Peugeot and Citroen enter Chinese EV market with new Hedmos 06 electric SUV

Dongfeng-Peugeot-Citroen (DPC), a joint venture between Stellantis Group and Dongfeng, is entering the Chinese electric vehicle market with its new brand, Hedmos, and its first model, the Hedmos 06 SUV. With deliveries set to start in May, the DPC hopes the Hedmos 06 will capture a slice of the world's most competitive EV landscape.

The Hedmos brand was registered as far back as 2019, but it only officially launched on March 3. Its logo is inspired by a compass needle, according to the official press release. The Hedmos 06 isn't an original vehicle, and it was initially known as the Fukang 06.

This compact all-electric SUV has dimensions of 183.9 inches/74.8 inches/63.7 inches (length/width/height) and a wheelbase of 109.3 inches. It is built on Dongfeng's DSMA architecture and is powered by a single 160 kW motor driving the front wheels. The company claims the 06 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds - quite impressive for a vehicle this size with this little power.

Hedmos 06 comes with a 62.3 kWh battery pack, promising a 323 miles range under CLTC testing. Unspecified fast charging capabilities allow the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes. Inside, the Hedmos 06 features a minimalist design with a 10.2-inch driver's instrument panel and a 14.6-inch central control screen. The steering wheel has a flat-bottom design, and the center console includes two cupholders and a wireless charging pad.

Industry observers note that the Hedmos 06 is essentially an updated version of the Dongfeng Aeolus L7, launched in September 2024. This practice of rebranding existing models is common in the Chinese automotive market, where manufacturers often introduce new brands or models based on existing platforms. The expected starting price for the Hedmos 06 is around RMB 120,000 (approximately $16,500).

The success of the Hedmos brand won't be easy in a market saturated with over 100 EV brands. DPC hopes that Dongfeng's established presence will help the new brand gain some initial traction. The launch of the Hedmos 06 in May and the public's response will give a clearer picture of the brand's potential.

Via