The Jaecoo J7 PHEV is set to be launched in Malaysia by the end of 2024, with registrations of interest now open for prospect customers. As a way to drum up interest for the plug-in hybrid model, Jaecoo Malaysia has participated in an “ultra-long range driving marathon” across China to put The Jaecoo J7 PHEV’s fuel efficiency claims to the test. And the result? Over 1,300 km covered in just a single tank of fuel (and a full charge)!
The achievement has bested even the car’s official range ratings. During the journey, a multinational driving contingent consisting of drivers from Malaysia, Italy, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, managed to achieve a fully electric driving range of 125.2 km – 19.2 km more than the 106 km (NEDC) on its spec sheet!
What’s more impressive is that the 1,300 km drive was done in normal traffic situations, with the driving party encountering traffic jams during morning rush hour, various national roads, and intercity highways during their 13-hour drive.
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“We understand that range anxiety is a concern among drivers when it comes to electric vehicles. This is why Jaecoo placed the J7 PHEV in the hands of drivers from around the world to witness the unprecedented experience of travelling with confidence and peace of mind,” said Chery Corporate Malaysia Executive Vice President, Leo Chen.
“Our strategy to introduce the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is timely as the market demands the best of both worlds, engine performance and fuel efficiency,” Chen added.
Ahead of its launch here in Malaysia in the coming months, Jaecoo Malaysia has announced that the J7 PHEV will be offered in two variants: one Two-wheel Drive (2WD), and anotehr All-wheel Drive (AWD). Both variants are powered by the same hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.5-litre TGDi petrol engine, and a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) for a total system output of 347 hp and 525 Nm.
The PHEV system is powered by an 18.3 kWh battery, alongside a 60 litre fuel tank. Setting itself apart from most plug-in hybrid vehicles here in Malaysia is its DC fast charging support, at up to 40 kW. It’ll also come with vehicle-to-load (V2L) support to power external electrical appliances.
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Aside from its new greener heart, the rest of the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is pretty much identical to its petrol-powered counterpart, including the same attractive design that has proven to be wildly popular among Malaysians, as well as sharing identical safety systems and creature comforts.
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV will be previewed in Malaysia on 23-27 October at Sunway Pyramid (LG2 Orange Wing), before its official launch “end of this year”. Jaecoo adds that deliveries for the J7 PHEV are expected to begin in February 2025.
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