Dongfeng Box Review: A Grab Driver Shares Her First EV Experience
Carmen, also known as “Confessions of a Grab Driver” is a Grab driver and content creator in Singapore who shares her personal experiences of working as a private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver.
She was recently invited to test drive the Dongfeng Box with Velocity Leasing.
The car was already on her radar before the test drive. Carmen likes hatchbacks, thought the Dongfeng Box looked “super cute,” and was impressed by some of its premium features. But despite considering buying one, she hesitated.
Her biggest concerns were the long-term costs of EV ownership, including maintenance, resale value and unexpected repairs. Those concerns mattered even more because she would be using the car for PHV driving and covering high mileage every week.
That was why the test drive was useful.
Instead of committing to buying an EV, Carmen wanted to experience the Dongfeng Box for herself and find out whether renting an EV could make more sense for a Grab driver.
It was also her first time driving an electric vehicle.
Her first reaction?
“It’s amazing.”
First EV Test Drive: Carmen’s Honest Reaction
Carmen’s first time driving an EV left a strong impression. The biggest surprise was how different the Dongfeng Box felt compared with the petrol car she normally drives.
She described the experience as “amazing,” especially after trying the Dongfeng Box for herself. The car felt different from a petrol car, not only because it was electric, but because of how smooth, quiet and easy it was to drive.
For Grab drivers who spend long hours on the road, the driving feel matters. A quieter cabin and smoother drive can make daily trips less tiring, especially during peak hours, town driving and back-to-back bookings.
Key Features Carmen Liked About the Dongfeng Box
Carmen highlighted several features that stood out during her review.
Feature | Why It Matters for Grab Drivers |
Large display screen | Makes GPS and navigation easier to see |
Button-adjustable seats | Helps drivers find a comfortable driving position |
Sound system | Improves the in-car experience during long hours |
Auto tailgate | Useful for luggage and airport trips |
Auto-parking function | Helpful in tight carparks and urban areas |
Spacious cabin | Better comfort for both driver and passengers |
Foldable rear seats | Adds flexibility when more storage is needed |
One point Carmen liked was the large display screen, which makes GPS easier to view. This is useful for Grab drivers because navigation is part of every job.
She also highlighted the auto tailgate, which she felt was rare for a hatchback. For PHV drivers who do airport trips or carry passenger luggage, this can reduce the hassle of repeatedly opening and closing the boot manually.
Is the Dongfeng Box Spacious Enough for Grab Driving?
Although the Dongfeng Box is a hatchback EV, Carmen was pleasantly surprised by the interior space.
She found the cabin roomy and liked that the rear seats could be folded down when additional storage space was needed. That flexibility can be useful for drivers who occasionally need to carry larger items or additional luggage.
Carmen also pointed out the front storage compartment, which she thought could be useful for keeping certain items separate from the passenger cabin, such as food or belongings with strong smells.
For PHV drivers, small practical details like these can help keep the cabin comfortable for passengers throughout the day
Quiet, Smooth and Powerful to Drive
Another part of Carmen’s honest opinion was how much she liked the driving experience.
The Dongfeng Box felt noticeably quieter than the petrol car she was used to, and she found the acceleration smooth and responsive.
For everyday city driving, that responsiveness can make the car feel easier to drive when moving away from traffic lights, joining traffic or navigating Singapore’s stop-start road conditions.
Carmen also described the car as powerful, which added to her positive first impression.
For someone trying an EV for the first time, the difference in driving feel was one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
Petrol Cost vs EV Charging Cost for Grab Drivers
One of Carmen’s strongest points was the cost difference between petrol and EV charging.
She currently drives a petrol car and shared that she drives about 1,800 to 2,000 km per week, putting in around 60 hours of driving. Her full tank costs almost $90 after a 25% Grab discount, and she needs about 3.5 full tanks a week.
That brings her estimated weekly petrol cost to about $315.
For the Dongfeng Box, she estimated that a full charge costs around $25 and gives up to 440 km of driving. Based on the same mileage, her estimated weekly charging cost would be much lower.
