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Exploring Chery’s PHEV models

In a previous article, we explored the benefits of Chery’s HEV technology, stating that it offered benefits such as improved fuel efficiency, performance and even a smoother ride.

You can read the article here.

But we understand that there are some who don’t mind the plugged-in life but need an engine to sometimes go further. Chery has a solution for that too and it is known as the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

Two PHEV models were launched recently, the Tiggo 7 PHEV and the Tiggo 8 PHEV. And both offer gargantuan power with impressive range, up to 1200km to be precise.

So what makes PHEV’s by Chery so efficient?

It is the result of a large battery, powerful tri-motors, self-charging capability and the ability to plug in to an external source for recharging.

Powering Chery PHEV’s is a 18.3kWh LFP battery that is IP68 certified for overall durability.

Interestingly, Chery has been rather keen to showcase its durability. The battery is already known to be dust and water resistant, and it is also well known that it can withstand up to 95 degrees Celsius of heat, but in a display of durability, Chery also submerged the battery in a metre-deep tank of seawater for over 53 hours.

After that, it was removed from the tank, cleaned out and reinstalled into a Tiggo 8 PHEV and voila, it still worked.

But that’s not the only test it has survived, Chery has been overtly keen to show the toughness of its LFP batteries, and it has withstood everything the company has thrown at it, seven-car stack test and 15 foot vertical drop included.

The battery is obviously at the centre of the car’s capabilities

And rightfully so because it provides for an all-electric range of up to 90km, making the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV models incredibly efficient.

In fact, as mentioned before, both models have a claimed combined range of up to 1200km. So yes, the battery is very much the heart of Chery’s CSH package.

As for recharging, the battery can accept up to 40kW of DC charge and 6.6kW of AC charge. The former will charge up the car from 30-80% state of charge in under 20 minutes, while the latter will take three hours.

This is true for both the Tiggo 7 and the Tiggo 8 PHEV models.

What are some of the other benefits of PHEV models?

Power, a lot of it, is one of the other benefits of a PHEV model. Though efficiency is the keyword here, but power can’t be ignored.

Both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV’s are powered by a 1.5-litre, turbocharged engine making 143PS and 215Nm.

This is then combined with an electric motor that makes 204PS and 310Nm by itself. Total system output is rated at 275PS and 365Nm of torque.

The engine mostly works as a range extender and recharge the battery when it is depleted while on the move. But when needed, the engine works concurrently with the motor to provide forward propulsion.

What is rather impressive here is that Chery claims a 98% mechanical efficiency for its Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. If you are wondering what that means, well that simply means that very little power is loss to friction or other “parasitic” losses. So what the engine and motor produce, the wheels get 98% of.

Who will benefit from Chery’s PHEV models?

Just about everyone in fact. If you spend time in traffic during work hours, you will appreciate the all-electric capabilities that the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV have to offer.

If you travel a lot on highways and don’t want to be stuck to a charger, you will also appreciate the fact that the engine can recharge the batteries, as can the regenerative braking system.

So, after a while of driving on the highway, the battery would have gained some percentage of charge so you don’t always have to look out for a charger to enjoy the benefits of the PHEV powertrain.

There is a lot to appreciate about Chery’s PHEV systems, so if you are keen on a car that is efficient and powerful yet comfortable for the family, then Chery’s HEV and PHEV models make a lot of sense.

GAC M8 PHEV Officially Launched in Malaysia, Prices Start from RM328,800

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), the official distributor of GAC vehicles in Malaysia, has officially introduced the GAC M8 PHEV — the brand’s new flagship luxury MPV that blends sophistication, innovation, and hybrid performance. The M8 PHEV is available in two variants, with the Premium priced at RM328,800 and the Luxury at RM388,800, both on-the-road without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia.

To celebrate its arrival, customers who book the M8 PHEV before 31 December 2025 will enjoy two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance and a portable charging cable worth RM3,800. The promotion runs for a limited time and is subject to specific terms and conditions.

Powering the M8 PHEV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and an electric motor. Together, they produce an impressive 372 PS and 630 Nm of torque. The system is supported by a 25.57 kWh battery pack and a 56-litre fuel tank, allowing the MPV to achieve a combined range of up to 1,038 km. This setup ensures both performance and long-distance efficiency, making it well suited for extended family road trips or business travel.

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BYD Launches 2026 Seal 05 DM-i with 2,000km Driving Range in China

BYD has introduced the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, the latest iteration of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, now boasting a pure electric range of up to 128 kilometres (CLTC) and a total driving range of an impressive 2,000km. Despite these substantial improvements, the car maintains its starting price of 79,800 yuan (around RM52,000), reinforcing BYD’s commitment to offering high-value electrified mobility.

