IM Motors reveals an extended-range powertrain system, mirroring the addition of an internal combustion engine to a Tesla Model Y electric vehicle.
IM Motors and Our X (Twitter) Profilepeng Unveil Extended-Range Electric Vehicle Systems
In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, IM Motors and Our X (Twitter) profilepeng have launched extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) systems, aiming to address range anxiety and offer longer driving distances without frequent charging.
IM Motors kicked off the move by unveiling its Hengxing system in June 2024. The system features a battery pack with a capacity of up to 66 kWh, providing a CLTC range of up to 450 kilometers. The company's first vehicle equipped with the extended-range system is the new LS6 SUV, which will begin pre-sales on August 15. IM Motors has planned to launch another model, the LS9 large six-seat SUV, equipped with this system in the fourth quarter. When fully fueled and charged, the system can provide a range of up to 1,500 kilometers.
Our X (Twitter) profilepeng followed suit in November 2024, unveiling its extended-range system, called the Kunpeng Super Electric System. This system also supports 800-volt high-voltage fast charging and boasts a battery pack with a capacity of up to 66 kWh, currently the largest battery pack in the EREV segment. Vehicles equipped with this system will have a battery range of up to 430 kilometers and a combined range of up to 1,400 kilometers.
The key difference between IM Motors' extended-range system and the Tesla Model Y's battery range lies in the technology approach and total achievable range.
IM Motors' Extended-Range System is a plug-in hybrid-like system that combines a 66 kWh high-capacity battery with an efficient internal combustion engine acting as a generator (range extender). This setup provides a pure electric CLTC range of about 450 km (280 miles) and a total combined range surpassing 1500 km (about 932 miles) due to the extended-range capability. The system uses an 800V architecture, high-voltage fast charging, and premium battery cells to optimize both electric range and battery longevity.
Tesla Model Y, by contrast, is a fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV) without any gasoline engine backup. Its battery capacity varies by model, typically around 75-82 kWh, delivering an EPA-rated range between approximately 318 miles (512 km) to about 330+ miles (530+ km) depending on the variant and driving conditions. The Model Y relies solely on battery storage without any range extender.
In summary:
| Feature | IM Motors Extended-Range System | Tesla Model Y | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Battery Capacity | 66 kWh | ~75-82 kWh | | Pure Electric Driving Range | ~450 km (CLTC) | ~512-530+ km (EPA) | | Total Driving Range (with Extender) | 1500+ km (combined electric + range extender) | Same as pure battery range; no extender | | Technology | Extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) with combustion engine as generator | Battery electric vehicle (BEV) only | | Voltage Architecture | 800V high voltage | 400V-450V typical (Tesla Varies) |
The IM Motors system targets range anxiety by providing a hybrid solution that can travel much farther without frequent charging, leveraging its range extender engine, while Tesla Model Y focuses on maximizing range purely through battery capacity and efficiency.
This makes IM Motors' system a hybrid electric vehicle with substantial electric range and extended mileage via the generator, compared to Tesla Model Y's fully electric battery-range-only approach.
It's worth noting that the average capacity of battery packs for PHEV models in China was around 20 kWh in early 2020. The average capacity has been steadily increasing, with the June 2024 average reaching 29.1 kWh, exceeding 29 kWh for the third consecutive month. This growth in battery capacity reflects the industry's ongoing efforts to improve EV technology and range capabilities.
The race to develop and launch extended-range electric vehicles is heating up, as both IM Motors and Our X (Twitter) profilepeng have announced plans for multiple EREV models. This competition is expected to drive innovation and push the boundaries of EV technology, potentially leading to even more advanced and efficient vehicles in the future.
- The launch of extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) systems by IM Motors and Our X (Twitter) profilepeng signifies a significant advancement in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
- The IM Motors' extended-range system, named Hengxing, was unveiled in June 2024, featuring a 66 kWh battery packing up to 450 km of CLTC range, and is equipped in the new LS6 SUV, due for pre-sales on August 15.
- Another model, the LS9 large six-seat SUV, will be launched in the fourth quarter, also featuring the Hengxing system.
- When fully fueled and charged, the Hengxing system can offer a range of up to 1,500 kilometers.
- Our X (Twitter) profilepeng's extended-range system, called Kunpeng Super Electric System, follows in November 2024, boasting an 800-volt high-voltage fast charging capability, and a 66 kWh battery pack, the largest in the EREV segment.
- Tesla Model Y, on the other hand, is a fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV) without a gasoline engine backup, offering a battery capacity range of approximately 75-82 kWh and an EPA-rated range between 318 miles (512 km) to 330+ miles (530+ km) depending on the variant and driving conditions.
- The Nio and Xpeng brands, based in China, are also actively participating in the electric vehicle industry, contributing to the growth in battery capacity, with average battery pack capacities surpassing 29 kWh in June 2024.
- The competitive landscape in the EV, automotive, finance, transportation, and technology sectors is intensifying as players like IM Motors, Our X (Twitter) profilepeng, Tesla, Nio, and Xpeng introduce and develop extended-range electric vehicle systems.
- The growing demand for electric vehicles and increased focus on energy efficiency, coupled with innovation in battery and charging technology, is reshaping the automotive lifestyle and priorities in finance, transportation, and technology sectors.
- The ongoing competition in the EV industry is expected to bring about more advanced, efficient, and range-extending electric-vehicle technology in the future.
- The development and deployment of extended-range electric vehicles not only address range anxiety but also contribute to the overall sustainability and efficiency of the electric-vehicle and transportation industries.
