Understanding the different battery technologies in EVs and hybrids
No battery, no power. It is a simple truth about that important component, which ensures our vehicles can move from A to B.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 6 August 2025
Chery South Africa showcased the latest addition to its Tiggo 7 range; the CSH Plug-in Hybrid’s efficiency on a road trip managed to squeeze 1 290km from a single tank of petrol.
The endurance test yielded impressive results, and by reaching 1 290km, it beats Chery’s official claim of 1 200km.
The Tiggo 7 PHEV integrates the fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5 TGDI dedicated hybrid engine with 115kW and 220Nm to a stepless Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), and a high-performance hybrid battery.
At the same time, the hybrid Tiggo 9 CSH – due to be released in South Africa later this month – achieved 1 374km on a single tank of fuel, exceeding its WLTC-estimated range of 1 050km. This sets a new benchmark for extended range among seven-seater family SUVs.
“These results reinforce our belief that hybrid technology can deliver more than just efficiency; it can redefine what South Africans expect from family vehicles,” says Verene Petersen, National Brand & Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa.
The combined power between the petrol engine and the hybrid system according to Chery is 265kW and 530Nm. For urban commuting, the hybrid battery offers over 90km of electric range, which is sufficient for most daily driving needs. When it’s time to recharge, the DC fast-charging capability recharges the battery from 30-80% in approximately 19 minutes — about the time needed for a coffee break.
Catering to the growing popularity of camping and outdoor lifestyles, the Tiggo 7 CSH boasts a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load capability, effectively eliminating the need for additional portable power stations. With most household appliances operating below 2.5kW, intelligent power management unlocks endless possibilities for outdoor living.
The Plug-in Hybrids are the most expensive models in the Tiggo 7 line-up consisting of three models and now joined by the Tiggo 7 CSH Plus (R619 900) and the Tiggo 7 CSH Ultra (R679 900).
No battery, no power. It is a simple truth about that important component, which ensures our vehicles can move from A to B.
Xolani Magukwe (39) is the winner and now the proud owner of a brand-new Renault Kiger 1.0 Energy Zen.
Subaru Southern Africa has appointed Toshimitsu Tanaka as its new Managing Director. He succeeds Andrew Marshall, who retires after five years of service.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
No battery, no power. It is a simple truth about that important component, which ensures our vehicles can move from A to B.
The demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) keep growing in South Africa with a steep increase in greener mobility during the last two years.
Absa and BYD, the world’s leading electric car manufacturer, have partnered to drive sustainable vehicle finance solutions as demand for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) surges in South Africa.