What’s new these days among cars?
The question I get asked frequently these days on cars is, “So, what’s new?”
To which I answer back with a question: “Well, how would you like to drive over 1,000 kilometers in a single tank of gasoline?”
While many will argue that this feat isn’t new, it’s groundbreaking because it requires a considerable amount of effort to achieve this. And in vehicles with larger fuel tanks, usually done on very ideal driving conditions, unrealistic for people who drive these cars day in and day out regardless of road, weather and traffic situations. Just get in, drive and don’t even think about it. We are talking 18km per liter up to 22-23km/liter fuel efficiency from a fuel tank that’s 60 liters or less.
The secret to achieving this amazing efficiency is, of course, highly advanced hybrid technology; powerful instant torque electric motors mated to super fuel-efficient internal combustion turbocharged engines making anywhere from BYD Sealion 6 PHEV’s 194hp and 325 Newton-Meters of torque to the Baic B30e Dune 4×4’s stupendous 403hp and 685 Newton-Meters of torque. That’s mega!
In real-world driving conditions, an electric powertrain’s efficiency is unparalleled in low-speed city traffic crawls. But their efficiency drops as speeds rise (over 80kmh on the highway). Internal combustion engines on the other hand, are very efficient on highway speeds; most vehicles will only require ~25 to 30hp to maintain a steady 100kmh highway speed, thanks to the aerodynamic efficiency of today’s modern cars. Some are even more efficient at higher speeds.
Hence, it makes perfect sense to mate modern electric with traditional combustion engine technology: One mode of propulsion excels better than the other depending on the conditions. It also alleviates range anxiety you get from traditional electric vehicles, as the combustion engine slowly charges the battery during its operation. Plus, hybrids utilize a significantly smaller battery size, which aids overall performance (dynamic handling characteristics like lateral acceleration and braking, in particular).
So, what are these vehicles? Let me introduce, the BYD Sealion, the BAIC B30e Dune, the DFSK E5 PHEV and the GAC Emkoo Hybrid. All four crossovers promise the astounding 1,000+ kilometer range, thanks to the latest parallel hybrid powertrains which allow the combustion engines to charge the hybrid battery in a special lean-burn mode for greater efficiency, or together with the electric motor, provide maximum thrust. And, of course, operate purely in EV mode. It also helps that these crossovers default into EV mode, giving you the best efficiency possible. The best part? These are fast crossovers with very responsive, very punchy powertrains that won’t leave you high and dry on the highway!
I’ve driven the GAC, the BAIC and the DFSK and all cars impressed me. They are not perfect (GAC looks funky, BAIC has somewhat awkward dimensions and the DFSK’s overall UI is a bit contrived, or complicated). But they pretty much delivered the goods with regards to efficiency.
Honorable mention goes to Honda’s CR-V eHEV as it’s also similarly spec’d, but just falls short of the 1000+ km range (Honda says it can do ~960km in a single tank of fuel).
Then, of course, these cars have all the latest safety and convenience items (ADAS, impressive multi-media systems). Not to mention impressive interior design.
There is a caveat, of course, to these things, as they always do. Being crossovers, and from Chinese companies (save the CR-V), they aren’t the sharpest tools in the toolbox. Their driving dynamics is on the safe side, that is dull and somewhat dimwitted. Not very exciting nor engaging. Get behind the wheel of any Mazda crossover (the CX-5 Turbo or the CX-60, in particular) and you’ll see why the brand from Hiroshima prides itself with its Jinba Ittai ethos (Horse and Rider as one).
But, it’s only a matter of time before these Chinese brands catch-up as well on that front. Let’s hope the legacy brands (looking squarely at you Toyota!) deliver something just as effortlessly efficient in the future.
