In the first quarter of 2025, China’s sales of new energy vehicles reached 3.075 million units, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) showing a significantly higher growth rate compared to pure electric models. In this context, domestic brands like BYD Han DM-i and Geely Galaxy E8 are leveraging plug-in hybrid technology to challenge the dominance of joint venture brands in the B-segment car market.
On April 16, FAW Hongqi launched a relay test for the Hongqi H5 PHEV, boasting a “full tank and full charge for 1,600 kilometers.” This extreme testing aims to enhance the product’s credibility. While BYD has the advantage of its DM-i technology, the Geely Galaxy E8 achieves a remarkable charging capability of 180 kilometers range with just a 5-minute charge thanks to its 800V high-voltage platform.
The Hongqi H5 PHEV introduces the concept of “1 yuan commuting,” equipped with a 23.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that offers a pure electric range of 170 kilometers. In real-world tests, the vehicle demonstrated a total range of 1,834.6 kilometers under full tank and charge conditions, achieving a fuel consumption of just 4.0L per 100 kilometers in the complex road conditions of Chongqing. This performance highlights the different technical paths chosen by manufacturers, with BYD focusing on electric drive ratios while Hongqi emphasizes oil-electric synergy efficiency.
Market feedback indicates that the growth rate of plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2024 is expected to significantly exceed that of pure electric vehicles, reflecting a rising consumer demand for “anxiety-free travel.” As battery safety has become a pressing concern in the industry, BYD’s blade battery, with its innovative materials and structure, has garnered attention, while the Hongqi H5 PHEV has established stringent safety standards. Its battery pack has passed fire tests at 24 times the national standard and water immersion tests at 240 times the national standard, incorporating a cloud-based battery health monitoring system that can provide safety alerts up to 14 days in advance.
Interestingly, the proportion of new energy vehicles in government procurement has significantly increased, but the share of plug-in hybrid models remains low, indicating substantial market potential. Reports suggest that the Hongqi H5 PHEV 130 government version is listed on vertical websites with a pre-sale price of 189,800 yuan. This model targets the government procurement market and, with its green license plate, low energy consumption, and brand reputation, it may disrupt the traditional dominance of fuel vehicles in the official vehicle sector. If Hongqi can replicate its success in the B-segment fuel vehicle market, it could create a new growth point in the market.
Market analysis predicts that by 2025, the penetration rate of smart features in new energy vehicles is expected to exceed 45%. However, consumers will continue to prioritize range and safety as their top three considerations when making purchases. Hongqi’s real-world testing strategy effectively shifts the industry’s focus back to fundamental performance comparisons, as real-world validation is often more persuasive than laboratory data in an age where parameter marketing is prevalent.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/rapid-growth-of-plug-in-hybrid-electric-vehicles-long-range-and-smart-technology-as-key-competitive-areas-in-chinas-automotive-market/
