Chery targets long-range driving with new plug-in hybrid powertrains

Chery claims its new generation of Super Hybrid powertrains may allow some models to theoretically drive up to 2000 kilometres without stopping.

At a presentation to Australian media, Chery’s executive director of engineering, Peter Matkin, revealed details of its fifth-generation Super Hybrid powertrains, which combine highly efficient petrol engines with plug-in hybrid technology.

While the claims have yet to be confirmed in the real world, the “targeted” combined driving range could allow for an uninterrupted drive from Adelaide to Brisbane.

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According to Mr Matkin, tests suggest fuel economy figures as low as 2.98 litres per 100 kilometres, based on WLTC protocols, though it's unclear what state of battery charge this is based on.

The engineer also claims the petrol engines have achieved thermal efficiencies of roughly 45 per cent – making them as efficient as Formula 1 cars from a decade ago.

Thanks to two dedicated transmissions – one designed for smaller, lighter vehicles, and the other for heavier models – Chery says it’s been able to reduce drivetrain power losses to as low as 23 per cent.

“This is the result of more than 25 years that we’ve been working on hybrid assistance,” Mr Matkin said.

As well as fuel efficiencies, the new powertrains are said to allow for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 180km/h.

Mr Matkin claims the vehicles will be able to operate in conditions of between -30 and 40+ degrees Celsius, with “special packs” designed for countries with temperatures above 50 degrees.

“And these figures are for answering a real question, when our customers drive and face these high temperatures and long-distance travel.”

The Chery brand currently offers plug-in hybrid versions of the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 in Australia.

The Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid feature an 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a single electric motor, with the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid featuring a larger 34kWh pack and dual electric motors. All use a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

Chery claims electric-only range of 93km, 95km and 170km for the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9, respectively, all based on the NEDC cycle.

In terms of combined range, Chery claims 1200km in the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 and 1250km in the Tiggo 9.

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