The Evolution of the Voyah Free

The Voyah Free is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that marked the beginning of Voyah’s journey as a premium new energy brand under Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Introduced in 2021, the Voyah Free has undergone a rapid and notable evolution, transitioning from a dual powertrain offering (battery electric and extended-range) to a more focused lineup centered on range-extender technology, culminating in the introduction of the second-generation “Free+” in 2025.

This article provides a detailed look at the Voyah Free’s development, production timeline, trim levels, and technological evolution.

Origins and Concept Development (2020–2021)

The Voyah Free originated from the i-Free Concept, unveiled at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show. Developed with input from Italdesign Giugiaro, the concept previewed a premium electric SUV designed to combine performance, luxury, and advanced driver assistance.

Voyah itself was established in 2020 as Dongfeng’s premium EV brand, and the Free became its first production model, symbolizing the company’s ambitions in the high-end electrified vehicle segment.

MANY auto lovers not only spend time in their garages to tinker on their autos, but have other projects going on in there as well. Wood working is a popular pastime for the creative type of individual. Not sure what to make next? Or thinking about getting into this kind of hobby? There’s lots of possibilities… Here’s some of them…

First Generation Launch (2021–2023)

Production began: January 2021
Market launch: Q3 2021
Assembly: Wuhan, China

The first-generation Voyah Free was offered with two distinct powertrains, setting it apart from many competitors.

Powertrain Options

1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

Battery: 88–106 kWh
Range: up to ~500 km (NEDC)
Layout: RWD or AWD

2. Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)

Engine: 1.5L turbocharged range extender
Battery: ~33 kWh
Combined range: up to ~860 km

2021–2023 Trim Levels

During its early years, the Voyah Free used a relatively simple trim structure based primarily on drivetrain and range.

Core Trim Variants

Standard Range EV (RWD)
Long Range EV (AWD)
EREV AWD (Standard)
EREV AWD (High Performance)

Although trim naming was not heavily branded, differentiation came through:

Battery capacity
Drivetrain (RWD vs AWD)
Equipment packages

Special Model: Voyah Free DNA (2022–2023)

A standout variant introduced during this phase was the Voyah Free DNA, a limited high-performance edition.

Power output: up to 510 kW
Torque: 1040 Nm
0–100 km/h: ~4.3 seconds

This model showcased Voyah’s performance ambitions and helped elevate the brand’s image.

Engineering and Features (First Generation)

The Voyah Free was built on the ESSA platform, which enabled both BEV and EREV configurations.

Key Features

Dual-wishbone front suspension
Multi-link rear suspension
Optional air suspension
L2 driver assistance system
9 cameras + radar sensors

These features positioned the Free as a technologically advanced SUV at launch.

2023 Facelift: Strategic Shift to EREV

In August 2023, Voyah introduced a major facelift that marked a turning point in the model’s evolution.

Key Changes

BEV version discontinued in China
Focus shifted entirely to EREV
Reduced pricing to improve competitiveness

Updated Specifications

Battery: ~39.2 kWh
Electric range: ~160 km (CLTC)
Combined range: ~1200 km
Power output: ~360 kW (AWD)

2023–2024 Trim Structure

The facelifted model introduced clearer trim naming.

Main Trim (2023–2024)

Ultra Long Range Smart Drive AWD

This trim emphasized:

Advanced driver assistance (Apollo Highway Driving Pro)
Dual-motor AWD performance
Premium interior features

Compared to earlier models, the lineup became more streamlined, focusing on a single highly equipped configuration.

2024 Expansion: New Variants and Pricing Strategy

In 2024, Voyah expanded the Free lineup with additional configurations aimed at improving affordability and market reach.

2024 Trim Levels

318 RWD Touring
318 AWD Explorer
Ultra Long Range AWD (continued)

Key Differences

RWD Touring:

Single motor (~200 kW)
Lower price point
Focus on efficiency

AWD Explorer:

Dual motor (~360 kW)
Enhanced performance
More advanced features

Improvements

Increased battery capacity (up to ~43 kWh)
Improved engine efficiency
Extended total range (up to ~1458 km)

Performance Evolution

Across its first generation and facelift, the Voyah Free saw significant improvements.

