Already known for their appetite for electric cars, Chinese manufacturers are gradually tackling hydrogen. Based in Chongqing, in the southwest of the country, Changan is one of the first Chinese manufacturers to present a hydrogen car ready for mass production. Codenamed SL03 and marketed under the Deep Blue brand, this mid-size sedan measures 4.82m in length, 1.89m in width and 1.48m in height (with a wheelbase of 2.9m). 
Up to 700 km range
In terms of design, there is no revolution since this first hydrogen car uses the same basis as the exclusively electric version previously launched by the Chinese brand. Only a small grille and two air intakes, one placed on the right and the other on the left, have been added to the front face.
On the technical side, the differences with the electric version with batteries are obviously more substantial. Fitted with a 160 kW fuel cell, the Deep Blue SL03 announces a hydrogen consumption of 0.65 kg/100 km and a range of 700 kilometers under ordinary driving conditions. If the configuration of the tanks is not specified, the performances announced by the manufacturer suggest a capacity of around 5 kilos, probably at 700 bars.
Democratize hydrogen cars
Wishing to democratize hydrogen in China, where the technology is still in its infancy, Changan wants to position itself as a pioneer of the fuel cell car.
However, you will have to break the bank to afford this first Chinese hydrogen car. Announced at a price of 699,900 yuan, or more than €100,000, this Deep Blue SL03 is three times more expensive than the electric version, billed between 183,900 and 215,900 yuan.