The Dongfeng Friday REEV is on its way to our Steve Biko Road showroom. Before it arrives, it’s worth explaining those four letters, because a REEV is not the same thing as a hybrid.
Electric drive, all the time
REEV stands for range-extended electric vehicle. The wheels are always driven by an electric motor, so it drives like an EV: smooth, quiet and instant off the line. You charge the battery from a plug at home or at a public charger, and for most daily driving that’s all you use.
A generator on board
The difference is a small petrol engine that works as an on-board generator. When the battery runs low, it tops the battery up so you can keep going. It doesn’t drive the wheels. Its job is simply to extend your range.
Why it suits South Africa
Pretoria to Durban, or a weekend on a farm road far from a fast charger, is where people worry about range. A REEV gives you electric driving around town without planning long trips around charging stops.
What we can’t tell you yet
South African pricing, specification and launch timing for the Friday REEV will be confirmed by Dongfeng. We won’t guess. Register your interest and you’ll be the first to hear when the details are official.