Choosing brands of Chinese hybrid cars, the buyer first of all pays attention to the ratio of electric power reserve and real fuel consumption in charging mode. Modern Chinese PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) systems, such as Hi4 from the Great Wall or DM-i From BYD, you can travel on electric traction up to 200 kilometers, which completely covers the needs of daily city trips. When the battery is discharged, these machines do not turn into voracious analogues of the past, but continue to save fuel thanks to highly efficient thermal engines operating in an optimal combustion cycle.
The market is saturated with offerings where each manufacturer is trying to implement a unique propulsion technology, whether it be a sequential scheme of operation or complex planetary gears. Understanding the differences between hybridIn the case of a parallel engine where the engine only works as a generator, and in the case of a parallel engine where the motors can work together, it is critical to making a decision. Mistaking the type of transmission can lead to disappointment from the dynamics or, conversely, from the lack of expected efficiency on the track.
Unlike classic hybrids, where the battery is charged only from recovery and engine, Chinese novelties are equipped with powerful inverters and large traction batteries. This allows you to use the car as a full-fledged electric car in the city, connecting to the outlet, and as an economical gasoline crossover on long-distance travel. Competition among brands has led to the fact that even budget models are now equipped with DC fast charging systems, which was previously the prerogative of the premium segment.
The specifications of power plants range from simple circuits with a single generator motor to complex configurations with three engines and two transmissions. For example, technology Thunder God from Geely or Super Performance Changan offers different scenarios for torque distribution. It is important to consider not only passport data, but also the logic of the electronics that drives the switching between modes.
Hybrid power plants technologies from China
Chinese engineers have developed several dominant architectures that determine the nature of the movement and the economy of the machine. The most common is the Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) scheme, where electric motors are built directly into the gearbox body, which reduces energy loss during torque transmission. This arrangement allows you to realize several speeds for the internal combustion engine, improving the dynamics of acceleration at high speeds, where conventional electric motors lose efficiency.
Another popular approach is a sequential circuit, often referred to as an “electric train,” where the gasoline engine is completely isolated from the wheels and serves solely to generate electricity. This solution is often chosen by manufacturers seeking maximum smoothness, since the lack of mechanical communication between the engine and the transmission eliminates jerks when changing gears. However, at speeds above 120 km/h, this approach may be less efficient due to the dual energy conversion.
- 🔋 DM-i / DM-p (BYD): Market leader, offering mainly electric traction with rare connection of the internal combustion engine directly at high speeds.
- ⚙️ Hi4 / DHT (Great Wall, Geely): Multi-stage hybrid transmissions that provide better acceleration dynamics and efficiency on the track.
- ⚡ EREV (Li Auto, Voyah): Increased power reserve due to a large tank and a generator set, operating in a narrow range of revolutions.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing a model, carefully study the type of hybrid installation. Serial hybrids (EREVs) can consume more fuel at speeds above 130 km/h compared to hybrids that have a direct mechanical connection of the wheels to the ICE.
A special place is occupied by systems with three engines, where one motor is responsible for the front axle, and the other two are responsible for the rear, providing all-wheel drive without a drive shaft. This scheme, implemented in models Li L9 or BYD Tang DM-pIt allows you to instantly redistribute traction between the axles, improving the course stability. Electronics can slow the inner wheel in a turn or add traction to the outer, simulating the work of advanced mechanical differentials.
BYD: Leadership in DM-i and DM-p technologies
Company BYD It dominates the market due to its vertical integration and production of its own batteries. Blade Battery. Their system. DM-i Dual Mode (intelligent) is designed to operate as an electric vehicle 80% of the time, using the engine only at peak loads or when the battery is low for power generation. This provides incredibly low fuel consumption even with a fully discharged battery.
For those looking for a dynamic, a version is intended. DM-p (power), where the power plant is much higher, and all-wheel drive is implemented by an additional electric motor on the rear axle. Models such as BYD Han or TangThey can accelerate to a hundred times faster than many sports sedans, while maintaining a reasonable appetite. The key element here is the high-voltage architecture, which allows the use of powerful electric motors without the risk of overheating.
An important feature is the ability to operate the ICE generator directly on the wheels through a single-stage gearbox at high speeds. This eliminates the loss of energy to electricity and back, which makes the car efficient on country roads. The system makes its own decision on how to connect the engine based on the elevation map, driving style and residue of charge.
For maximum savings in BYD models, set the SOC (State of Charge) to 25-30% and use standard charging at night when electricity rates are minimal.
Li Auto and the EREV Concept: Electricity without compromise
Brand Li Auto Li Xiang has been betting on the EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) concept, where the wheels are always driven by electric motors. The gasoline engine in such cars, for example, in models L7, L9It has no mechanical connection to the transmission and starts only when the battery charge drops below a predetermined threshold. This allows engineers to set the engine to work in one of the most efficient speed modes, ignoring the requirements for acceleration dynamics.
The main advantage of this approach is the absence of transmission jerks and vibrations characteristic of classical automata or variators. The driver always feels the linear recoil inherent in electric vehicles, but is not limited to a range of 400-500 kilometers. The presence of a turbocharged gasoline generator allows to increase the total mileage at one gas station to 1000-1200 kilometers, which is critical for countries with a developed road network.
