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/
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