Car manufacturer IM Motors introduces a range-extending system similar to installing an engine in a Tesla Model Y.
IM Motors, a Chinese automaker, has unveiled its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system, named Hengxing, joining domestic automakers developing EREVs. The new system is set to power the upcoming LS9 large six-seat SUV, which is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter.
The Hengxing system boasts a battery pack with a capacity of up to 66 kWh, supporting 800-volt high-voltage fast charging. IM Motors claims this system can provide three times the range of the Tesla Model Y with the same battery pack capacity.
The IM LS9, equipped with the Hengxing system, uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine (153 hp) paired with two electric motors for a total of 673 hp. This setup enables an electric-only range of up to 450 km, thanks to CATL’s Freevoy battery. The battery capacity of IM models varies, with some long-range models equipped with up to 100 kWh batteries, supporting pure electric ranges of 660–700 km (CLTC standard) depending on the model.
In comparison, the Tesla Model Y, with a battery capacity around 75–82 kWh, offers an EPA-rated range of approximately 330–330+ miles (530–530+ km), depending on the variant. The Model Y's pure electric range is fully battery-dependent without a range extender.
Chinese EREVs like Nio Onvo's L60 typically have smaller battery packs (around 40–50 kWh) combined with a gasoline engine as a range extender. The total range usually exceeds 600 km, but the pure electric range is less due to the smaller battery. Exact specs can vary but generally offer electric ranges around 100 km with the extender adding overall range.
IM Motors' approach essentially amounts to installing an engine into a Model Y or an Onvo L60, aiming to attract customers with the range-anxiety-free driving experience of a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
In a notable move, IM Motors claims to have pioneered a new category of new energy vehicles (NEVs), making its EREV models equipped with built-in superchargers. The company plans to launch at least 5 EREVs, according to a report.
The first vehicle equipped with the extended-range system is the new LS6 SUV, which will begin pre-sales on August 15. When fully fueled and charged, the Hengxing system can provide a range of up to 1,500 kilometers, offering practical flexibility compared to Tesla’s pure EV approach. CATL launched the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery for hybrid vehicles in October 2024.
- IM Motors, a Chinese automaker, has introduced its Hengxing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system, which will power the upcoming LS9 large six-seat SUV, slated for launch in the fourth quarter.
- The Hengxing system boasts a battery pack with a capacity of up to 66 kWh, supporting 800-volt high-voltage fast charging, and claims to offer three times the range of the Tesla Model Y with the same battery pack capacity.
- The IM LS9, furnished with the Hengxing system, utilizes a 1.5-liter gasoline engine (153 hp) together with two electric motors, delivering a combined power of 673 hp.
- This setup enables an electric-only range of up to 450 km, thanks to CATL’s Freevoy battery, with some long-range IM models equipped with up to 100 kWh batteries, supporting pure electric ranges of 660–700 km (CLTC standard) depending on the model.
- Chinese EREVs like Nio Onvo's L60 typically have smaller battery packs (around 40–50 kWh) combined with a gasoline engine as a range extender.
- IM Motors' approach essentially aims to attract customers with the range-anxiety-free driving experience of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) by installing a gasoline engine into a Model Y or an Onvo L60.
- In a notable move, IM Motors claims to have pioneered a new category of new energy vehicles (NEVs), making its EREV models equipped with built-in superchargers.
- The first vehicle equipped with the extended-range system is the new LS6 SUV, which will begin pre-sales on August 15, and when fully fueled and charged, the Hengxing system can provide a range of up to 1,500 kilometers.
- CATL launched the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery for hybrid vehicles in October 2024.
