Chinese carmaker Chery has introduced the 6th generation of its hybrid technology in Australia. The company says its future “Super Hybrid” family SUVs could offer a driving range of 2000 kilometres using both petrol and electric power.
This is a big increase from the 1200km range claimed by Chery’s current hybrid models sold in Australia. The new technology is expected to appear in global markets from late 2026 or early 2027.
Fuel economy claims by Chery
Chery says their new 2000km-range hybrid system needs just 3% better fuel economy. Currently, Chery claims a real-world fuel use of 2.98L/100km while their lab-tested fuel use is 1.4L/100km (under NEDC testing).
The current Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid claims a 1200km range under NEDC lab testing, which often gives better results than real-world driving. The 2000km figure requires very efficient driving conditions.
Chery may also increase the fuel tank size in future models. The present Chery Tiggo 7 uses a 60-litre fuel tank.
Two versions of the new hybrid system
Chery will develop 2 different versions of the new “Super Hybrid” system.
DHT160 is for mid-size SUVs weighing 1500kg to 2000kg. The company is aiming at an electric motor output of 160kW and 275Nm. The current version produces 150kW. This version would suit vehicles up to the size of the Tiggo 8.
DHT230 is for larger SUVs weighing over 2000kg, and the electric motor output will be 260kW and 330Nm. It could power a future version of the Chery Tiggo 9, which is similar in size to the Kia Sorento.
More: Small SUV Chery C5 Hybrid confirmed for Australia
Battery, engine and motor in the long-range powertrain
The new Super Hybrid system is expected to use an 18.46kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Chery claims this new battery is more durable, has better waterproofing and improved puncture resistance.
Currently, the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid uses an 18.3kWh battery, and the Tiggo 9 uses a 34kWh battery. MY25 Chery Super Hybrid models use a 1.5L turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder engine with a thermal efficiency of 44.5%.
The new hybrid system features a redesigned “16-in-one” motor, which reduces weight and size by 30%, can spin up to 24,000rpm, and has improved cooling technology and heat management by 40% when towing.
When is it coming? Which models will get it?
Chery has not yet confirmed when SUVs with this new hybrid system will arrive in Australia, but the expected global launch window is from late 2026 to early 2027.
Chery has also not confirmed the exact vehicles that will first receive the new hybrid system, but mentioned that it will be used in SUV models and may also be added to existing models during future facelifts or upgrades.
Possible candidates include Chery Tiggo 8 (originally launched in 2018) and Chery Tiggo 7 (introduced in 2020).
If the 2000km figure is achieved in real-world driving, it would likely become the longest-range new car in Australia. The car could drive from Sydney to Melbourne and back without stopping for fuel or charging.
It could also travel from Melbourne to Brisbane on one full tank and battery charge. However, this figure is still a target and has not yet been proven in everyday driving conditions.
More: Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 secure 5-star ANCAP ratings
Australia’s longest-range vehicle
The longest-range new non-plug-in hybrid vehicle currently sold in Australia is the Toyota LandCruiser 78 Series Troop Carrier. It has a claimed range of 1875km on a fuel tank of 180 litres.
Plug-in hybrids often show very low fuel consumption in lab tests, but real-world figures can be higher once the battery runs out. It’ll be a huge milestone if Chery cars even reach near this LandCruiser’s range.
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