The Seal 05 DM-i continues to embrace BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design philosophy, which favours clean, fluid lines and aerodynamic efficiency. For 2026, subtle refinements have been made to streamline its appearance further, including the removal of the automatic front grille. This small but deliberate change gives the car a more cohesive front profile while preserving its sleek, modern look.

Inside, the cabin keeps to its minimalist and practical roots, with thoughtful updates aimed at improving comfort and usability. The familiar flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel and dual-screen layout remain — an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while a 10.1-inch central touchscreen runs the brand’s DiLink smart cockpit system.

The most notable interior revision is the switch from the previous crystal gear lever to a column-mounted electronic shifter, which opens up additional space on the centre console for storage and convenience.

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Chery TIGGO 8 PHEV Launched in Malaysia for RM159,800

Chery has officially introduced the TIGGO 8 PHEV to Malaysia, joining the brand’s growing electrified line-up and positioning itself as a larger, more premium option for families looking to embrace plug-in hybrid technology. Like the smaller TIGGO 7 PHEV, the new model sits on Chery’s Super Hybrid platform but adds more space, more tech, and a greater focus on refinement.

Power comes from the same 1.5-litre ACTECO TGDi hybrid engine paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Together, the system pushes out up to 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque, while offering up to 90 kilometres of pure EV range and as much as 1,200 kilometres of combined driving range.

The hybrid powertrain operates at 98% mechanical efficiency, ensuring strong responsiveness and greater fuel savings, particularly useful for long-haul drives.

Charging times are identical to the TIGGO 7 PHEV, with DC fast charging topping up the battery from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes.

AC charging takes about three hours, while a household charger will bring it to full capacity overnight. V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) support adds further practicality, allowing the SUV to power devices externally at 3.3 kW — making it a versatile tool for family trips or outdoor activities.

The Guardian Battery Safety System is also standard, protecting the battery in emergencies with features like high-voltage cut-off, IP68 waterproofing, extreme temperature resistance, and the ability to wade through water up to 500mm.

Chery has also packed in its ADAS 2.0 driver assistance suite, which offers advanced features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

Design-wise, the TIGGO 8 PHEV aims to deliver a more premium appearance compared to its sibling. Its front grille is paired with an illuminated logo, giving it a distinctive road presence, while the exterior features redesigned bumpers, 19 inch Diamond cut alloy rims, LED lighting, and refined detailing.

Inside, the cabin is headlined by a 15.6-inch infotainment display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, complemented by premium comfort features such as ventilated sport leather seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting with 64 colours, an immersive 10 speaker Sony sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The TIGGO 8 PHEV is offered in Aurora Green, Khaki White, and Carbon Black. Like the TIGGO 7, it comes with a seven-year warranty (150,000 km), along with eight years or 160,000 km of coverage for the battery, power motor, and hybrid control unit.

The same one-to-one battery exchange guarantee applies if health drops below 70% within the period, and buyers also enjoy five years of free labour service. The Tiggo 8 PHEV is priced at RM159,800.

2026 Tank 400 Plug-in Hybrid SUV Lands in China with Tech Upgrades and Fresh Powertrain Option

The Tank 400 plug-in hybrid SUV has just rolled out in updated form and is already being showcased in 178 cities across China. Great Wall Motor’s rugged off-roader hasn’t abandoned its mechanical presence, but for 2026 it comes with some notable tweaks in styling, technology, and powertrain choices that should make it even more appealing to buyers.

On the outside, the SUV retains its squared-off, muscular look but gains subtle detail changes. The most eye-catching is a new colour option called Dunhuang Purple, which gives the big SUV a more distinctive presence.

The front bumper has been reworked with black mesh elements that sharpen its bold stance, while at the back, the once-prominent external spare tyre guard has been deleted. The badge arrangement has also been revised, with the “GWM” lettering now positioned at the centre of the tailgate.

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Zeekr 9X Dilancar di China dengan Kuasa Sehingga 1,381hp

Jenama mewah milik Geely, Zeekr, baru sahaja melancarkan model terbaharunya yang paling besar dan berkuasa setakat ini, iaitu Zeekr 9X. SUV plug-in hibrid bersaiz penuh ini diperkenalkan secara rasmi di China pada 29 September, dan sambutannya sangat luar biasa apabila menerima lebih 42,000 tempahan dalam masa satu jam sahaja selepas pra-jualan dibuka.

Menariknya, Zeekr 9X merupakan model plug-in hibrid pertama keluaran syarikat itu, menandakan langkah baharu mereka yang kini melangkaui kereta elektrik sepenuhnya. Dari segi saiz, SUV ini lebih besar berbanding Mercedes-Benz GLS dengan ukuran 5.2 meter panjang dan lebih 2 meter lebar. Reka bentuk luaran tampil garang dengan lampu utama LED berbentuk C, gril besar, rim bersaiz 22 inci, serta lampu belakang unik berbentuk bulat.

