GWM’s dual-motor plug-in hybrid system may have over 100km of vary

GWM has detailed a new all-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid system that it claims will offer over 100km of pure electric range.

Called the Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD), it’s available with two specific powertrains with a maximum output of 340kW of power.

Models with the Hi4 system feature front and rear electric motors for a series-parallel 4WD hybrid architecture, with a “new performance-enhancing electromechanical coupling transmission system” with two separate coupling units.

There are nine drive modes on offer, and the Hi4 system allows you to switch between electric and hybrid power and between two- and four-wheel drive. Regenerative braking is also available.

GWM says the Hi4 system is “suitable for both city and off-road driving”, with Intelligent Torque Vectoring Control that can shuffle torque between the front and rear axles in milliseconds for improved stability.

The company says it has “advanced EV-based powertrain technology”, while also offering thermal efficiency of 41.5 per cent thanks to a high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation technology.

While the battery capacity and charging rate haven’t been detailed, GWM says the intelligent charging management system of the lithium-ion pack allows it to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in ambient temperature in under 30 minutes.

GWM also claims fast charging energy efficiency that reaches 97 per cent, while the Hi4 system’s intelligent energy management is said to improve vehicle energy efficiency by about eight per cent compared to traditional energy management.

The company has yet to detail which vehicles will use the system, though more information could come out of this month’s Shanghai motor show.

Great Wall Motor has a range of brands: GWM, which sells utes; Haval, which sells mass-market SUVs; Wey, which sells more premium SUVs; Ora, which specialises in electric vehicles; and Tank, which sells rugged off-roaders.

Products from the GWM, Haval, Ora and Tank brands are all sold in Australia under the GWM banner.