Avatr and Nevo line up plug-in hybrids and range-extender EVs for Australia 'sooner rather than later'

Hybrid options on the table for Avatr and Nevo

Changan's factory-backed Australian distribution operation, which will introduce the Avatr and Nevo brands locally, says it is looking at plug-in hybrid and range-extended electric vehicles for this market "sooner rather than later". "We do have PHEV/EREV options that we are considering for entry into Australia sooner rather than later," Andrew Haurissa, head of brand and marketing at Avatr Australia, told CarExpert. "More will be shared in local communications in the coming months." ¹

CarExpert reports this is the first confirmation of non-electric powertrains under consideration for the Australian market from Changan. The Avatr 07L SUV and 06T wagon have so far been confirmed for Australia only with all-electric powertrains, and the Deepal brand, distributed independently by Inchcape, currently offers only EVs locally. ¹

The potential move comes as PHEV sales, including EREVs, grow strongly in Australia. CarExpert reports September 2026 PHEV sales rose 122.7 per cent to 10,072 units, with year-to-date market share reaching 8.9 per cent, though the 85,278 PHEV and EREV sales year to date still trail conventional hybrids (160,053 units) and EVs (180,591 units). ¹

What the hybrid versions look like overseas

Both the Avatr 07L and 06T are offered with EREV powertrain options in overseas markets such as China. In the 06T, the EREV incorporates a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, two electric motors and a 45.1kWh battery, delivering combined system power of 370kW and a total driving range of 1200km based on NEDC testing, according to CarExpert. The Chinese-market version of the Concept T09 flagship SUV that debuted in Paris is EREV-only. ¹

CarExpert also notes Deepal offers the S05 and S07 SUVs with long-range PHEV powertrain options, both recently confirmed for imminent launches in Europe including right-hand drive, and that the Nevo range offers PHEV/EREV powertrains depending on the model line. Long-range 'Super Hybrid' technology is popular in China, with many models quoting electric-only ranges of 150-300km thanks to larger batteries than conventional PHEVs, and combined ranges exceeding 1000km. ¹

Among Nevo models shown at the Paris motor show, the Q06 SUV and A06 sedan can both be had with battery electric or range-extended hybrid powertrains, with the Q06 offering the exclusive option of dual-motor all-wheel drive in China, CarExpert reports. The Q06 offers up to 700km of CLTC range with its available 80kWh battery. ²

Avatr's Australian launch plan

Avatr's arrival in Australia was confirmed with the 07L electric SUV leading the line-up. AutoTalk reports the right-hand-drive 07L will be revealed ahead of pre-orders opening before the end of 2026, with first deliveries targeted for the first half of 2027. Haurissa told AutoTalk that announcements on multi-franchise dealer appointments would likely come before the end of the year. ³

AutoTalk reports Australian specification for the 07L is almost entirely open, with local powertrain, battery, charging, range and performance figures to be confirmed ahead of launch, along with equipment levels and driver-assistance functionality subject to local certification. No pricing has been indicated, though CarExpert separately reports pricing and specifications are expected to be announced in late November or December. ³²

The 06T electric sports wagon was subsequently confirmed as Avatr's second model for Australia, due in the second half of 2027. Speaking with Australian media in Paris, Haurissa said the 07L remains on track to be the first Avatr model in Australia in the first half of 2027, with the 06T to follow. He also positioned Avatr as a premium contender against the German brands – Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz – and said it sits even higher than rival Zeekr from the Geely Group, according to CarExpert. The 06T's EREV version exists overseas, but it appears export markets will be EV-only. ⁶

The 07L, a five-seat large SUV measuring 4910mm long on a 2990mm wheelbase, uses an 800V electrical architecture. CarExpert details the Chinese-market versions: a rear-wheel drive variant with a single 305kW/435Nm motor offering 725km of CLTC range, and an all-wheel drive variant with 712kW total system output, a 3.7-second 0-100km/h time and 650km of CLTC range, both using an 89.33kWh LFP battery from CATL. ⁵

Nevo confirmed for 2027, separate from Deepal

A spokesperson for Changan's local arm has confirmed the Nevo brand for an Australian launch sometime in 2027, CarExpert reports, with further details on the local model range to come. In Europe, the Nevo Q05 electric SUV will go on sale in Spain from early 2027, with the larger Q06 SUV and A06 sedan also shown in Paris indicating plans for mid-size models in the region. ²

Changan Europe executive deputy general manager Ethan Yin said during the company's Paris press conference that it has ambitions to open a European manufacturing facility capable of producing 180,000 units by the end of 2028 and 350,000 units by 2030, according to CarExpert. "We are in active discussions with our partners, and expect to announce the details before the end of this year," Yin said, CarExpert reports. ²

Unlike Deepal, which is distributed by the independent importer Inchcape, Avatr and Nevo will be distributed locally by factory-backed Changan operations, CarExpert reports. Asked about any plans to take over Deepal, the company representative said Changan is currently focused on launching Avatr and there are no changes with Deepal. An Inchcape Australia spokesperson previously confirmed there are no plans for Changan to take over distribution of Deepal vehicles in Australia, 7News reports. ²⁴

Haurissa told AutoTalk that Avatr sits above Deepal within the Changan Group and, as a joint venture with CATL, must be launched as a separate operation. "For the foreseeable future, Inchcape will keep Deepal in Australia," he said, according to AutoTalk. ³

Context: a crowded hybrid and EV landscape

Avatr joins a growing contingent of premium Chinese brands in Australia, following Geely's Zeekr (launched 2024) and BYD's Denza (2025), with FAW's Hongqi due in 2027, CarExpert reports. Avatr, established in 2018, began production in 2022 and has launched a new model each year since, all with EV or EREV powertrains. Changan holds a 40.99 per cent stake in Avatr, with CATL the second-largest shareholder at 14.1 per cent, per CarExpert. ⁵

Deepal's local progress provides a comparison point. 7News reports Deepal recorded 481 deliveries in 2025 and sits at 816 year to date in 2026 across the S07 and E07 Multitruck, well behind Geely's 14,655, while AutoTalk noted Deepal sales of 861 year to date at the time of the Avatr announcement. The 07L's rival positioning against Zeekr, which recorded 10,070 sales year to date in August 2026 according to AutoTalk, underscores how competitive the segment has become. ⁴³