Dongfeng Rich EC31
The Dongfeng Rich EC31 is a pure electric mini truck featuring a 42 kWh battery and a range of 295 km. With an impressive cargo capacity of up to 1185 kg, it offers 82 kW of power and a top speed of 80 km/h. Manufactured in China, it entered the market in 2023 at a starting price of US$10,100.
User Rating: 4.6 / 5 (74 votes)
| truck type | cargo truck |
| manufactured in | China |
| model year | 2023 |
| range (mi) | 183 |
| speed (mi/h) | 50 |
| power (hp) | 82 |
| battery (kWh) | 42 |
| cargo capacity (lbs) | 2612 |
| drive type | RWD |
* Minimum price set for the base trim by the manufacturer
Exterior and Interior photos of Dongfeng Rich EC31
What is the Dongfeng Rich EC31?
Dongfeng Rich EC31 Electric Vehicle Review
Introduction to the Dongfeng Rich EC31
Meet the Dongfeng Rich EC31, a mini electric truck designed for efficiency and utility, especially for urban environments. Competing with similar light-duty electric vehicles, its standout features include a substantial cargo capacity and a decent range, all starting at a modest price point.
Key Features and Specifications
The Dongfeng Rich EC31 promises to deliver dependable performance through its 42 kWh battery, yielding an impressive range of 295 km (183 miles) on a full charge. Powered by an 82 kW motor, it can achieve a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and offers a rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup, providing stability and traction for heavy loads.
Battery Performance and Range
Equipped with a 42 kWh battery pack, the Dongfeng Rich EC31 ensures ample energy for daily commercial tasks. The battery supports fast charging, minimizing downtime during long hauls. With a single charge enabling a drive distance of up to 295 km, it's ideal for city deliveries and short intercity trips.
Power and Drive
The electric motor of the Dongfeng Rich EC31 generates 82 kW (equivalent to 110 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, offering robust acceleration and capable handling even with substantial loads. The rear-wheel drive system enhances traction and stability, crucial for the diverse driving conditions often encountered by light commercial vehicles.
Speed and Payload Capacity
Despite being a workhorse, the Dongfeng Rich EC31 can reach a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), making it suitable for both urban and peri-urban routes. The truck's payload capacity is commendable, featuring a load compartment size of 2770*1565*1550 mm and a maximum cargo weight of 1185 kg, ensuring it can handle a wide range of cargo types efficiently.
Design and Build
Originating from Chongqing, China, the Dongfeng Rich EC31 boasts a practical design optimized for functionality. Its dimensions measure 4730*1635*1985 mm, and it features a gross vehicle weight of 5000 kg, striking a balance between load capacity and maneuverability. The compact build makes the EC31 apt for navigating tight urban spaces without compromising on haulage capability.
Pricing and Market Position
Priced at a competitive US$10,100, the Dongfeng Rich EC31 positions itself as an affordable entry into the electric mini truck segment. With a combination of solid range, decent speed, and substantial cargo capacity, it appeals to small businesses and enterprises looking for cost-effective and sustainable transport solutions.
To sum up, the Dongfeng Rich EC31 offers a harmonious blend of range, power, and cargo capacity at an accessible price, making it a formidable contender in the urban electric delivery vehicle market. Its design and specifications cater to the practical needs of day-to-day business operations, ensuring both efficiency and reliability.
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How does it compare?
Dongfeng Rich EC31 vs Competitors
The bustling kingdom of electric mini trucks has a new monarch: the Dongfeng Rich EC31. Ringing in at a modest $10,100, it doesn’t just enter the arena; it bursts onto the scene like a firecracker at a damp barbecue, ready to rumble with the likes of Maxus T60 EV, BYD T3, JAC iEV6E, and Changan Star 3 EV.
Range
The Dongfeng Rich EC31 flaunts a range of 295 km (183 miles) on a single charge, making it a sturdy workhorse for urban dairy runs. In stark contrast, the Maxus T60 EV stretches out to about 320 km (199 miles), the BYD T3 ambles along with 300 km (186 miles), while the JAC iEV6E limps behind with around 280 km (174 miles). The real star under this hood is the EC31 which comfortably outpaces Changan Star 3 EV, meandering along at 250 km (155 miles).
Acceleration
Electric motors always have the trick of catching you off guard with a whizz and zip, and the Dongfeng Rich EC31 brags about its 82 kW (110 PS). Thrilling maybe, but the Maxus T60 EV thrills at 88 kW (118 PS), the BYD T3 shows off at 70 kW (94 PS), and the ageing JAC iEV6E looks stoically with 50 kW (67 PS). Then humbly holds the Changan Star 3 EV at a middling 60 kW (80 horsepower).
Power
The Dongfeng Rich EC31 puffs up with 200 Nm of torque, making it feel like a mid-sized rugby team pushing you in the backside. It matches neatly with the Maxus T60 EV's 310 Nm, strides past the BYD T3’s slighter 180 Nm, warmly jostles with the old guard like JAC iEV6E's 150 Nm, and it definitively thumbs its nose at the Changan Star 3 EV's measly 135 Nm.
Charging Time
The fast charge capabilities continue to rain applause on the Dongfeng Rich EC31 much like getting your pint without waiting at the pub. It’s on par with the Maxus T60 EV and BYD T3, which means it keeps the brews frosty for those arduous moments of waiting. Unlike others such as the old-timer JAC iEV6E, where every recharge feels like an episode of ‘How I Met Your Mother.’
Price
Nothing emulates an old-fashioned jaw-dropper than the Dongfeng Rich EC31 sitting pretty at US$10,100, £7,700, €9,300. Brilliantly priced when you compare it to a rather staggering US$20,000, £15,400, €18,600 for the lavish Maxus T60 EV, or the princely sum of US$30,000, £23,100, €27,900 for the blue-blood BYD T3. Even the dowdy JAC iEV6E raises eyebrows at US$16,000, £12,300, €14,900. Should the mountain of money have a skidding stop, the Changan Star 3 EV dips into an accessible US$9,800, £7,500, €8,700—but can it dream beyond 250 km range?
In the illustriously amusing and eyebrow-lifting journey among these mini workhorses, the Dongfeng Rich EC31 doesn’t just hold ground; it charges forth, horns locked, engineering brilliance tinged with humble affordability. An undeniable contender.
