Test Drive: New NEVO Q05 EV Impresses with Value and Efficiency

The NEVO Q05, Changan's newest electric vehicle brand from China, is generating real enthusiasm with its design, features, and approachable pricing. This EV crossover SUV targets young professionals and families starting out, offering versatile performance for both urban and rural driving.

We reached out to Wachee-Wachinun Kittiweekirat, Changan Auto Sales Thailand's corporate communications specialist, for a test drive. She promptly arranged access to the top-tier Ultra model at their headquarters near Rama 9 Road in central Bangkok. The battery showed 90% charge with a remaining range of 348 kilometers.

Inside, the minimalist black-tone design creates a refined, sophisticated feel. The seats are soft and supportive with ventilation holes, ideal for Thailand's intense heat. The driver's seat adjusts electrically in six directions with easy entry and exit functionality. The steering wheel logo, inspired by binary code (0 and 1), reflects the brand's focus on continuous technological progress.

The 14.6-inch touchscreen central display offers full connectivity, while the 10.17-inch instrument cluster is quite large but text is small for older drivers. Below the screen sits an adjustable air vent and 50-watt wireless phone charging.

In normal traffic on Rama 9 Road, the elevated driving position provided excellent forward visibility and lane assessment. Driving in comfort mode with standard regenerative braking minimized jerky acceleration and deceleration, similar to a conventional gasoline vehicle. The chassis emphasizes firmness over softness, avoiding the wobbliness common in EVs. Throughout city and highway testing, there was no dizziness or motion sickness.

Acceleration and lane changes performed as expected for an EV, responsive and confident without bothering passengers. During two days of city driving in traffic and heavy rain with flooding, the battery consumed 19% over 81.1 kilometers—a rate of 4 km per 1%, with efficiency of 10.8 kWh.

On the highway, the vehicle cruised smoothly at decent speeds with stable, quiet suspension. The steering is relatively responsive, which benefits city driving with light effort but requires tightening at higher speeds for added confidence. At 110 kilometers per hour, wind noise became noticeable but remained acceptable—no need to shout.

At highway speeds, the suspension felt firm yet refined, neither mushy like many EVs nor harsh. When cornering or changing lanes abruptly at above-normal speeds, there was slight body roll but nothing alarming—typical for this vehicle class.

At test conclusion, the battery had 25% remaining after consuming 65% over 265.7 kilometers—maintaining the same 4 km per 1% efficiency.