Chery, China’s leading vehicle exporter and a global leader in propulsion technology, has confirmed the specifications of its new-generation hybrid system.
The DHT Hybrid system sets a new standard for hybrid propulsion. It lays the foundation for the company’s transition from internal combustion to a portfolio of petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric and fuel cell powered vehicles.
“The new hybrid system has a unique operating model that is based, first and foremost, on customers’ needs and driving patterns. In China, this technology officially introduces the next generation of hybrid propulsion to the market,” says Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa.
To best explain the new system, Chery has adopted a short slogan called: Three engines, three gears, nine modes and 11 speeds.
Three engines
At the heart of the new hybrid system is Chery’s use of three ‘engines’. The first engine is a hybrid-specific version of its popular 1.5 turbo-petrol engine, which delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque. It is worth noting that the platform is also ready for a hybrid-specific version of its 2.0 turbo-petrol engine.
The turbo-petrol engine is ‘hybrid-specific’, as it is lean burning and has best-in-class efficiency. It is paired with two electric motors, which combine to offer the three engines mentioned above.
The two electric motors have power outputs of 55 kW and 160 Nm and 70 kW and 155 Nm respectively. They are both fitted with a unique fixed-point oil injection cooling system, that not only allows the motors to run at a lower operating temperature, but that extends the operating life to well beyond industry standards.
During its development, these electric motors ran faultlessly for more than 30 000 hours and 5 million combined testing kilometres. This promises a real-world service life of at least 1,5 times the industry average.
Lastly, Chery has tested the electric motors to offer a power transmission efficiency of 97.6%. This is the highest in the world.
Three gears
To best deliver the power from its three engines, Chery has created a three-gear transmission that combines with its standard variable transmission to near infinite gear combinations. This means that whether the driver wants the lowest fuel consumption, the highest performance, the best towing capabilities or any other application specific use, it is catered for with this three gear setup.
Nine modes
The three engines and three gears are matched and managed by nine unique operating modes.
These modes create a framework for the drivetrain to deliver its best power and efficiency, while still allowing infinite variability to each driver’s needs.
The nine modes include single-motor electric only mode, dual motor pure electric performance, a direct drive from the turbo petrol engine and a parallel drive that harnesses both petrol and electric power.
There are also a mode specific for charging while parked and a mode for charging while driving.
11 speeds
Lastly, the new hybrid system offers 11 speed modes. These again combine with the engines and operating modes to offer a range of application specific settings, while still allowing for individual variability for each driver.
The 11 speeds cover all possible vehicle usage scenes, including low speed driving (for instance while moving in heavy traffic), long distance driving, mountain driving where low-end torque is welcome, overtaking, expressway driving, driving on slippery conditions, where the dual-axle motors will drive all four wheels for better traction, and urban commuting.
In its production form, the hybrid system a combined system of 240 kW from the 2-wheel drive version and a staggering 338 kW combined power from the four-wheel drive system. The former has a tested 0-100 km acceleration time of less than 7 seconds and the latter dispenses of the 100 km acceleration run in 4 seconds.
Says Liu: “The production version of our new hybrid system shows both the technical expertise of Chery and its engineers and the exciting future of the vehicles earmarked for South Africa.
“We are also excited to see how our new hybrid technology will lay the foundation for a complete new range of vehicle solutions where we utilise this systems innovations in engine management, transmission and power delivery in many different applications.”
All new Chery platforms are future proof and will be able to house a complete range of propulsion options, including electric, petrol and hybrid systems.
