Chery on top of hybrid tech

WITH a growing range of petrol electric models at its disposal, Chinese manufacturer Chery is in the box seat to capitalise on booming hybrid sales and slower than predicted Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales in some countries.

Added to this is news that the Wuhu, China-based manufacturer is about to introduce a new generation of more efficient hybrid technology. 

The tech will be showcased soon in (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) PHEV versions of the locally available Tiggo 7 and 8 SUVs and a little later in the Tiggo 4 SUV with (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) HEV tech.

The Chery announcement coincides with a degree of back pedalling and line-up reassessment from manufacturers, some of whom had taken a gung-ho position to the BEV “transition”.

Their desired switch to fully-electric-only line-ups is, in many cases, being tempered by an influx of hybrid vehicles – HEVs, M(Mild)HEVs, PHEVs or REEVs (Range Extenders) – that have struck a chord with buyers here and overseas.

Chery already has hybrid powered (and fully electric) vehicles in its stable but recently announced a swathe of new-tech hybrid vehicles that will filter through this year that can be readily inserted into its model line-up as the technology’s appeal and sales grow.

Chery Australia has to date offered mainly ICE-powered models in two versions of the Tiggo 4 Light SUV, two versions of the Tiggo 7 Medium SUV and three versions of the Tiggo 8 Large SUV in addition to five ICE versions of the Omoda5 Small SUV/ hatchback and two BEV versions of the Omoda E5 Small SUV/hatch.

As mentioned, that changes around mid-year with the scheduled arrival of Tiggo 7 and 8 PHEVs.

In a recent statement Chery committed to introducing 19 new hybrid models (in China) this year utilising the brand’s latest global hybrid technology, known as Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system.

The vehicles will be across HEV, PHEV, and REEV categories and include the larger Tiggo SUV range (7, 8 and 9), which will be revealed shortly at the Shanghai Motor Show (Auto Shanghai) 2025 and some are under consideration for local consumption Down Under.

Chery says the efficient CSH system leverages a next-generation hybrid engine with “a record-breaking 46.5 per cent thermal efficiency and a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) boasting 93 per cent comprehensive efficiency”.

Higher performance variants will utilise its 2.0TGDI engine paired with DHT230 and DHT280 transmissions, achieving “world-leading” milestones: 280kW of hybrid power output and a hybrid motor speed of 24,000 rpm.

Chery chairman Yin Tongyue emphasised that the company’s hybrid technology strategy was founded on sustainability, guided by the principle of delivering four essentials: eco-friendly development, affordability, safety, and reliable driving range.

The goal is to provide diverse global markets with “superior” technological solutions, offering consumers greater choice.

Chery has been involved in hybrid development since 2001 through an R&D program and the company states it “stands as China’s earliest hybrid technology pioneer, boasting the most advanced solutions, the fastest-growing hybrid segment, and the widest range of hybrid-equipped models in its line-up”.

Chery says the time invested has established it as a global leader in hybrid development with the CSH system ushering in the next generation of new-energy vehicles.

Chery will reveal more details at the Shanghai Motor Show next week.