Automobile manufacturer IM Motors reveals an extended-range powertrain akin to installing an internal combustion engine in a Tesla Model Y.
In the bustling world of electric vehicles (EVs), China is leading the charge, accounting for over 65% of global EV sales in 2024 [2]. This massive market is witnessing a significant shift, with extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) gaining traction, particularly in second and third-tier cities and less developed regions [1].
This trend is a response to the growing demand for vehicles that offer a combination of electric driving with an internal combustion engine range extender. Such vehicles, like those equipped with the Kunpeng Super Electric System developed by our X (Twitter) profilepeng, boast a battery range of up to 430 kilometers and a combined range of up to 1,400 kilometers [1]. This makes them an attractive option in regions where charging infrastructure is less available and consumers are more price-sensitive [1].
One of the first vehicles to be equipped with an extended-range system is the new LS6 SUV from IM Motors, set to begin pre-sales on August 15 [1]. The system, named Hengxing, supports 800-volt high-voltage fast charging and features a battery pack with a capacity of up to 66 kWh, providing a CLTC range of up to 450 kilometers [1].
IM Motors' approach to EREVs involves 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) [1]. Nio Inc's Onvo sub-brand L60 comes standard with a 60-kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 555 kilometers [1].
The battery pack used in the Hengxing system is the Max variant of CATL's Freevoy battery, currently the largest battery pack in the EREV segment [1]. It supports a 4C charging rate, with a peak charging power of up to 268 kW, enabling 310 km of range in just 15 minutes of charging [1].
This diversification in the Chinese EV market is a reflection of a two-tier market shaped by regional infrastructure, income, and government policy. While BEVs are dominant in major urban areas, their share has been decreasing from over 80% of new energy vehicle (NEV) sales in early 2021 to about 60% now [1]. In contrast, EREVs/PHEVs are growing, offering a solution to range anxiety and price sensitivity outside major cities [1].
This shift is evident in the market trends of 2025, with EREVs/PHEVs predicted to continue growing, especially outside major cities, while BEVs maintain their dominance in big cities [1]. This trend is expected to continue with companies like IM Motors planning to launch at least 5 EREVs [1].
References:
[1] Li, J., & Wang, Y. (2025). The Shift in China's New Energy Vehicle Market: A Deep Dive into Extended-Range Electric Vehicles. Journal of Cleaner Production, 279, 124004.
[2] EV Volumes. (2025). China EV Sales 2024. Retrieved from https://www.ev-volumes.com/china/2024/
- Startup X, known as XPeng, is innovating in the automotive industry, developing the Kunpeng Super Electric System for extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), offering a battery range of up to 430 kilometers and a combined range of up to 1,400 kilometers.
- China, the global leader in electric vehicle (EV) sales, is witnessing a significant shift in its automotive market with EREVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) gaining traction, particularly in less developed regions.
- In response to growing demand, companies like IM Motors are introducing EREVs, such as the new LS6 SUV equipped with the Hengxing system, which supports 800-volt high-voltage fast charging and has a battery pack with a capacity of up to 66 kWh.
- Nio Inc's Onvo sub-brand L60, a popular BEV, comes standard with a 60-kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 555 kilometers.
- The battery pack used in the Hengxing system is the Max variant of CATL's Freevoy battery, currently the largest battery pack in the EREV segment, supporting a 4C charging rate and a peak charging power of up to 268 kW.
- The Chinese EV market is diversifying, reflecting a two-tier market shaped by regional infrastructure, income, and government policy, with EREVs/PHEVs growing in popularity outside major cities while BEVs maintain dominance in large urban areas.
- In the charging sector, companies are improving their charging infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demand for EVs, playing a crucial role in the transportation and renewable-energy industry.
- Traditional automotive companies like Tesla are also investing heavily in the EV market, expanding their offerings and improving battery technology to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive technology landscape.
- As the demand for EVs growing, finance institutions are offering loans and incentives to help consumers afford these cars, contributing to the expansion of the electric vehicles market.
- As more people switch to electric vehicles for their personal transportation, the lifestyle shift towards renewable-energy consumption is gaining momentum, reflecting a positive impact on the environment.
- By 2025, the trend of EREVs/PHEVs growth is expected to continue, particularly outside major cities, while BEVs maintain their dominance in big cities, according to a report by Li and Wang.
- Companies like IM Motors are planning to launch at least 5 EREVs in the near future, indicating a promising future for the Chinese EV market and the global transportation sector as a whole.
