P47 from Manila to Bataan?
Now, I’m not making this up.
This did happen.
A tandem of both driver and co-driver from the local motoring media recently achieved this unbelievable feat. And they were driving the newest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from Chery Auto Philippines. They were actually part of a contingent consisting of the media and vloggers for the Chinese car company’s “Cost-to-Coast Challenge” with participants aiming to stretch P500-worth of fuel to the the farthest it can take them onboard Chery’s seven-seater PHEV offering.
The vehicle put in the pressure cooker was the all-new Chery Tiggo REV, the newest addition to the Chery lineup launched during the Manila International Auto Show last April, as the brand’s entry into the local seven-seater PHEV segment.
Even before the driving tandems can hit the road, Franz Decloedt, the company’s brand head, stirred up excited nerves by telling everyone that the Chery Tiggo REV has been rated to do 1,400 km on a full charge and has all the bells and whistles he could think of.
“It’s really a great vehicle and we plan to corner the segment with it.”
The media drive started from Chery Commonwealth then traversed the expressways of North Luzon (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac (SCTEX) before ending up in ACEA Resort in Subic, Zambales, covering about 230km.
REVing it up
The Chery Tiggo REV or “range extended vehicle” uses a monocoque body and is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with dual overhead cams, paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission and front-wheel drive, producing 156 hp and 220 N-m of torque.
The vehicle measures 4,725 mm long, 2,089 mm wide, and 1,705 mm tall, while the wheelbase is 2,710 mm. Ground clearance is at 200 mm, giving it enough room for various roads, while it stands on 19-inch two-tone aluminum alloy wheels.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 60 liters as it runs on 95 octane gasoline.
The Tiggo REV feels premium both inside and out; and is probably the most well-built vehicle in the lot.
P47–really?
While we spent P235-worth of fuel from Manila to Bataan doing our usual antics during the fuel economy challenge, these guys (who did the P47), when we asked them, were on sports mode–and this surprised us, if not shocked us.
At first, they even thought that there was a glitch in the system. But then one technical person within the group said: “They just hit the sweet spot. That’s it. No glitch.”
According to research, when a PHEV is operating in all-electric mode (battery power only), it is most efficient at lower speeds and with moderate acceleration. Higher speeds and aggressive acceleration will drain the battery faster, reducing the overall efficiency.
In hybrid mode (engine and electric motor working together), a PHEV can be more efficient than a gasoline car due to the ability to recover energy during braking (regenerative braking) and the potential for the engine to operate in a more optimal range. However, the specific efficiency gains depend on how the energy management system (EMS) manages the power split between the engine and electric motor.
While gasoline engines can be more efficient at certain rev ranges, PHEVs are often designed with smaller engines, and the electric motor can provide extra power when needed, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently across a wider range of speeds. However, this is not directly tied to “higher revs” being inherently more efficient.
Real-world fuel economy and electric range can vary significantly based on driving conditions, charging habits, and the specific PHEV model. Some PHEVs may show better fuel economy than others, depending on how they are used.
With this, hence probably what they call the “sweet spot.”
Incredible journey
“The journey was nothing less than effortless. Thanks to the incredible Chery Tiggo REV, the seven-seater powerhouse that can take you up to 1,400 km,” said Lyn Buena chief marketing executive and senior vice president at United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI).
“It’s the vehicle that can give you space, safety and the latest in automotive technology all designed to ensure that you and your family travel in comfort. In today’s world of electric vehicles, we truly believe that Chery offers something special,” she added.
“A combination of space, fuel economy and a bonus of coding-exemption, it’s a game-changer for those who want to drive with confidence knowing that their vehicle is built to handle the road ahead and the future with sustainability in mind.”
Now, going back to the P47 covering about 230km. That’s just simply epic.
