back, the rear styling is straightforward, featuring vertically stacked tail lamp clusters that provide decent visual recognition.

In terms of dimensions, the MPV measures 4,510 mm long, 1,725 mm wide, and 1,685 mm tall (the 2022 Deluxe variant stands at 1,700 mm), riding on a 2,700 mm wheelbase, which places it squarely in the compact MPV segment. Track width is 1,460 mm at the front and 1,470 mm at the rear. These figures are on par with mainstream electric MPVs in its class, with the 2,700 mm wheelbase providing a decent baseline for interior cabin space.

Inside, the Changxing EV takes a decidedly utilitarian approach. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical layout, with 2022 models featuring a 7-inch central touchscreen infotainment unit as standard, supporting a reverse camera, Bluetooth telephony, and smartphone mirroring (CarLife). The instrument cluster employs a basic monochrome multi-info display, while the steering wheel is moulded in polyurethane plastic with manual tilt adjustment. Seat upholstery is fabric across the board (the Deluxe variant is configured as a 5-seater, while the Standard offers a choice of 5 or 6 seats). While the climate control system is manual, rear air-conditioning vents are fitted as standard across all variants to ensure rear passenger comfort.

Powertrain Performance

The Changxing EV is powered across the range by a single front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor driving the front wheels through a single-speed reduction gear transmission. Motor specifications are undisclosed, but it delivers a maximum output of 90 kW (approx. 122 PS) and a peak torque of 245 Nm, with a top speed rated at 130 km/h. Power delivery is calibrated prioritising linear smoothness and efficiency to suit urban commutes, e-hailing duties, and light cargo logistics.

Energy is stored in a 56.68 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack sourced from Jiangxi Anchi, providing an NEDC-rated pure electric range of 402 km. The battery thermal management type has not been made public, though LFP chemistry inherently offers respectable thermal stability. Power consumption is rated at approximately 14.1 kWh/100 km.

For charging, the MPV supports both DC fast charging and AC slow charging modes:

• Fast Charging Mode: Achieves a full charge in 60 minutes (the specific state-of-charge window is unspecified, typically referring to 0–80% or 0–100%)

• Slow Charging Mode: Requires 16 hours on AC slow charging, representing a rather lengthy turnaround time

Vehicle warranty coverage stands at 8 years or 120,000 km, with the traction battery pack backed by the same 8-year or 120,000 km coverage.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by a monocoque chassis, the Changxing EV adopts a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. Suspension duties are handled by MacPherson struts up front and a rear torsion beam setup at the back—a common configuration in the compact MPV segment that strikes a practical balance between road stability and cabin packaging efficiency. Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system calibrated for a light helm feel, facilitating effortless low-speed parking manoeuvres and tight city navigation.

Braking is managed by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, paired with a traditional mechanical handbrake. It rides on 185/65 R15 tyres wrapped around alloy wheels at all four corners, with no spare tyre provided (a tyre repair kit is supplied instead).

Minimum ground clearance has not been officially specified, though it is adequate for general urban road conditions.

Cabin and Equipment

The Changxing EV positions cabin utility and seating versatility as its primary selling points. Thanks to its 2,700 mm wheelbase and 1,725 mm width, both legroom and shoulder room are respectable. Two seating layouts are available:

• 5-seater version: Uses a conventional 2+3 bench layout with a flat, squared-off boot compartment, ideal for family runabouts and cargo-hauling duties

• 6-seater version: Features a 2+2+2 layout with individual captain seats in the second row that slide fore and aft and recline, alongside a walkthrough central aisle for easy access into the third row

All seats are trimmed in breathable fabric upholstery, albeit with a rudimentary finish. The second row offers backrest angle adjustment, while the third-row seats feature split-folding capabilities to expand luggage capacity. A front centre armrest is standard, though a rear armrest is omitted.

Cockpit tech remains bare-bones. The 2022 lineup comes standard with a 7-inch central touchscreen supporting a reverse camera, Bluetooth, and smartphone mirroring (CarLife). Audio is piped through a basic two-speaker setup. Modern connected amenities—such as connected telematics, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and voice recognition—are absent throughout the lineup.

In terms of creature comforts, standard equipment is limited to basic essentials including manual air conditioning, rear air vents, front power windows, and remote central locking. Higher-end appointments such as rear climate control, an on-board cool box, or power-adjustable seats are not on offer.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the Changxing EV is fitted with only dual front airbags (driver and front passenger) across the board, lacking front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags. Standard child occupant protection includes rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, complemented by a tyre pressure monitoring system (tyre pressure warning) and a driver seatbelt reminder.

