Chery confirms specifications for hybrid system

CHERY re-entered the South African market barely six months ago, but has already become an important brand and one to keep a close eye on.

In South Africa, Chery currently sells the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro SUVs with more vehicles to follow.

So what's news from this news-making brand?

Well, Chery China has detailed a new 'DHT Hybrid' system it's putting into production which 'sets a new standard for hybrid propulsion'.

It lays the foundation for the company’s transition from internal combustion to a portfolio of petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric and fuel cell powered vehicles.

'The new hybrid system has a unique operating model that is based, first and foremost, on customers’ needs and driving patterns,' said Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery SA.

In China, this technology officially introduces the next generation of hybrid propulsion to the market.'

To best explain the new system, Chery has adopted a short slogan: Three engines, three gears, nine modes and 11 speeds.

Three engines

At the heart of the new hybrid system is Chery’s use of three engines.

The first engine is a hybrid-specific version of its popular 1.5 turbo-petrol engine, which delivers 115kW and 230Nm of torque.

It is worth noting that the platform is also ready for a hybrid-specific version of its 2.0 turbo-petrol engine.

The turbo-petrol engine is ‘hybridspecific’, as it is lean burning and has best-in-class efficiency.

This is paired with two electric motors, which combine to offer the three engines mentioned above.

The two electric motors have power outputs of 55kW and 160Nm and 70 kW and 155Nm respectively.

They are both fitted with a unique, fixed-point oil injection cooling system that not only allows the motors to run at a lower operating temperature, but extends the operating life to well beyond industry standards.

During its development, these electric motors ran faultlessly for more than 30 000 hours and five million combined testing kilometres.

This promises a real-world service life of at least 1.5 times the industry average.

Lastly, Chery has tested the electric motors to offer a power transmission efficiency of 97.6% - the highest in the world.

Three gears, nine modes

To best deliver the power from its three engines, Chery has created a three-gear transmission that combines with its standard variable transmission to near infinite gear combinations.

This means that, whether the driver wants the lowest fuel consumption, the highest performance, the best towing capabilities or any other application specific use, it is catered for with this three gear setup.

The three engines and three gears are matched and managed by nine unique operating modes.

These modes create a framework for the drivetrain to deliver its best power and efficiency, while still allowing infinite variability to each driver’s needs.

The nine modes include single-motor electric-only mode, dual motor pure electric performance, a direct drive from the turbo petrol engine, and a parallel drive that harnesses both petrol and electric power.

There are also a mode specific for charging while parked, and a mode for charging while driving.

11 speeds

Lastly, the new hybrid system offers 11 speed modes.

These, again, combine with the engines and operating modes to offer a range of application specific settings, while still allowing for individual variability for each driver.

The 11 speeds cover all possible vehicle usage scenes.

These include low-speed driving (for instance while moving in heavy traffic), long distance driving, mountain driving where low-end torque is welcome, overtaking, expressway driving, driving on slippery conditions, where the dual-axle motors will drive all four wheels for better traction, and urban commuting.

In its production form, the hybrid system is a combined system of 240 kW from the 2-wheel drive version, and a staggering 338kW combined power from the four-wheel drive system.

The former has a tested 0-100km acceleration time of less than seven seconds, and the latter dispenses of the 100km acceleration run in just four seconds.

Liu commented: 'The production version of our new hybrid system shows both the technical expertise of Chery and its engineers, and the exciting future of the vehicles earmarked for South Africa.

'We are also excited to see how our new hybrid technology will lay the foundation for a complete new range of vehicle solutions where we utilise this system's innovations in engine management, transmission and power delivery in many different applications.'