HAVAL engineers have used the latest plug-in hybrid technology to develop an engine that is simultaneously the company's most powerful and economical.
The HAVAL plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers up to 450 Newton-metres of driving excitement, while consuming just 2.1 litres of fuel to travel 100 kilometres. It was showcased at the recent Beijing Auto Exhibition in the HB-02 concept vehicle.
Rather than the traditional hybrid design of a separate combustion engine and electric motor, the HAVAL approach combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and transmission.
Linked to a rear-mounted NCM Lithium-ion battery, the high level integrated design delivers dynamic performance and outstanding fuel economy.
"The combination of high torque and efficiency makes electricity a great power source for SUVs," said HAVAL Australia Chief Marketing Officer Tim Smith. "The high efficiency rating means it consumes about 80 per cent less energy than a similar-size petrol engine."
The HAVAL plug-in hybrid powertrain will offer three distinctive modes for the driver to select from, according to their daily needs.
In Pure Electric mode, drive is provided solely by the electric motor. The 95kW/278Nm motor is fuelled by a large 13 kilowatt/hour battery, providing a range of 65 kilometres while producing zero emissions.
"This will provide the HAVAL with one of the longest ranges of all modern hybrid vehicles. We know that the average daily commute for Australian drivers is around 42 kilometres, which is less than two thirds of the HAVAL's range.
"This makes range anxiety a thing of the past," said Smith.
In addition, the HAVAL battery can be recharged in about four hours from a standard household power point.
The HAVAL system will also offer a Power mode, where drivers get the combined performance of both energy sources. On start-up, the SUV takes advantage of the instant response of the electric motor, with the petrol engine maintaining acceleration.
With 450 Newton-metres of torque on tap, the HAVAL plug-in hybrid will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in around 9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 210 km/h.
The default mode is Hybrid Drive, which is designed for everyday use. Here, the vehicle will automatically alternate between drawing power from the 1.5-litre direct injection turbocharged engine and the electric motor to deliver the best overall fuel consumption.
In addition, it uses a clever regenerative braking system to charge the battery while driving.
"With a fuel consumption of just 2.1 L/100 km and three different driving modes to choose from, the HAVAL plug-in hybrid promises to be the perfect powertrain for Australian owners," said Smith.
"It has the potential to deliver all the performance customers expect from a premium SUV, with fuel economy figures they could only dream of previously."
HAVAL's plug-in hybrid system is expected to be released to the market in 2017.