Active safety is equally spartan. The Changxing EV only provides Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as standard. It notably lacks critical active electronic aids such as Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP/DSC). This level of omission is glaring for a 2022 model, given that ESP had already become standard fare among EV competitors in this price bracket.

Driver assistance equipment is strictly basic. Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera are fitted as standard, but cruise control is absent. The car lacks any Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), or Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), effectively keeping it at a Level 0 rating.

Owner Complaints and Reliability Issues

According to data from third-party consumer complaint platforms such as 12365auto, the Changxing EV has accumulated a noticeable cluster of reliability complaints, primarily centring on 2019 and 2022 model year vehicles, involving the traction battery pack, charging hardware, and real-world driving range:

Complaints are mainly concentrated in four key areas:

1. Overstated driving range: Numerous complaints highlight substantial discrepancies between actual real-world range and the claimed NEDC 402 km figure, with range plummeting severely during cold weather or under laden conditions

2. Charging system malfunctions: Faulty AC on-board chargers, failure to initiate charging, and discrepancies between metered power and battery intake

3. Severe battery degradation: Reports from owners noting steep drops in usable battery capacity within just a few years of ownership

4. Restricted EV performance: Drive power restrictions occurring mid-drive, hampering vehicle operability

In terms of customer support response, the manufacturer recorded a 0% response rate for the Changxing EV in 2026, underlining negligible manufacturer interest in aftersales resolution for this model. Most complaint statuses are logged merely as "logged for processing" or "accepted by manufacturer", with notably poor owner satisfaction scores.

Market Performance and Verdict

Market reception for the Changxing EV has remained lukewarm at best. With no revisions introduced after the 2022 model year, the car has slipped into "run-out" inventory clearance, with official retail registration data virtually non-existent. Key rivals in the electric MPV space include the BYD D1, Bestune NAT, and Maple 80v. Against these, the Changxing EV's selling propositions include:

• Competitive pricing: Its RM163,200 to RM169,800 pricing sits on the lower end of the electric MPV bracket

• Practical packaging: Flexible 5- and 6-seater layouts on a 2,700 mm wheelbase cater to both domestic and fleet usage

• Basic, no-frills equipment: Dual airbags, reverse camera, and rear parking sensors handle daily necessities

However, its drawbacks far outweigh these merits:

• Bare-bones safety: Complete lack of Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), compromising emergency stability

• Exaggerated range claims: Persistent owner complaints regarding severe discrepancies against advertised range

• Tedious charging times: A 16-hour AC slow charge time falls well behind contemporary rivals

• Devoid of smart tech: No telematics, no OTA capability, and no voice assistance

• Recurrent build quality issues: Clustered complaints around rapid battery degradation and on-board charger failures

• Dismal manufacturer responsiveness: A 0% response rate in 2026 casts doubt over aftersales backing

From an owner sentiment standpoint, praise is limited to its versatile seating arrangements, accessible entry price, and practical reverse camera. Conversely, grievances heavily outnumber praise, driven by overstated range figures, rapid battery wear, agonisingly slow AC charging, safety compromises from the lack of ESP, and unresponsive manufacturer aftersales support.

Conclusion

Serving as Changan Kaicene's initial foray into the entry-level electric MPV arena, the Changan Kaicene Changxing EV relied on its 402 km NEDC range, versatile 5- and 6-seater configurations, and accessible RM163,200 entry price point to lure e-hailing operators and commercial commuters. However, it trails modern segment contenders substantially in safety kit (no ESP), connectivity (no telematics or OTA capability), and charging speed (16-hour AC charging). More critically, frequent complaints regarding range exaggeration, accelerated battery capacity loss, and charger breakdowns across the 2019 and 2022 model years—coupled with a flat 0% manufacturer response rate in 2026—severely undermine its long-term reliability credentials.

With updates halted after 2022, the model has steadily bowed out of the market. For buyers still scouting leftover units, careful due diligence is essential: first, verify whether real-world range can comfortably fulfill your daily driving needs; second, conduct a thorough battery State of Health (SoH) and charging system inspection; and third, assess the ongoing parts and service support from local dealerships. If budget allows, shoppers are strongly encouraged to cross-shop better-established, more refined electric MPVs in this price bracket, such as the BYD D1, Bestune NAT, and Maple 80v, which deliver vastly superior build quality and safety equipment.