Car news today: Competition to the Ford Ranger PHEV grows, Deepal’s quirky E07 Multitruck is coming to Australia, and more –07 April 2025
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Monday, April 7th 2025. Notably in car news today: Ford Ranger PHEV gains one more hurdle to jump, Deepal E07 Multitruck – the Temu Cybertruck coming to Australia
At the time of its announcement, the Ford Ranger PHEV had just two rivals: The BYD Shark 6, and GWN Cannon Alpha PHEV. This is about to change, with Chinese automakerJAC unveiling its new Hunter PHEV dual cab ute at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show.
The JAC Hunter PHEV is expected to go on sale in 2026 and undoubtedly targets fleet and trade buyers. It will likely match or exceed the 1045kg payload capacity and 3200kg braked towing limit of the current JAC T9, and utilises vehicle-to-load; a feature which can power most appliances and power-tools.
The JAC Hunter PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and two electric motors; one mounted at the front axle and the other at the rear. The Hunter produces a class-leading combined output of 385kW/1000Nm.
Whilst the battery size and charge time of the Hunter’s lithium-ion phosphate battery are both unconfirmed, JAC claims the hybrid system can accomplish “at least 100km (of EV-only driving)” on a single charge – approximately 60km more than rival ute the Ford Ranger PHEV.
Deepal E07 Multitruck – the Temu Cybertruck coming to Australia
Deepal has unveiled a radically styled multitruck with a silhouette that’s reminiscent of Tesla’s Cybertruck. The Deepal E07 was officially unveiled at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show and is now available to preorder ahead of an expected Q3 delivery.
The Deepal E07 will be sold exclusively in two variants which feature the same 89.98kWh Ternary Lithium (NMC) battery: a $64,900 (list price) single-motor rear-wheel drive, and $73,900 dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Deepal describes the E07 multivan as a “vehicle that refuses to be boxed in”, claiming it is not quite an SUV or ute. The E07 is aimed at private buyers, featuring a lush interior and somewhat trivial 300kg payload capacity.
Both variants of the Deepal E07 use 800 Volt electrical architecture which supports rapid charging. The rear-wheel drive E07 has a claimed maximum range of 642km (NEDC) and produces 252kW/365Nm, whereas the all-wheel drive variant produces 440kW/645Nm and claims 626km (NEDC) of range on a single charge.
The latest on MG’s highly anticipated seven-seater QS SUV
MG Motors Australia has finally confirmed key details surrounding its highly anticipated QS seven-seater SUV. Drive type, powerplant offerings and a more specific release date headlined the unveiling of the MG QS at the Melbourne Motor Show.
Pricing for the MG QS has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to be in the realm of $40,000 (list). The QS is likely to punch above its weight class in the seven-seater SUV market at launch, targeting big-name family cars like the $53,000 Hyundai Santa Fe and $60,920 Toyota Kluger.
The MG QS will be powered solely by a 153kW/360Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine mated to a nine-speed conventional automatic. Buyers will have the choice between front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and a hybrid MG QS is expected to join the model range later this year.
Expect the MG QS in Australian showrooms by the end of August, with MG claiming an expected launch in Q3 2025. Expressions of interest are already open on the MG Australia website.
Geely Farizon displays all-electric ‘SuperVan’ for the first time
Geely Farizon has unveiled a new model of dedicated EV commercial van, making its first public appearance at the Melbourne Motor Show sporting the name ‘SuperVan’.
The Australian launch of the Geely Farizon Supervan has not yet been confirmed, but is expected to be around mid-year 2025. It will be offered in three variants: Short wheelbase, long wheelbase, and long wheelbase highroof; all of which will support a maximum payload of 1800kg.
Rumoured to start at around $60,000 (list), the Geely Farizon SuperVan will take on electric commercial vans like the $89,990 Ford E-Transit and $99,990 LDV e-Deliver 9.
Despite being offered as both a dedicated commercial vehicle or people mover in overseas markets, only the commercial version of the Geely Farizon SuperVan is expected to see Australian showrooms. This will prevent infighting with the Geely-owned Zeekr 009 electric people mover.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday, 8th of April at 4.30pm Sydney time.