However, this scheme has its own characteristics of operation. At high speeds, the efficiency of the system decreases as the energy of combustion of the fuel is first converted into electricity and then again into mechanical operation of the wheels. Therefore, fuel consumption at speeds of 140-150 km / h in the "faces" can be higher than in hybrids with direct transmission, such as: Toyota or Geely.
- 🚗 Model range: L7 (5 seats), L8 (6 seats), L9 (full-size flagship).
- 🔋 Battery: Capacitive lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries with a range of 150-200 km.
- ⛽ Expenditure: About 7-8 liters per 100 km after the battery is discharged.
Geely, Changan and Great Wall: The Technology Race
Competition among other giants has led to the creation of complex and interesting systems. Geely pitch Thunder God Hi-XIt uses a 3-speed hybrid transmission DHT Pro. This allows the internal combustion engine to connect to the wheels at a speed of 20 km / h, which significantly expands the range of effective operation of the internal combustion engine. This scheme is ideal for dynamic driving and overtaking, when you need a sharp power drop.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) implements the system Hi4, which represents the evolution of the hybrid all-wheel drive circuit. In it, the front motor-generator can not only charge the battery, but also transfer torque to the front wheels through a 2-speed transmission. The rear axle is given by a separate powerful electric motor. This creates the effect of a virtual lock differential and improves patency in difficult conditions.
Changan goes his own way with the system iDD Intelligent Dual Drive is based on the classic P2 circuit. Here the electric motor is located between the ICE and the gearbox, which allows you to combine their thrust in any proportions. The advantage is the ability to use time-tested mechanical components, which simplifies maintenance and repair in the long run.
Comparison of transmissions
DHT vs. EREV: In DHT (Geely, GWM) systems, the engine can turn the wheels directly, saving fuel on the track. In EREV (Li Auto), the engine only charges the battery, which gives smoothness, but a little more consumption at high speeds. The choice depends on where you drive more often: the city (EREV) or the highway (DHT).
Comparative table of characteristics of popular models
To simplify the choice, it is worth considering the key parameters of the most popular models on the market. These parameters will help to form an objective idea of the capabilities of each car in different operating conditions.
| Model | Type of system | Power reserve (electric) | Total power reserve | Acceleration 0-100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Song Plus DM-i | Consecutive/Parallel | 110 km km | 1,100 km | 8.3 sec |
| Li Auto L7 | Consecutive (EREV) | 180 km | 1,300 km | 5.3 sec. |
| Geely Xingyue L Hi-P | 3st DHT | 100 km | 1,300 km | 7.9 seconds |
| GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T | P2 Hybrid (frame) | 110 km km | 900 km | 6.6 seconds |
Analyzing the table, you can see that Chinese manufacturers offer solutions for any task: from economical urban crossovers to powerful SUVs. Models with a large electric power supply, such as Li AutoThey require rarer charging from the network, which is convenient for owners of private homes without fast charging.
⚠️ Attention: The specified electric range (NEDC/WLTC) can actually vary by 10-15% depending on driving style, climate control usage and ambient temperature. In winter, the capacity of the batteries decreases.
Practical aspects of operation and maintenance
Owning a Chinese hybrid requires understanding the specifics of servicing two powertrains at the same time. Despite the complexity of the design, the oil change intervals in the internal combustion engine can be increased, as the engine runs less hours compared to conventional cars. However, the cooling system of the high-voltage battery and inverters requires regular checks of the level of antifreeze and cleanliness of the radiators.
The braking system in hybrids wears out more slowly due to active energy recovery during braking. An electric motor in generator mode slows down the car, returning energy to the battery. This means that pads and discs can last 2-3 times longer, but it is important to monitor the condition of the calipers so that they do not acidify from rare use.
☑️ Checklist before buying a hybrid
Software plays a key role in the hybrid operation. Chinese manufacturers often release updates that improve the logic of the engine and recovery system. Sometimes firmware updates can only be done at an authorized dealer or through specialized equipment, so having a service in your area is an important selection factor.
The cost of ownership is not only fuel price, but also insurance cost, which for powerful hybrids can be higher. High-voltage battery life is also worth considering: modern LFP cells can withstand thousands of charging cycles, but replacing them in the event of failure (out of warranty) can cost a lot of money.
The main conclusion: Chinese hybrids are technologically ahead of many European counterparts, offering a larger range on electric traction and richer equipment for the same money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you need to charge a Chinese hybrid every day?
No, not necessarily if your daily mileage is less than your battery range. However, to maximize battery life savings, it is recommended to keep the charge in the range of 20-80% and connect the car to the grid at every convenient opportunity, especially in winter.
What happens if you run out of gasoline or battery power?
If the gasoline runs out, the car will stand up, as the ICE is needed for power generation (in EREV) or direct drive. If the battery is completely discharged, hybrids with internal combustion engines (PHEV) will continue to drive like regular gasoline cars, but fuel consumption will increase by 1-2 liters. A deep discharge of zero is harmful to battery chemistry.
Is it difficult to find parts for Chinese hybrids?
With consumables (filters, pads) there are usually no problems, as they are often unified. However, the power plant components (inverters, specific DHT transmission elements) are unique and can be ordered for a long time. When buying, it is worth checking the availability of spare parts warehouse at the dealer.
Can I charge a Chinese hybrid from a conventional outlet?
Yes, all PHEV and EREV models come with a portable 220V home network charger. However, the charging speed will be low (about 3 kW) and the full cycle will take 6-10 hours. A special station is required for fast direct current (DC) charging.