DFSK EC35

Model Overview

The DFSK EC35 is a fully electric panel van introduced by Ruichi New Energy, an EV subsidiary under DFSK. Positioned within the EC series of commercial electric vehicles, it is engineered primarily for urban last-mile logistics. As an all-electric light commercial van (dual-purpose passenger and cargo), the EC35 builds on three key USPs: generous cargo volume, low running costs, and a zero-emission electric powertrain. Its primary target market includes courier firms, freelance transporters, and urban short-haul delivery fleets. In its domestic home market, the Ruichi New Energy EC35 saw early price revisions, launching initially at an official indicative price of around RM126,900 before settling at roughly RM72,900 post-subsidies. Following a sales slowdown at home, DFSK turned its focus toward overseas markets, achieving commendable success across Southeast Asia and Europe. Across right-hand-drive (RHD) markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the van is marketed under the DFSK brand. In Hong Kong, for instance, it carries a duty-free price tag of around RM196,800 (HKD 328,000), where a 50% government grant under the New Energy Transport Fund significantly reduces fleet acquisition and operational costs.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the EC35 follows a strictly functional, utilitarian approach. It retains the boxy, high-roof profile typical of compact commercial vans, delivering a clean and purpose-built look. The solid white paint scheme is paired with a blanked-off front grille featuring subtle blue highlights to signal its EV credentials. In terms of dimensions, the van measures 4,500 mm in length, 1,680 mm in width, and 1,985 mm in height (including the roof rack), riding on a 3,050 mm wheelbase. This extended wheelbase and upright proportions ensure agile manoeuvrability through tight city streets while maximising usable interior cargo volume. Inside, the cabin prioritises durability over flair. Standard kit includes essential amenities such as manual air conditioning, radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB inputs. Higher-spec variants add a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display integrated with a reverse camera, providing practical durability alongside day-to-day driving convenience.

Powertrain & Performance

Powering the DFSK EC35 is a rear-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), delivering 60 kW (81 PS / 80 hp) and a peak torque of 200 Nm. Benefiting from a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, it leverages instant electric torque to provide strong off-the-line traction and effortless gradient climbing when fully loaded. Power is supplied by a robust lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, offering an official WLTC-rated pure electric range of 268 km. Supplied by leading battery makers, the system records an energy consumption figure of around 14.3 kWh/100 km. For charging, the van accepts 6.6 kW AC charging as well as DC fast charging. Via a DC fast charger, a 20% to 80% state of charge (SoC) top-up takes as little as 30 minutes, effectively minimising operational downtime and range anxiety for delivery drivers. Top speed is electronically capped at 100 km/h, tuned specifically for optimum efficiency across urban and suburban delivery routes.

Chassis & Handling

To withstand the heavy payload demands of commercial delivery, the EC35 features a heavy-duty chassis setup. Up front, it rides on independent MacPherson struts for compliant road holding, paired with a heavy-duty 5-leaf spring rigid axle rear suspension designed to handle substantial cargo weights while maintaining driving stability. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear drums, complemented by a conventional mechanical handbrake—a proven setup chosen for reliability and low running costs. The RWD layout delivers agile, light unladen handling while ensuring solid rear-axle traction off the mark under heavy payloads. It rides on 185 R14LT light-truck commercial tyres, built specifically to carry heavy loads and improve durability. Even at its maximum payload rating of 1.1 tonnes, the chassis remains composed, demonstrating solid commercial-grade underpinnings.

Cabin & Practicality

The cabin adopts a dedicated two-seater cargo layout to maximise cargo capacity. The rear load area measures approximately 2,530 mm long, 1,440 mm wide, and 1,270 mm high, yielding an official cargo volume of up to 4.8 cubic metres. It boasts a maximum rated payload of 1,100 kg, tailored for urban parcel logistics, retail stock distribution, and FMCG deliveries. The seats are upholstered in hard-wearing fabric, with multi-way manual adjustment for the driver. The dashboard retains straightforward physical tactile switchgear, allowing drivers to operate controls intuitively on the move. Cargo loading is made easy thanks to a kerbside sliding side door and 180-degree dual-opening rear barn doors, ideal for loading and unloading in tight alleyways and loading bays.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the EC35 comes standard with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), helping to maintain steering control and stability on slippery tarmac or during emergency stops. To comply with commercial fleet regulations and assist in tight spots, it is equipped with a wide-angle reverse camera and rear parking sensors, addressing typical blind-spot issues inherent to blind-side panel vans. A high-strength steel passenger cell and front seatbelt reminders provide fundamental passive and active protection. However, given its commercial fleet orientation and cost-conscious brief, standard airbag provision is minimal, meeting baseline statutory homologation requirements.

Market Performance & Verdict

In its home market, the DFSK EC35 experienced an early sales peak before cooling off as competition surged and product updates slowed. With brand-wide sales declining domestically, DFSK saw its monthly volumes dip below 150 units by the second half of 2025. In contrast, the van has enjoyed significant success overseas. Thanks to its proven reliability, solid payload rating, and low total cost of ownership (TCO), the EC35 has become a popular workhorse across ASEAN, Hong Kong, and parts of Europe. In Spain, DFSK has consistently led the electric light commercial vehicle (e-LCV) segment, with the EC35 serving as its volume driver. Its strong market uptake is driven by practical strengths: cavernous cargo efficiency and running costs roughly one-fifth that of an equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) van, making it a compelling fleet electrification choice. While there is room for improvement in high-speed composure and cabin plastics, the EC35 delivers immense value-for-money, proving to be an export success story and underscoring the growing global relevance of Chinese commercial EVs.