Key Benefits of Chery CSH Hybrid Vehicles

 

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes


Key Takeaways:

  • Chery's Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) offer a compelling solution to rising fuel costs, balancing efficiency with driver convenience.
  • The Chery HEV system boasts an impressive 44.5% thermal efficiency, maximizing fuel economy and range.
  • With innovative Direct Hybrid Transmission, Chery HEVs provide an ultra-smooth, vibration-free driving experience with immediate power delivery.
  • The Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid delivers exceptional real-world fuel efficiency, demonstrating up to 3.6 litres per 100km on long drives.
  • HEVs are ideal for those seeking EV-like benefits without the need for external charging infrastructure, perfectly suiting diverse lifestyles.

Table of Contents:


Navigating the New Era of Fuel Costs: Why Hybrids Are Soaring in Popularity

Are you constantly calculating your fuel expenditure, wondering how to make every Ringgit stretch further at the pump? You're not alone. With the price of just about everything trending upwards, car buyers and owners like you and I are increasingly aware of how much money we spend filling up our fuel tanks. Gone are the days of cheap petrol, and I will bet a silver coin that those days will never return. So now the big question on everyone's minds is – how do we extract as much as possible from every Ringgit?

If you are at the grocery store, it will be easy to maximise value by simply picking the cheaper option, i.e., local produce over imported ones. But with a car, it is not that straightforward. While some have opted for electric vehicles (EVs) to save on their fuel bills, that is not a practical solution for everyone because of the mismatch between charging times and infrastructure against their own lifestyles. As such, many are turning to hybrids, and rightfully so. Hybrids offer the ideal middle ground between fuel efficiency and lifestyle requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will Explore the many benefits of the Chery CSH Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Learn about its fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and performance advantages for a smarter drive.


Why Hybrids Are the Smart Choice Today

The automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by consumer demand for more sustainable and cost-effective transportation. The shift away from pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is undeniable, but the transition isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. For many, a full electric vehicle poses challenges related to charging infrastructure availability, range anxiety, and longer charging times that simply don't align with daily routines. This is precisely where hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) shine, offering a compelling blend of traditional convenience and modern efficiency without compromise.

There are primarily two types of hybrid systems that are becoming increasingly popular these days: your regular hybrid powertrains (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). While both aim to reduce fuel consumption, their operational philosophies differ. Interestingly, not all car makers offer these options, and it is quite rare to have a car maker that offers both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains at the same time. Chery, however, is not your regular car maker.

The Chinese car making giant prefers to give its buyers the true power of choice. While some car makers shy away from offering too many options for fear of sales cannibalisation, Chery offers what its consumers truly want, empowering them to select the vehicle that best fits their unique needs and driving habits. This commitment to variety and consumer choice underscores Chery's forward-thinking approach to mobility.


Chery's Legacy in Hybrid Technology

Chery's journey in hybrid innovation is far from nascent. The company has been putting out hybrid powertrains since 2008, demonstrating over a decade of dedication to this advanced technology. Beyond this invaluable experience, Chery has also dedicated thousands of engineers and invested in dozens of state-of-the-art facilities solely for the creation and refinement of hybrid technology. This significant commitment to research and development translates directly into superior, reliable, and cutting-edge hybrid systems that benefit drivers worldwide.

Chery's hybrid technology is intelligently divided into two distinct systems to cater to different driver preferences: hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), such as the popular Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), like the recently launched Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV. This dual approach ensures that whether you prioritise simplicity and no-fuss efficiency or crave extended electric range with the flexibility of a petrol engine, Chery has a solution tailored for you.


Decoding the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)?

Simply put, an HEV is a hybrid car equipped with an electric motor, a battery, and an internal combustion engine, but crucially, it does not have external plug-in capabilities. Unlike PHEVs or EVs, an HEV charges its battery automatically through regenerative braking and by drawing power from the engine. This self-sufficient system delivers tangible benefits, combining the best aspects of electric and petrol propulsion without the need for charging infrastructure.


The Unbeatable Benefits of Chery's HEV System

Choosing a Chery HEV gives you a host of advantages. You immediately benefit from improved fuel efficiency, leading to a better driving range and fewer trips to the petrol station. You also get to experience the joy of immediate electric power, which translates to quicker acceleration and a quieter ride at lower speeds. The biggest convenience of this system is that you never have to worry about plugging into a charger; you can drive around as you usually would, completely hassle-free.

While this 'no-plugging-in' benefit is true for all hybrid systems out there, Chery's HEV system stands out with its advanced engineering and proprietary innovations. The number one factor that helps it stand out from the rest is its thermal efficiency, rated at an impressive 44.5%. This figure is among the best in the industry, demonstrating Chery's commitment to engineering excellence. Thermal efficiency is profoundly important for hybrid vehicles because it helps the engine extract more energy from a given amount of fuel. This directly reduces fuel consumption, maximises driving range, and ultimately puts more Ringgit back into your pocket.


