Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen (DPC), a well-established automotive joint venture in China formed through the collaboration of Stellantis Group and the Chinese automotive giant Dongfeng Motor Corporation, has embarked on a new strategic direction with the introduction of its dedicated electric vehicle brand, christened Hedmos. This significant development, marking a fresh chapter for the 33-year-old Wuhan-based entity established in 1992, will see the inaugural model under the Hedmos banner, the Hedmos 06 SUV, commence deliveries to eager customers starting in May of the current year. The trademark for the Hedmos brand was officially registered several years prior, in 2019, laying the groundwork for this ambitious foray into the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
The company has articulated that the design of the Hedmos brand logo is inspired by the form of a “compass needle pointing to the north,” symbolizing direction, progress, and a forward-thinking approach. This design, according to the company's representatives, bears no resemblance to the distinctive logo of electric vehicle pioneer Tesla. The official, albeit somewhat understated, launch of the Hedmos brand occurred on March 3rd, as initially reported by CarNewsChina. Subsequently, on March 25th, the official name of the first electric vehicle under this new brand was revealed. Contrary to earlier speculation suggesting the name Fukand 06, the vehicle will simply be known as the Hedmos 06. While the pre-sale phase for the Hedmos 06 is slated to commence in the second quarter of 2025, deliveries are firmly scheduled to begin in May. At this juncture, detailed official specifications and features of the Hedmos 06 remain limited. However, insights into the vehicle's characteristics have emerged through DPC's application for a sales license, which necessitates the disclosure of certain key information to regulatory authorities.
Based on the information gleaned from the regulatory filings, the Hedmos 06 is a compact, fully electric sport utility vehicle with an overall length of approximately 4.7 meters. Its precise dimensions are recorded as 4670 millimeters in length, 1900 millimeters in width, and 1617 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase that extends to 2775 millimeters. This wheelbase suggests a reasonably spacious interior for a vehicle in its class.
The Hedmos 06 will be underpinned by Dongfeng’s versatile DSMA (Dedicated Scalable Modular Architecture) platform, specifically engineered for electric vehicles. Powering the vehicle will be a single electric motor, generating a maximum output of 160 kilowatts, mounted on the front axle, indicating a front-wheel-drive configuration. This powertrain will enable the Hedmos 06 to achieve a 0 to 100 kilometers per hour acceleration time of a respectable 6.9 seconds. The electric motor will draw its energy from a battery pack with a total capacity of 62.3 kilowatt-hours. This battery capacity is projected to provide a driving range of 520 kilometers under the China Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) testing standards. For convenient and rapid recharging, the Hedmos 06 will feature fast-charging capability, allowing the battery to be replenished from 30% to 80% of its capacity in a relatively short duration of just 28 minutes.
Inside the cabin, the design ethos of the Hedmos 06 appears to be one of minimalism, prioritizing functionality and a clean aesthetic. The dashboard features two prominent digital screens, although they are framed by bezels that appear to be quite wide by contemporary standards. The smaller of the two screens, measuring 10.2 inches diagonally, serves as the driver's instrument panel, displaying essential vehicle information. The larger screen, boasting a 14.6-inch diagonal, functions as the central control screen, providing access to infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. The steering wheel adopts a modern flat-bottom design, often favored for its sporty feel and enhanced legroom. The central tunnel between the front seats houses practical amenities such as two cupholders and a wireless charging pad for compatible mobile devices, catering to the convenience of both the driver and the front passenger.
While the official pricing for the Hedmos 06 has not yet been formally announced by Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen, industry observers at CarNewsChina anticipate that the starting price for this new electric SUV will be in the vicinity of 120,000 yuan, which is approximately equivalent to $16,500 based on current exchange rates. If this price point proves accurate, the Hedmos 06 could represent a compelling and competitively priced entry into the rapidly expanding electric SUV segment in the Chinese automotive market. The combination of a decent driving range, respectable performance, and a potentially attractive price point positions the Hedmos 06 as a vehicle to watch as it prepares to enter the market and compete with established and emerging players in the electric vehicle landscape.