The world of motoring currently finds itself in the midst of a paradigm shift from internal combustion to electrification. Both possess their own pros and cons with each camp tooting their horns as loud as possible. However, the perfect middle ground is a combination of the two, or a hybrid in motoring speak. One of the best examples is Jaecoo and its Super Hybrid System.
Hybrids offer the something unique: an opportunity to sample and experience the best of both worlds, combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. On top of that, a hybrid with the ability to be charged externally allows drivers to maximise the electric component of the drivetrain and save even more on their commute. This is labelled a ‘plug-in hybrid electric vehicle,’ or PHEV.
The Jaecoo Super Hybrid System debuted in Malaysia in the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, which as the name suggests, supports plug-in charging to make the most of the versatile drivetrain.
There are numerous benefits of running a PHEV drivetrain, chief amongst which is the ability to charge the vehicle and drive it solely on electric power alone for a distance that covers most daily commutes. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine is there to seamlessly support the drive should the battery be depleted.
READ MORE: Jaecoo J7 PHEV – How different is it from the J7 petrol?
In the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, the Super Hybrid System comprises a fifth-generation 1.5-litre TGDi inline-four Deep Miller cycle internal combustion engine, alongside a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with an integrated electric motor supported by a 106-cell 18.3 kWh battery pack.
The former is an advanced internal combustion engine with modified valve timing to keep intake valves open longer into the compression stroke, improving efficiency. Essentially, it shortens the compression stroke and prolongs the power stroke for maximum power.
Engines such as these are often coupled with forced induction. In the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine produced 143 hp and 215 Nm of torque by itself. Complementing it is the electric motor in the DHT that churns out 204 hp and 310 Nm of torque, powered by a hybrid battery pack that is sourced from BYD Blade’s advanced lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery technology.
Combined, the Super Hybrid System is capable of propelling the Jaecoo J7 PHEV through the century sprint in just 8.5 seconds, and onto a top speed of 180 km/h. All that acceleration is done by the front wheels alone.
Hybrids take on many forms, but the Jaecoo J7 PHEV stands out by the sheer flexibility of its powertrain. It is capable of running on both parallel and series hybrid configurations, as well as on pure electric or petrol engine modes.
The powertrain seamlessly switches between all the various modes for maximum efficiency. The proven results speak for themselves – a range of 1,300 km (NEDC), of which 106 km (NEDC) is achieved purely on electric propulsion alone. To top it all off, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV has a fuel consumption rating of just 4.7L/100 km (NEDC).
For many motorists, the electric range alone is more than sufficient for their daily commute, meaning that they could charge it at home and drive it as a full electric vehicle in their day-to-day use for maximum savings.
For longer distances, the turbocharged petrol engine combines with the electric motor for efficiency, seamlessly switching between the two or operating on a combination of the three drive modes. It allows for an EV-like driving experience with the instant torque from the electric motor kicking in before the petrol engine complements it.
In total, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV has two power modes, three driving modes and three power-saving modes.
One of the unique features in the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is its ability to support both AC and DC charging. PHEV’s usually only run on AC charging, therefore making the J7 PHEV one of the only few plug-in hybrids in Malaysia to be able to charge via DC fast charging.
Plugged into a 3.3 kW three-pin portable charger, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is able to charge its Blade battery pack from 0-100% in 8.5 hours. If you have a 6.6 kW wallbox charger at home, a 30-80% top-up will take 3 hours. However, with a 40 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be juiced up from 30-80% in just 20 minutes.
Another unique feature found in the Jaecoo J7 PHEV would be its vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability of 3.3 kW. Commonly found in EVs, this feature allows the Blade battery pack in the vehicle to power up external electric devices, should the need arise.
Sold alongside its purely petrol-driven sibling, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV can be singled out by some exterior features unique to it, many of which designed to help the SUV slice through air more efficiently, such as the 19-inch aero wheels, aerodynamic wing mirrors, as well as a variant-specific rear bumper.
Even on the inside, there are some features that differ it from the regular J7. The main difference would be the centre console that now houses the PHEV control buttons. This sees the gear lever relocated to a stalk behind the steering wheel.
READ MORE: Jaecoo J7 PHEV vs it’s petrol powered sibling – A detailed look into the differences
Luxuries and modern conveniences are not forgotten too, with the Jaecoo J7 PHEV coming as standard with the 14.8-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a massive panoramic glass roof, a dual-zone climate control with N95 air purifier system, and the eight-speaker Sony premium audio system.
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV is priced at RM158,800 on-the-road and without insurance. Lending owners plenty of peace-of-mind is the seven-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, alongside the eight-year or 160,000 km mileage warranty for the hybrid battery pack.
During the eight-year period, the hybrid battery pack is eligible for a one-to-one exchange should the state of heath drop below 70%.
And to sweeten the deal even further, Omoda Jaecoo Malaysia is also offering a special Season of Rewards promotion, with even more benefits worth up to a total of RM14,000 for Jaecoo J7 PHEV buyers.
The deal offers buyers a choice of either a seven-year free service and maintenance package, or other rewards worth up to RM5,000, alongside an extended 10-years/200,000 km battery warranty and a free wall charger box for the home.
As it is the season of rewards, after all, you’ll also find special promotions for all other models in their lineup, including benefits worth up to RM12,000 for the Jaecoo J7 AWD, and RM9,000 for the Omoda C9 AWD.
There is no better time to get yourself a Jaecoo J7 PHEV. Visit your nearest dealer to get behind the wheel and experience a proven and luxurious plug-in hybrid vehicle today.
[This post is brought to you by Omoda Jaecoo Malaysia.]
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