From Tesla to Transforming Multitruck: Why JET Charge's CEO Bought the Radical Deepal E07

When the co-founder and CEO of one of the region’s largest EV charging infrastructure providers, JET Charge, decides to swap his daily driver, the automotive world takes note. For the last six years, Tim Washington’s personal 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance served as the ultimate benchmark for early adopters—fast, highly efficient, and technologically superior. But Washington has officially retired the Tesla, replacing it with one of the most polarizing and radical electric vehicles of the decade: the Deepal E07 "multitruck".

Built by Chinese automotive giant Changan, the Deepal E07 is a category-shattering EV that visually morphs from a sleek, aerodynamic fastback SUV into an open-bed utility truck. While cynics initially dismissed its sliding glass dome and transforming rear section as a high-tech gimmick, Washington’s real-world experience has quickly shattered those assumptions, proving that utility and efficiency can coexist in a single, ultra-bold package.

Reimagining the Utility Vehicle: No Gimmicks Allowed

Many concept cars promise multi-tool versatility but fail to deliver in daily life. The Deepal E07, however, is proving to be the ultimate lifestyle enabler. Washington revealed that his family utilizes the E07's transforming rear bed on a weekly basis, effortlessly hauling bicycles, camping gear, and bulky outdoor equipment without needing a traditional, bulky utility vehicle.

At the push of a button, the motorized, panoramic retractable glass dome roof slides forward, instantly opening up the rear cargo area. Combined with a flat-folding tailgate, the vehicle transitions from a quiet, luxury SUV into an open-bed truck in seconds. This unique design solves a major pain point for active families who want the security and comfort of an SUV alongside the rugged hauling capabilities of a dual-cab pickup.

Some of the key utility highlights of this transformable platform include:

• Dual-Identity Design: Converts from a fully enclosed, aerodynamic SUV to an open-bed utility vehicle in under 15 seconds.
• Smart Cargo Solutions: Features a 300kg payload capacity in the rear bed, complemented by a generous 131-liter front trunk (frunk) for weather-sealed storage.
• Active Air Suspension: Adjustable ground clearance ranging from 133mm to 223mm, allowing for easy loading, high-speed stability, and genuine light off-road adaptability.

Defying Physics: Compact-EV Efficiency in a 2.4-Tonne Beast

Historically, heavy all-wheel-drive electric SUVs and trucks are notorious energy hogs. Yet, Washington’s hands-on data reveals that the E07 is defying the laws of physics. Despite its massive footprint, the AWD Performance variant of the E07 consistently achieves an energy efficiency of approximately 160 Wh/km (16 kWh/100km) in real-world driving.

To put that into perspective, this 5-meter-long, 2,440-kilogram vehicle operates with the energy appetite of a much smaller electric hatchback or a compact sedan like the Tesla Model 3. It outright embarrasses current heavyweights in the electric utility and large SUV segments:

• Deepal E07 AWD Performance: ~160 Wh/km (Real-world observed by Washington)
• Tesla Model Y Performance: ~175–190 Wh/km (Typical real-world average)
• Rivian R1T / Ford F-150 Lightning: ~240–280 Wh/km (Standard real-world usage)

This incredible efficiency doesn't come at the cost of performance. Built on Changan's highly optimized EPA1 platform, the E07 AWD Performance variant packs a massive dual-motor setup delivering 440 kW (598 horsepower) and 645 Nm of torque, launching this transforming giant from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.96 seconds.

Why This Matters:

Tim Washington’s transition from a Tesla to a Changan-built multitruck signals a massive shift in consumer expectations and manufacturer capabilities:

• The Death of Segment Silos: For years, buyers had to choose between the aerodynamics and cabin quietness of an SUV or the utility of a truck. The E07 successfully blends these segments. It proves that clever engineering—like a sliding glass roof—can eliminate the aerodynamic penalties of a brick-shaped utility vehicle.
• Efficiency Over Excess: Traditional American automakers have attempted to solve the electric truck equation by cramming massive, expensive, and heavy batteries (often exceeding 130+ kWh) into giant frames. The E07 proves that by prioritizing aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency, a vehicle can offer immense utility and performance using a highly cost-effective 90 kWh battery.
• China's Engineering Dominance: Changan's ability to deliver a dual-motor, air-suspended vehicle with this level of performance and class-leading efficiency is a direct threat to legacy manufacturers. It highlights a widening engineering gap between agile Chinese OEMs and slow-moving legacy giants.

The Future of Multi-Purpose EVs

Washington’s swap from a Tesla Model 3 Performance to the Deepal E07 is proof that the electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving past standard sedans and traditional SUVs. By offering sports-car speed, compact-car efficiency, and true truck-like utility, the E07 is redefining what modern buyers should expect from a single vehicle. As Changan continues its global expansion, legacy manufacturers will need to innovate rapidly, or risk losing their highly lucrative utility segments to a new breed of transforming crossovers.