Bahagian dalamannya direka sebagai enam tempat duduk dengan konfigurasi 2+2+2. Ia dilengkapi dengan dua skrin 16 inci, paparan kepala 47 inci untuk pemandu, serta skrin 17 inci khusus bagi penumpang baris kedua. Varian tertentu turut menawarkan kemewahan tambahan seperti kerusi urut, kerusi baris kedua berputar, meja lipat, tirai privasi, dan pembantu maya berasaskan AI yang dinamakan Eva.

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Zeekr 9X PHEV SUV Debuts in China with 1,381hp and Up to 1,250km Range

Geely’s premium brand Zeekr has unveiled its latest flagship, the Zeekr 9X, in China—a full-size plug-in hybrid SUV packing some jaw-dropping numbers. Launched on September 29, the 9X comes with as much as 1,381hp, advanced air suspension, and a claimed mixed driving range of up to 1,250km.

The reception has been explosive: during its presale, the brand racked up more than 42,000 orders within the first hour.

For context, Zeekr was introduced in 2021 as Geely’s luxury battery-electric brand, but this year marks a big pivot. The company has shifted its strategy to include plug-in hybrids, with the 9X being the first of its kind. Positioned as a halo model, it shows how seriously Zeekr intends to compete in the high-end SUV space.

Measuring 5,239mm long, 2,029mm wide and 1,819mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,169mm, the 9X is actually longer and wider than a Mercedes-Benz GLS. The design follows current Chinese luxury trends with C-shaped LED headlights, a bold grille, and active air intake shutters.

At the back, there’s a large circular taillight unit, and the SUV sits on 22-inch alloys available in different designs. Buyers can choose from five exterior colours: black, white, silver, grey and purple.

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Chery Malaysia Bakal Lancar TIGGO 7 PHEV dan TIGGO 8 PHEV dengan Teknologi Hibrid Terbaru

Chery Malaysia sedang bersiap sedia untuk memperkenalkan dua model SUV plug-in hibrid (PHEV) terbaharu, iaitu TIGGO 7 PHEV dan TIGGO 8 PHEV. Kedua-dua model ini bakal dilengkapi dengan teknologi terkini Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) yang menekankan aspek penjimatan bahan api, prestasi serta ciri keselamatan.

Pelancaran ini turut seiring dengan usaha kerajaan Malaysia dalam menggalakkan penggunaan kenderaan mesra alam melalui dasar NIMP 2030, NAP dan NETR.

Dari segi kuasa, kedua-dua SUV ini dipadankan dengan enjin 1.5 liter turbo petrol yang digabungkan bersama Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) serta dua motor elektrik. Ia disokong oleh bateri 18.3 kWh yang mampu memberikan jarak pemanduan sehingga 90 km menggunakan kuasa elektrik sepenuhnya, manakala jarak keseluruhan (gabungan enjin dan bateri) boleh mencapai kira-kira 1,200 km.

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Toyota Research Institute Finds Behavioural Science Can Boost EV Charging Habits

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has revealed new research showing how behavioural science can play a major role in improving electric vehicle (EV) charging habits, ultimately cutting carbon emissions more effectively. The studies, carried out in both the United States and Japan, tested a prototype app called ChargeMinder, designed by TRI’s Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence division.

Instead of relying purely on technology, the research highlighted how subtle behavioural nudges can change the way people interact with their vehicles. In the U.S., plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivers increased their charging frequency by around 10% thanks to targeted interventions.

Meanwhile, in Japan, both PHEV and battery electric vehicle (BEV) users shifted a significant portion of their charging to hours with the highest renewable energy supply — nearly 59% more than before — which translated to about 30 minutes of extra daytime charging per vehicle each day.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the experiments also improved driver satisfaction. In the U.S., PHEV owners reported a 16-point increase in satisfaction levels, with every participant ending up fully satisfied with their vehicles.

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GWM Rolls Out New Haval Big Dog Plus with Fresh Styling and PHEV Options

Great Wall Motor (GWM) has officially introduced the Haval Big Dog Plus, the latest evolution of its second-generation Big Dog SUV. The new model comes in five trims, priced between 135,800 yuan and 183,800 yuan (around RM88,000 to RM119,000), depending on the variant. Buyers will have the choice between plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) versions, offering a wide spread of options for different needs.

Visually, the SUV has been given a more distinctive look. The front end features a redesigned grille with a semi-closed pattern and a larger illuminated HAVAL logo that immediately stands out, while the familiar round headlights remain as signature elements.

At the back, the “HAVAL” script has been swapped for a bold “GWM” badge, marking a subtle shift in brand presentation. From the side, the fenders are now dressed with rivet-style details, adding to its rugged character.

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