Avatr, Nevo could beat sister brand Deepal to PHEV/EREV tech in Australia

Changan's factory-backed local distribution operation – which will introduce the Avatr and Nevo brands in Australia – says it's looking to launch plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and range-extended hybrid (EREV) vehicles "sooner rather than later".

"We do have PHEV/EREV options that we are considering for entry into Australia sooner rather than later," said Andrew Haurissa, head of brand and marketing at Avatr Australia.

"More will be shared in local communications in the coming months."

It's the first confirmation of non-EV powertrains for the Australian market from Changan, given the Avatr 07L and 06T have so far only been confirmed with all-electric powertrains for Australia, and the Deepal brand – independently distributed by Inchcape here – only offers EVs.

The Avatr 07L and 06T are both offered with EREV powertrain options in overseas markets like China. Further, the Chinese-market version of the Concept T09 flagship SUV that debuted in Paris this week is EREV-only.

In the case of the 06T, the EREV incorporates a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, two electric motors and a 45.1kWh battery, with combined system power of 370kW and a total driving range of 1200km based on NEDC testing.

Deepal also offers the S05 and S07 SUVs with long-range PHEV powertrain options, both of which have just been confirmed for imminent launches in Europe, including right-hand drive. Currently, just the Deepal S07 is on sale in Australia with an EV powertrain.

Changan's Nevo brand, which is about to launch in Spain from early 2027 before heading to Australia later next year, also offers PHEV/EREV powertrains depending on the model line.

Long-range 'Super Hybrid' technology is popular in the Chinese market, with many models quoting electric-only driving ranges between 150-300km thanks to larger batteries than conentional PHEVs, and combined ranges in excess of 1000km.

PHEV sales (including EREVs) in Australia continue to enjoy substantial growth in 2026, with a 122.7 per cent increase in September to 10,072 units, with their year-to-date market share growing to 8.9 per cent.

But while PHEVs and EREVs are gaining traction Down Under, their year-to-date tally of 85,278 sales is still well off conventional hybrids (160,053 units YTD) and all-electric vehicles (180,591 units YTD).

MORE: Avatr 06T EV wagon confirmed for Australia in 2027
MORE: Deepal parent confirms new Chinese brand for Australia
MORE: Explore the Avatr showroom