KUALA LUMPUR: The Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) managed to clock a travelling distance of 1,300km on single tank of fuel and without stopping to recharge during an ultra-long range driving marathon from Guangzhou to Wuhu, China.
Aside from Malaysia, the seven-nation contingent also saw participation of drivers from Italy, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Chery Corporate Malaysia executive vice-president Leo Chen said range anxiety is a concern among drivers when it comes to electric vehicles.
"This is why Jaecoo placed the J7 PHEV in the hands of drivers from around the world to witness the unprecedented experience of travelling with confidence and peace of mind.
"Our strategy to introduce the J7 PHEV is timely as the market demands the best of both worlds, engine performance and fuel efficiency," said Chen.
The 13-hour drive from Guangzhou began on Oct 16 and saw the multinational group navigate various driving conditions including traffic congestion during morning rush hour, national roads and intercity expressways.
On paper, the J7 PHEV, which is expected to be launched locally by the end of the year, has a class-leading NEDC pure electric range of 106km and the lowest fuel consumption in its class at 5.99 litres per 100km in a power-depleted state.
Jaecoo Malaysia vice-president Emily Lek said the J7 PHEV managed to surpassed its specifications to achieve a range of 125.2km while in pure-electric mode, which is 19.2km more during the driving marathon.
She said the feat was a testament to the efficiency of Jaecoo’s Super Hybrid System (SHS) Technology which allows the J7 PHEV to maintain a frugal and energy-saving driving state.
"This raises the bar for energy efficient and economical mobility, and we are proud to introduce the J7 PHEV for the Malaysian market to enjoy," she said.
The J7 PHEV has a exterior that is similar to its J7 petrol-powered sibling and will be offered in two variants of all-wheel-drive (AWD) and two-wheel-drive (2WD).
Apart from having similar safety systems and creature comforts with the petrol-powered J7, the J7 PHEV gets a hybrid powertrain with an unrivalled range, DC charging ability and external output that enables users to charge and power electronic equipment such as a projector, kettle or hairdryer particularly on outdoor adventures.
The AWD offers seven driving modes of Economy, Standard, Sport, Sand, Mud, Snow or Off-Road while the 2WD has three modes of Standard, Sport and Economy.
The fuel tank can hold up to 60 litres of petrol while the 18.3kWh high voltage battery enables the electric motor to deliver 525Nm of torque.
The J7 PHEV is also fitted with a Direct Current (DC) charger that supports up to 40kW.
“Fans will have an option of colours, rim styles and interior upgrades available to choose from which add a distinct individuality to the J7 PHEV, while staying close to the brand’s essence, ‘From Classic, Beyond Classic’.
"We anticipate to subsequently begin delivering the J7 PHEV by February next year,” Lek said.
The registrations of interest for the J7 PHEV will begin at the preview from Oct 23-27 at Sunway Pyramid (LG2 Orange Wing) ahead of its official launch end of this year.
For details, visit www.jaecoo.com.my and keep up to date by following Jaecoo Malaysia social platforms.
