Chery, the Chinese automaker, is pushing the boundaries of plug-in hybrid technology with its next-generation Super Hybrid powertrains. The company claims its latest systems could enable vehicles to travel up to 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) without refueling—a distance equivalent to driving from Adelaide to Brisbane in Australia without stopping.
Key Improvements in Powertrain Design
According to Chery’s executive director of engineering, Peter Matkin, the fifth-generation Super Hybrid powertrains combine high-efficiency gasoline engines with plug-in hybrid capabilities. Tests indicate fuel consumption as low as 2.98 liters per 100 kilometers (79 mpg) under WLTC testing, although the exact battery state during these tests remains unclear.
The advancements are driven by several factors:
- Engine Efficiency : The gasoline engines have reportedly achieved thermal efficiencies around 45%, rivaling the performance of Formula 1 engines from a decade ago.
- Reduced Drivetrain Loss : Chery has minimized power loss in the drivetrain to as low as 23% by using two dedicated transmissions optimized for different vehicle weights.
- Extreme Temperature Resilience : The powertrains are designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -30 to 40+ degrees Celsius ( -22 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) and can be adapted for even hotter climates with specialized packs.
Performance and Range Figures
The new powertrains don’t just focus on efficiency; they also deliver impressive performance. Chery claims a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
Current models in Australia – the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8, and Tiggo 9 – already utilize plug-in hybrid systems. These vehicles feature either an 18.4 kWh or a larger 34 kWh battery, paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Reported electric ranges are 93km (Tiggo 7), 95km (Tiggo 8), and 170km (Tiggo 9) using the NEDC cycle. Combined range estimates reach 1,200km (Tiggo 7/8) and 1,250km (Tiggo 9).
Why This Matters
Chery’s claims are significant because they address a major concern for EV and hybrid buyers: range anxiety. The promise of over 1,000 kilometers on a single tank—combined with electric-only capability—could make these vehicles highly competitive. This is especially relevant as consumers increasingly demand longer-range options without the limitations of pure EVs. The automaker’s focus on extreme temperature resilience also highlights the growing need for vehicles that can perform reliably in harsh climates.