Cost Item | Petrol Car | Dongfeng Box EV |
Weekly rental | $490 | $588 |
Weekly energy cost | About $315 petrol | About $92.25 charging |
Estimated total weekly cost | $805 | $680.25 |
Estimated weekly net earnings | $995 | $1,119.75 |
Estimated savings | — | About $124.75 per week |
Based on Carmen’s calculation, a Grab driver doing similar mileage could save about $124.75 per week, or close to $499 per month.
Her conclusion was clear: with the Dongfeng Box, “the more you drive, the more you will save.”
Actual savings will still depend on mileage, charging prices, rental package, driving habits, platform incentives and available charging discounts.
Note: The cost calculations above are based on Carmen’s driving pattern and the rental, petrol and charging rates available at the time this article was written. Actual savings may vary depending on mileage, charging prices, rental price changes, platform incentives and driving habits.
Why EVs Could Suit Town Driving
Carmen also felt that the Dongfeng Box can make sense for drivers who prefer short trips in town.
In stop-start traffic, EVs can feel efficient because they do not consume energy the same way petrol cars do while idling. For Grab drivers who often drive around town, short trips, traffic lights and dense pickup areas are part of daily work.
For this type of driving, an EV may help reduce running costs compared with petrol, especially for drivers who cover high weekly mileage.
Charging Was More Convenient Than Expected
Charging was one of Carmen’s concerns before trying an EV.
After learning more, she found that charging was more convenient than expected. She also realised that charging options are becoming more available, including quick-charge points.
Her takeaway was simple: drivers do not need to overthink it. They can charge the car, take a meal break, and return when the charging is done.
For Grab drivers, the key is to build charging into the daily routine. This could mean charging during meal breaks, off-peak hours or between driving sessions.
Who Should Consider Renting the Dongfeng Box?
Carmen felt that the Dongfeng Box is best suited for drivers who can benefit from lower running costs.
It may be a good fit for:
Good For | Why |
Full-time Grab drivers | Higher mileage means more potential fuel savings |
PHV drivers doing town trips | EVs can be efficient in stop-start traffic |
Drivers feeling petrol cost pressure | Charging may reduce weekly running costs |
Drivers who do not want resale risk | Renting avoids long-term ownership concerns |
Drivers who want a compact EV | Easier to handle in Singapore traffic |
She quoted that it may be less suitable for drivers who only drive two to three hours a day, drivers who need a 7-seater, or drivers who need very large boot space without folding down the rear seats.
FAQ
How much does it cost to charge a Dongfeng 007 Premium?
Charging costs for the Dongfeng 007 Premium, the Category B variant with a driving range of up to 650 km, will depend on weekly mileage and the charging rate.
Personal-use driver:
Part-time PHV driver:
Full-time PHV driver:
These figures are estimates. Actual charging costs will vary depending on the EV charging operator, electricity rate, charger type, driving conditions and total distance travelled.
How often does the Dongfeng 007 need to be charged?
The Dongfeng 007 Premium has a driving range of up to 650 km on a full charge.
A personal-use or part-time PHV driver may only need to charge approximately once a week, depending on mileage and the remaining battery level. A full-time PHV driver covering a higher weekly mileage may need to charge around twice a week.
Actual charging frequency will vary according to driving habits, traffic conditions, air-conditioning usage and the distance covered each day.
Can the Dongfeng 007 be used for PHV driving?
Yes. The Dongfeng 007 available from Velocity Leasing is approved for PHV use.
Its driving range of up to 650 km can help reduce the need for frequent charging, making it particularly suitable for full-time PHV drivers covering longer distances.
The Dongfeng 007 is also eligible for selected premium ride-hailing services on platforms including Gojek, TADA and Ryde.
Is EV charging cheaper than petrol?
Is the Dongfeng 007 suitable for part-time PHV drivers?
Yes. The Dongfeng 007 is suitable for part-time PHV drivers who want a comfortable electric sedan with a long driving range.
The Dongfeng 007 Premium offers a driving range of up to 650 km, which may allow a part-time driver covering around 300 to 450 km per week to charge approximately once a week. Charging frequency will still depend on driving habits, traffic conditions and the remaining battery level.
The vehicle is approved for PHV use at Velocity Leasing and is eligible for selected premium ride-hailing services on Gojek, TADA and Ryde.
