Omoda&Jaecoo’s hope their innovations in hybrid technology will redefines efficiency standards and consolidate its position as the world’s fastest growing automotive brand.
It may only be March, but the year is already shaping up to be a good one for Omoda&Jaecoo. The Chinese companies – both sub-divisions of Chery Group – ended 2024 strong: following the new dual brand’s UK launch in August with the Omoda 5 and all-electric Omoda E5 crossover SUVs, the company registered 3,838 vehicles through its 70-plus dealers in the UK. Over 20 percent of those were the Omoda E5 EV. Powered by a 150kW (204bhp) electric motor and a 61kWh ‘blade’ battery, its optimized aerodynamics and a WLTP driving range of 257 miles puts it above average for an EV in the UK, plus it can charge up to 80kW with a 30% to 80% top-up in just 28 minutes.
Now the company has entered the UK’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market with the introduction of its Super Hybrid System (SHS), which they hope will represent an evolution in how hybrid powertrains operate and perform. The Jaecoo 7 SHS, now available for purchase, serves as the flagship model for this technology, demonstrating efficiency metrics that challenge conventional hybrid limitations.
What distinguishes the SHS from standard PHEV systems is its ability to maintain battery charge during operation – the system is engineered to prevent the battery from reaching zero percent charge, ensuring consistent electric power availability. This design philosophy has yielded promising performance statistics, including a WLTP-certified fuel efficiency of 403 mpg and a combined range of 745 miles, positioning the vehicle at the leading edge of hybrid technology.
Setting standards
The SHS platform builds upon the third-generation hybrid architecture developed by Chery Group, with specific modifications implemented to address UK market requirements and driving conditions. The engineering focus has centered on achieving four primary performance benchmarks: maximizing thermal efficiency, extending operational range, minimizing carbon emissions (currently at 23 g/km), and ensuring battery safety protocols exceed industry standards.
So, what is the Jaecoo 7 SHS packing that enables it to hit these self-imposed targets? Well, technical analysis of the vehicle reveals a sophisticated three-component powertrain integration. At its foundation is a fifth-generation 1.5-liter TDGI petrol engine producing 105 kW (143 bhp) and 215 Nm of torque. The engineering team has incorporated six distinct technologies to optimize combustion efficiency, with particular emphasis on the Deep Miller Cycle – an advanced ignition timing mechanism that reduces combustion temperatures to improve emissions profiles. Additional refinements include intelligent thermal management systems and hybrid turbocharging technology to balance power delivery with fuel conservation.
The transmission system represents the second critical component, featuring a quad-core dual electronic control MCU architecture. The engineers have implemented double-sided water cooling, high-efficiency dual motor configuration, and hydraulic split cooling to manage thermal characteristics while ensuring smooth power delivery and optimized efficiency across operating conditions.
The final element in the powertrain triumvirate is an 18.3 kW lithium iron phosphate battery pack engineered for high energy density and performance stability. This component enables a pure electric driving range of 56 miles – a substantial figure for PHEV architectures. The system supports fast-charging capabilities at up to 40 kW, allowing a 30%-80% charge in approximately 40 minutes. Vehicle-to-load functionality is provided through a 3.3 kW port located in the cargo area. The battery design incorporates a triple-layer structure specifically engineered to enhance impact resistance and safety performance.
The integrated system delivers 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque, translating to acceleration metrics of 8.5 seconds for 0-100 km/h (62 mph) and 3.8 seconds for 0-50 km/h (31 mph)—competitive figures within the vehicle’s segment.
Global reach
Peter Matkin, chief engineer at Jaecoo and head of engineering for Chery Group, explained the strategic importance of the technology: “The rapid growth of new energy vehicles is set to continue, and plug-in hybrids are a key part of this expansion around the world,” he said. “A true evolution in the field of plug-in hybrids, the Super Hybrid System in the Jaecoo 7 enables an improved driving experience with great fuel economy – it’s a unique engineering solution. Jaecoo engineers have worked tirelessly to fine-tune Chery [Group]’s CDM hybrid technology, allowing us to offer a truly viable alternative to a pure electric vehicle.”
Although Omoda&Jaecoo is a relatively recent entrant to global automotive markets – created specifically to support Chery Group’s international expansion strategy – already it is the fastest growing global automotive brand, with 400,000 cumulative sales to date. While specific global EV sales data remains limited, industry analysts note that its parent company has experienced significant growth in EV segments across emerging markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where the company has established manufacturing facilities to support regional distribution.
It‘s expected that Omoda&Jaecoo will extend SHS implementation across additional models in their portfolio, with formal announcements expected in coming months as the technology platform matures and production capacity expands.
A sporting union
Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw has been appointed as Jaecoo’s inaugural UK ambassador, taking on the title of ‘Mr J’ for 2025. This partnership follows Omoda&Jaecoo’s recent association with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), organizer of the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
Robshaw, who retired in October 2022, brings a distinguished sporting legacy to the role. During his 16-year career with Harlequins, he made 300 appearances and led the club to their first Premiership title in 2012. His international career included 66 England caps, with 43 as captain between 2012 and 2015.
As part of his ambassador duties, Robshaw will drive a Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid System (in granite white with luxury specification). This appointment is part of the brand’s strategy to launch five products in the UK market this year.
“I’m delighted to team up with JAECOO as the UK’s Mr J for 2025,” said Robshaw. “Omoda&Jaecoo’s association with the EPCR is a clear indication of how the automotive and sporting industries can thrive together, and I am delighted to play a part in amplifying that partnership throughout 2025.”
Victor Zhang, UK Director for Omoda&Jaecoo, emphasized the strategic importance of the appointment: “Having someone with the sporting caliber and credentials as Chris is a real win for us in the UK,” he said. “Following the announcement of our ground-breaking partnership with the EPCR, it was imperative that the brand had a figurehead to reinforce our commitment to rugby in the UK.”
