PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians still don't understand the various forms of hybrid cars.
That's according to Jaecoo and it wants to help enlighten them.
The Chery-owned sub-brand recently previewed its Jaecoo J7 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) SUV in Malaysia at its first pop-up store, drawing over 3,000 visitors in five days.
Jaecoo said it discovered that there were gaps in understanding among the public about the features and benefits of PHEVs compared to traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
Chery Corporate Malaysia executive vice president Leo Chen said Jaecoo seeks to guide drivers towards cleaner, more efficient automotive choices.
Jaecoo Malaysia vice president Emily Lek said that informed consumers can better assess which vehicle type suits their lifestyle, especially as electric and hybrid powertrains become more prevalent.
Key distinctions between PHEVs and HEVs were highlighted, focusing on the advantages PHEVs provide in range, charging, performance, and environmental impact.
Unlike HEVs, which rely primarily on small batteries and regenerative braking, PHEVs like the J7 can travel up to 88km (WLTP standard) on electric power alone.
This capability makes them ideal for daily commutes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions significantly, especially in urban settings.
Additionally, PHEVs offer the convenience of home charging, making them a more adaptable choice for short trips on electric power.
The J7 PHEV's performance features would also appeal to consumers looking for versatile driving options.
The vehicle can switch between electric and petrol power, providing enhanced acceleration and efficiency.
Jaecoo claims that this dual-power capability makes PHEVs a better choice for both city driving and long-distance travel.
In terms of environmental benefits, Jaecoo highlighted that PHEVs help reduce emissions by allowing more extended electric-only operation compared to HEVs, which require the combustion engine to engage frequently.
The company believes that PHEVs present a “cleaner choice” in Malaysia’s push for better air quality and reduced carbon footprint.
The J7 PHEV recently underwent a test journey with an international team covering 1,300km from Guangzhou to Wuhu, China, on a single tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, showcasing its potential for both short commutes and long trips.
The vehicle is expected to be available in Malaysia with two variants — an all-wheel drive model with estimated price of RM180,000 and a two-wheel drive model at around RM170,000.
If these two PHEVs are too pricey, Jaecoo Malaysia also sells two variants that use a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). The ICE variants were launched locally in July and priced from RM139,000.
The J7 is actually a rebadged Chery Tansuo 06, a China-only model, that is being repurposed for foreign markets as the Jaecoo J7. The J7 is available in ICE form and soon as a PHEV.
JAECOO J7 PHEV SPECIFICATIONS