Power Output

Early models: up to 510 kW (DNA)
Facelift models: ~360 kW

Acceleration

Early AWD: ~4.6 seconds
Facelift AWD: ~4.8 seconds

Range

Early EREV: ~860 km
Updated EREV: up to ~1458 km

Second Generation: Voyah Free+ (2025–Present)

The most significant evolution came in 2025 with the introduction of the Voyah Free+, considered the second generation.

Debut: Auto Shanghai 2025
Production: 2025–present

Major Changes

1. Powertrain Simplification

BEV completely removed
EREV becomes standard across all models

2. Updated Design

Revised front fascia
New lighting elements
Slightly larger dimensions

3. Advanced Technology

Huawei ADS 4 driver assistance
HarmonyOS cockpit system
LiDAR integration

2025 Trim Levels (Free+)

The second generation introduced a broader and more clearly defined trim lineup.

Core 2025 Variants

RWD Base / Touring
RWD Mid-Level
AWD Explorer
AWD Premium / Sport Edition
Special Editions (e.g., Kuen Edition, Sport Custom Edition)

Trim Breakdown

RWD Models

Single motor (~215 kW)
Focus on efficiency and affordability
Electric range up to ~318 km

AWD Models

Dual motors (~350 kW total)
Performance-oriented
Reduced electric range but higher output

Powertrain (Free+)

Engine: 1.5L turbocharged generator
Battery: ~43.2 kWh
Electric range: up to ~318 km
Combined range: up to ~1458 km

Charging

3C fast charging
20–80% in ~20 minutes

Technology Evolution

The Voyah Free has consistently advanced in technology.

First Generation

L2 driver assistance
Basic digital cockpit

Facelift (2023)

Apollo Highway Driving Pro
Improved infotainment

Second Generation (2025)

Huawei ADS 4 (advanced autonomy features)
HarmonyOS cockpit
AR-HUD and multi-screen layout

Design Evolution

2021–2023

Rounded, premium SUV styling
Traditional luxury cues

2023 Facelift

Minor updates
Focus on refinement

2025 Free+

More futuristic design
Simplified front fascia
Enhanced aerodynamics

Market Position and Competition

The Voyah Free competes in the premium mid-size SUV segment, targeting models such as:

Li Auto L7 / L8
Tesla Model Y
NIO ES6

Its key strengths include:

Long range (especially EREV)
Strong performance
Advanced technology integration

Sales and Market Impact

From 2021 to 2025, the Voyah Free played a critical role in establishing the Voyah brand.

Over 67,000 units sold in its first four years
Became Voyah’s foundational model
Helped expand the brand into international markets

Production Timeline Summary

2021–2023: First generation (BEV + EREV)
2023–2024: Facelift (EREV only, streamlined trims)
2025–present: Second generation (Free+, expanded EREV lineup)

Future Outlook

The Voyah Free is expected to continue evolving in line with broader industry trends.

Key Future Directions

1. Electrification Strategy

Continued focus on EREV systems
Potential return of BEV in global markets

2. Autonomous Driving

Expansion of Huawei ADS capabilities
Move toward higher levels of autonomy

3. Technology Integration

More advanced cockpit systems
AI-driven personalization

4. Global Expansion

Increased presence in Middle East and Europe
Localization of trims and features

Since its debut in 2021, the Voyah Free has undergone a rapid and significant transformation. What began as a dual-powertrain luxury SUV has evolved into a highly refined, technology-driven EREV-focused model with a diverse lineup and advanced features.

Through its first generation, facelift, and second-generation Free+, the model has consistently adapted to market demands—shifting toward extended-range solutions, expanding trim options, and integrating cutting-edge technology. As Voyah continues to grow globally, the Free remains a cornerstone of its lineup and a key example of how modern luxury SUVs are evolving in the electrified era.