Chinese automaker Chery has made a bold efficiency claim for its upcoming Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology. According to the company, its new REEV system can generate 3.7 kWh of electricity from just 1 litre of petrol — a figure that translates to an impressive fuel efficiency of 22 to 30 kmpl depending on driving conditions.
This announcement positions Chery’s REEV powertrain as one of the most efficient range-extender systems currently in development, potentially addressing one of the biggest concerns for EV buyers — range anxiety — while offering excellent fuel economy when the petrol generator is in use.
In a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), the wheels are driven purely by electric motors. The onboard petrol engine does not directly power the wheels; instead, it functions as a generator to produce electricity that charges the battery or powers the motors on the go.Chery claims its highly optimized 1.5-litre petrol engine, paired with an advanced generator and intelligent energy management system, achieves a remarkable 3.7 kWh per litre conversion efficiency.
- In pure electric mode: Excellent efficiency and zero tailpipe emissions.
- In range-extended mode: The system delivers real-world efficiency between 22–30 kmpl, depending on speed, terrain, and driving style.
If validated in real-world conditions, this efficiency level would be class-leading for range-extender vehicles. For context, most current REEVs and strong hybrids deliver around 18–25 kmpl in extended mode. Chery’s claim suggests a significant technological leap in thermal efficiency, generator design, and energy management.
This technology is expected to debut in Chery’s premium Exeed and Luxeed brands initially, with possible introduction in India through Chery’s partnership with local players or under its own brand in the future.
India is currently seeing growing interest in hybrid and range-extender technologies due to inadequate charging infrastructure in smaller cities and on highways. A REEV that genuinely delivers 22–30 kmpl while offering electric driving experience could appeal strongly to Indian customers who want the best of both worlds — EV refinement with the flexibility of petrol.
Chery is expected to reveal more technical details, including exact battery sizes and motor configurations, in the coming months.With global automakers racing to offer practical electrified solutions, Chery’s 3.7 kWh per litre claim has drawn significant attention. The company will now need to prove these numbers in independent real-world tests to convert this technical achievement into market success.