Real-World Efficiency: The Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid

In Malaysia, the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid has made quite a name for itself as being one of the most efficient B-segment SUVs on the market. Under its hood, it features a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine producing 102PS and 125Nm of torque. This engine is mated to dual electric motors that collectively put out a combined 204PS and 310Nm of torque. This robust powertrain gives the car a sprightly, energetic feel every time you tickle the throttle – a trait you usually find in a pure electric vehicle, offering a truly engaging driving experience.

The other benefit to that powerful setup is the electric range you get, courtesy of the 1.8kWh battery. While Chery does not provide official figures for the all-electric range, having driven the car, this writer can confidently say that it is good enough to go about a small parking lot or navigate slow-moving traffic without awakening the engine. This seamless transition contributes significantly to improved fuel consumption benefits, with official figures putting it at an impressive 5.4 litres per 100km (approximately 19km per litre). But during a recent drive back from Terengganu in the Tiggo Cross Hybrid, we saw an astonishing real-world figure of 3.6 litres per 100km, showcasing its incredible efficiency in varied driving conditions.


The Smooth Ride: Chery's Direct Hybrid Transmission

Another hallmark benefit of Chery's HEV system is its ultra-smooth ride quality. This is largely attributed to Chery's innovative Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT), sometimes known as the electronic CVT. This transmission system is a transmission by name only because there are no rotating gears in the traditional sense. Instead, power is sent directly to the wheels, and because there are fewer moving parts and no gear shifts, you get to enjoy a remarkably smooth, vibration-free drive quality. This ingenious design also contributes to the immediate power delivery we were talking about earlier, as you don't have to wait for the gears to shift, providing an instant and responsive acceleration that enhances driving pleasure and safety.


Is an HEV Right for You?

So, who exactly benefits most from a Chery Hybrid Electric Vehicle? An HEV suits those who desire some of the convenience and eco-friendliness of an electric vehicle without the associated disadvantages of external charging, long charging times, or infrastructure dependency. Data suggests that more people are flocking to HEVs now than ever before as global fuel prices continue to soar, making them a financially prudent and environmentally conscious choice. Fuel consumption is significantly better than regular ICE cars, and the performance, especially the immediate torque, often surpasses that of conventionally powered vehicles in the same segment.

But what if you didn't mind plugging in but still want an engine to take you further? That is where plug-in hybrid systems come in, and we will explore that in a separate, upcoming article. For now, the Chery HEV stands as a beacon of smart, efficient, and enjoyable driving for the modern motorist.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What makes Chery's HEV system unique compared to other hybrids?
A1: Chery's HEV system distinguishes itself with an industry-leading thermal efficiency of 44.5%, meaning it extracts more energy from every drop of fuel. Additionally, its Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT) provides an exceptionally smooth, gear-shift-free driving experience and immediate power delivery, setting it apart from conventional hybrid setups.

Q2: How does thermal efficiency impact my driving experience and savings?
A2: High thermal efficiency directly translates to better fuel economy and extended driving range. For you, this means fewer stops at the petrol station, lower fuel bills, and a more environmentally friendly commute, ultimately saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.

Q3: Do I need to plug in a Chery Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to charge its battery?
A3: No, that's one of the primary conveniences of a Chery HEV. Unlike plug-in hybrids or pure EVs, the HEV battery recharges itself automatically through the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking (capturing energy during deceleration and braking). You never have to worry about finding a charging station.

Q4: What kind of fuel savings can I realistically expect with a Chery HEV like the Tiggo Cross Hybrid?
A4: While official figures for the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid are around 5.4 litres per 100km, real-world driving can yield even more impressive results. For instance, a long-distance drive recorded an astonishing 3.6 litres per 100km. Your actual savings will depend on driving conditions and habits, but significantly reduced fuel consumption compared to conventional ICE vehicles is a certainty.


A Smarter Drive Awaits

In an era where every Ringgit counts and environmental consciousness is paramount, the Chery CSH Hybrid Electric Vehicle emerges as a brilliant solution for the discerning driver. Its blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional fuel efficiency, robust performance, and unparalleled driving comfort makes it a compelling choice. Ready to experience the difference a Chery HEV can make in your daily commute and long-distance travels? We invite you to explore the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid further. Share your thoughts, questions, or your own hybrid driving experiences in the comments below, or better yet, visit your nearest Chery dealership for a test drive and feel the future of driving for yourself!


Comments