China's Jaecoo confirms PHEV SUV with 1200km range for Australia

Incoming Chinese brand Jaecoo – owned by Chery – has confirmed its debut model in Australia will also be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV will arrive during the first quarter of 2025 as a rival to the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV and BYD Sealion 6.

It’ll also serve as a plug-in rival to popular hybrid SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.

Jaecoo is quoting big numbers for the J7 PHEV, including EV range of 90 kilometres on the WLTP cycle, and a combined driving range of 1200km.

Power, torque and battery capacity figures have yet to be announced for Australia, with both specifications and pricing to be announced closer to launch, but we know the J7 PHEV uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid system dubbed SHS for ‘Super Hybrid System’.

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Jaecoo says the J7 PHEV’s SHS drivetrain is the “pinnacle of hybrid technology” from the brand, which is based on the third generation of parent Chery’s “hybrid advancements”.

“This system combines the seamless convenience of traditional fuel engines with the dynamic efficiency of electric power,” Jaecoo says in its media release, “catering to both urban commuters and adventure enthusiasts.”

The J7 PHEV’s 1.5 TGDI turbocharged petrol engine quotes thermal efficiency of 44.5 per cent and features a “fuel supply on demand” system which “optimises every drop of fuel”.

Further, the transmission’s ‘Stepless Electric Hybrid DHT System’ offers four modes, though Jaecoo only details pure electric, series parallel and energy recovery.

The system prioritises EV driving at low speeds and “efficient fuel performance at high speeds” i.e. above 80km/h.

While the full gamut of standard specification and safety technologies for the wider J7 lineup is still to be detailed, Jaecoo says the J7 PHEV will include a “a 2-millisecond power-off protection in the event of a collision”.

Jaecoo Australia has confirmed some preliminary feature information:

• 8 airbags incl. driver’s knee airbag
• LED headlights
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Wireless phone charger
• 14.8-inch infotainment system
• Surround-view camera

As to how Jaecoo will distinguish itself from Chery, which also offers small and mid-sized SUVs, a company spokesperson previously said:

“Jaecoo will be positioned as a more premium product offering than the Chery brand and will be targeted towards a more adventure focused consumer.”

The J7 PHEV will join the standard J7, which will also arrive in Australia during the first quarter of 2025 with power coming from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with both front- and all-wheel drivetrain options.

Last month, Chery and Jaecoo also confirmed the smaller J5 will form part of the Australian lineup at some point next year, but further details remain unclear. It’s understood petrol, hybrid and electric versions could be on the table.

The Jaecoo J5 measures 4380mm long, 1860mm wide and 1650mm tall on a 2620mm wheelbase – which is around the size of a Hyundai Kona.

Jaecoo also claims the J5 emphasises “human-pet travel” with “specially extended seats designed with pets in mind”.

Will the Jaecoo J7 PHEV be on your radar when it arrives next year? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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