Auto manufacturer IM Motors reveals comparable extended-range system integration applied to a Tesla Model Y vehicle model
China's new energy vehicle (NEV) market is experiencing a surge, with EREVs playing an increasingly important role. According to recent data, the average capacity of battery packs for PHEV models in China reached 29.1 kWh in June, marking the third consecutive month that it exceeded 29 kWh.
One of the key players in the EREV market is IM Motors. The company unveiled its extended-range system named Hengxing in November 2024, joining domestic automakers developing EREVs. IM Motors' approach is to install an engine into its vehicles, aiming to provide a range-anxiety-free driving experience similar to that of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The Hengxing system features a 66 kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC range of up to 450 kilometers and supports 800-volt high-voltage fast charging. This means that 310 km of range can be achieved in just 15 minutes of charging. IM Motors' first vehicle equipped with the extended-range system is the new LS6 SUV, which will begin pre-sales on August 15. The company also plans to launch another model equipped with this system in the fourth quarter, the LS9 large six-seat SUV.
IM Motors claims that its system can provide three times the range of Tesla Model Y with the same battery pack capacity. When fully fueled and charged, the Hengxing system can provide a range of up to 1,500 kilometers.
Another player in the EREV market is Nio Inc's Onvo sub-brand. The L60 comes standard with a 60-kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 555 kilometers. Other Chinese manufacturers, like BYD, are also significant players in the EREV market, pushing affordable and range-extended models especially in less urbanized areas.
The entry-level Model Y currently sold in China has a battery pack capacity of 62.5 kWh and a CLTC range of 593 kilometers. CATL launched the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery for hybrid vehicles in October 2024, and the 66-kWh battery pack is the Max variant of CATL's Freevoy battery, currently the largest battery pack in the EREV segment.
The steady growth of the EREV market in China is particularly driven by demand from second- and third-tier cities and less developed regions where charging infrastructure is less mature. While pure BEVs dominate large cities due to policies and subsidies, EREVs remain important as affordable, range-flexible alternatives outside major urban centers.
In conclusion, China's EREV market is growing steadily alongside BEVs, with key players like IM Motors and BYD actively competing. Tesla dominates the BEV exports from China, but does not compete in the EREV segment. Nio focuses on premium segments with some EREV potential. The trend reflects regional income disparities and infrastructure development influencing consumer preferences towards mixed NEV portfolios.
- IM Motors, a significant player in the electric vehicle (EV) market, unveiled its extended-range system named Hengxing in November 2024.
- The Hengxing system, installed in IM Motors' vehicles, aims to provide a range-anxiety-free driving experience similar to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
- With a 66 kWh battery pack, the Hengxing system provides a CLTC range of up to 450 kilometers and supports 800-volt high-voltage fast charging.
- IM Motors' first vehicle equipped with the extended-range system is the new LS6 SUV, which will begin pre-sales on August 15.
- The company also plans to launch another model equipped with this system in the fourth quarter, the LS9 large six-seat SUV.
- IM Motors claims that its system can provide three times the range of Tesla Model Y with the same battery pack capacity.
- Another player in the extended-range EV (EREV) market is Nio Inc's Onvo sub-brand and their L60 model.
- In contrast, Tesla dominates the BEV exports from China but does not compete in the EREV segment.
- CATL launched the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery for hybrid vehicles in October 2024, with the 66-kWh battery pack being the largest battery pack in the EREV segment.
- The steady growth of the EREV market in China is particularly driven by demand from second- and third-tier cities and less developed regions.
- As a result, consumer preferences in these areas favor mixed new energy vehicle (NEV) portfolios, reflecting regional income disparities and infrastructure development.
