Automotive Survey: Rapid Growth of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles with Long Range and Intelligent Features as Core Competitive Areas
In the first quarter of 2025, China saw sales of new energy vehicles reach 3.075 million units, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) experiencing a growth rate that significantly outpaced that of pure electric vehicles. In this context, domestic brands like BYD Han DM-i and Geely Galaxy E8 are making strides in the B-segment market, traditionally dominated by joint venture brands, by leveraging plug-in hybrid technology.
On April 16, FAW Hongqi launched the Hongqi H5 PHEV, promoting its capability of achieving a “full tank and full charge for 1600 kilometers” through rigorous testing to enhance product credibility. While BYD maintains a first-mover advantage with its DM-i technology, Geely’s Galaxy E8 utilizes an 800V high-voltage platform that enables a 180-kilometer range from just 5 minutes of charging.
The Hongqi H5 PHEV introduces the concept of “1 yuan commuting,” featuring a 23.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a pure electric range of 170 kilometers. In full tank and charge conditions, media tests have reported an impressive combined range of 1834.6 kilometers, achieving a fuel consumption rate of 4.0L per 100 kilometers under the complex road conditions of Chongqing. This impressive performance stems from differing technological approaches; BYD focuses on electric drive proportion, while Hongqi’s “Honghu Hybrid Platform” emphasizes the efficiency of oil-electric collaboration.
Market feedback indicates that the growth of plug-in hybrid models is expected to far exceed that of pure electric vehicles in 2024, reflecting a rising consumer demand for “anxiety-free travel.” In a time when battery safety has become a critical industry concern, BYD’s blade battery is drawing attention for its innovative materials and structure. Meanwhile, the Hongqi H5 PHEV meets stringent safety standards, having undergone fire tests at 24 times the national standard and water immersion tests at 240 times the standard. It also features a cloud-based battery health monitoring system that provides a 14-day early warning for potential safety issues.
Notably, the proportion of new energy vehicles in government procurement has significantly increased, yet plug-in hybrid models still hold a low share, indicating substantial market potential. Reports have surfaced about the Hongqi H5 PHEV 130 government version, with a pre-sale price of 189,800 yuan. This model targets the government procurement market, leveraging advantages such as green license plates, low energy consumption, and brand credibility, which may disrupt the traditional dominance of fuel vehicles in official vehicle segments.
If Hongqi can replicate its success in the B-segment fuel vehicle market, it may foster a new growth point for the market. Analysts predict that by 2025, the penetration rate of intelligence in new energy vehicles is expected to exceed 45%, although consumers will still prioritize range and safety as the top three considerations when making purchasing decisions. Hongqi’s real-world testing strategy essentially brings industry competition back to a fundamental skills-based comparison, where actual scenario validations are more persuasive than laboratory data in an era of parameter marketing saturation.
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