Getting Our Hands Dirty: Launching the DFSK EC35 All-Electric Van

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At Orchan, we’ve always said we’re not the sort of consultancy that sits back and just “advises”. We’re the sort that rolls up our sleeves, gets into the trenches, and makes sure our clients’ stories are told: clearly, credibly, and in the right places.

That’s exactly what we did when QC Fleet Management Sdn Bhd brought us in to launch the DFSK EC35 All-Electric Van in Malaysia.

The launch, held at MARii Cyberjaya, wasn’t just about unveiling a new vehicle. It was about putting down a marker for the future of sustainable transport in Malaysia. We had the right mix of media and stakeholders in the room, speeches from industry leaders, and most importantly, the chance for people to actually get behind the wheel and test drive the van.



More Than Just Another Van

On paper, the specs are impressive. The EC35 runs on a 38.7kWh lithium-ion battery, charges from 20% to 80% in just 35 minutes with a DC rapid charger, and gives you up to 268km on a full charge (WLTP) or around 200km in city driving. For businesses, that’s plenty for daily routes without worrying about downtime.

It can handle a 1,090kg payload, which is on par with your typical petrol or diesel van, but with zero emissions. Add in the cost savings (around 78% less on fuel and 33% less on servicing), and suddenly going green makes real business sense.

And the details matter too:

  • Extra ground clearance to cope with Malaysian roads

  • A large windshield for visibility

  • A smart interior with one-touch gear selector, power windows, and central locking

  • Safety features like tyre pressure monitoring, pedestrian warning below 30km/h, reverse sensors, reverse camera, and automatic headlights

  • Even a vehicle finder key fob for those who run fleets with multiple vans

This isn’t a “concept EV”: it’s built for businesses that need a reliable workhorse, and it’s backed by a five-year or 120,000km powertrain warranty.



A Quick Behind-the-Scenes Moment

One of our favourite moments from the day came during the test drives. A veteran business journalist, usually the toughest critic in the room, stepped out of the EC35 after a spin and simply said: “It’s quieter and has a lot more power than I expected.” That offhand remark spoke louder than any spec sheet ever could.

Another was watching a small fleet operator eye the back of the van, tape measure in hand, double-checking the rear door access height and width. Practicality matters; and seeing those small but telling reactions confirmed that the EC35 had struck the right balance between sustainability and usability.

Our Role: Making It Count

Our job at Orchan was to make sure this launch didn’t just look good on paper. We worked with QC Fleet to shape the story, bring in the right media, and position the EC35 not just as another van, but as part of Malaysia’s wider push toward sustainable mobility.

We focused on what matters to businesses i.e., cost, practicality, and credibility. Because let’s be honest: most business owners aren’t buying an EV just to feel good about being green. They need to know it works, saves money, and keeps their operations running smoothly. That’s the narrative we made sure came through.

Why This Matters to Us

For us, this isn’t just about cars. We’re sector agnostic; one week we could be working on cosmetics, the next on healthcare, tourism, or (as here) electric vehicles. What ties it together is the way we approach it: getting under the skin of the industry, asking the questions audiences really care about, and helping our clients connect in a way that feels real.

The EC35 launch also gave us a chance to add our voice to the bigger sustainability conversation. As incentives roll out and adoption grows, EVs will only become more mainstream. But for that to happen, the story has to be told in a way that cuts through the jargon and makes sense to ordinary businesses. That’s where we see our role.

Final Word

Launching the EC35 was about more than just putting a new van on the road. It was about showing that sustainable choices can also be smart business choices.

And for us at Orchan, it was another reminder of why we love what we do; because when we get into the trenches with our clients, we don’t just manage launches, we help drive conversations that matter.

Email: changenow@orchan.asia. Or call +603-7972 6377.





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