Chery’s Plug-In Hybrids Go the Distance!

In an electrifying bid to squash any lingering “range anxiety” in the world of new energy vehicles (NEVs), Chery charged two of its stellar models through a real-life endurance gauntlet, proving that long-distance doesn’t have to mean short-lived. On a two-day trek from April 25th to 26th, the Tiggo 9 PHEV and the Arrizo 8 PHEV sedan didn’t just cover ground—they covered glory.

Kicking off in Beijing, where the traffic jams are tougher than a well-done steak at a truck stop diner, these high-tech chariots first flaunted their muscle in the urban jungle. Their low-speed cunning and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were put to the test amidst the honking symphony of city congestion.

As they zoomed through the culturally rich Jinan and the legendary birthplace of Confucius, Qufu, it wasn’t just a drive—it was a heritage cruise. But instead of sipping fine wine, these cars were sipping electrons, showcasing the seamless dance between their 1.5TGDI fifth-gen hybrid engine and a sprightly third-gen DHT hybrid transmission.

Sure, their ADAS suite—boasting goodies from adaptive cruise control to blind spot detection—practically turned the driver’s seat into a throne of convenience. But let’s talk about the real MVP: the massage function in the driver’s seat. Because nothing says “I’m crushing this road trip” like a soothing back rub at 60 miles an hour, enveloped by double-layer laminated glass that keeps the outside world’s ruckus on mute.

After breezing through traffic with the grace of a gazelle on roller skates, these Chery models cruised into Wuhu on April 26th not just as finishers, but as champions of endurance. The Tiggo 9, with its whopping 1400 km range and superhero-fast 20-minute charging capability, turned the 1214km endurance test into what could only be described as a victory lap. Meanwhile, the Arrizo 8, powered by its innovative blade-battery, showcased energy efficiency that could make even the most hardcore eco-warrior weep with joy.

Did Chery prove that their PHEVs can go the distance? Absolutely—and they did it with style, tech, and a massage, no less. As they crossed the finish line, one could almost hear Confucius himself chuckling, “Isn’t it a joy to have a car that goes far and fast?” Indeed, Confucius, indeed.