Chery has secured numerous patents for vehicles in India, many of which represent offerings from its different sub-brands. Apart from the patents already on record, the Chinese carmaker set to enter the Indian market via a partnership with JSW Motors has now also got its second Range Extender EV (REEV) patented, the Exeed ET8, after the filing for the Exeed EX7.
The Exeed ET8 is a full-size flagship luxury SUV. It is 5,205 mm long, 1,998 mm wide and 1,800 mm high and is based on a lengthy 3,120 mm wheelbase, suggesting a spacious three-row offering. Design themes are leaning towards a premium, imposing look with large 21-inch wheels, while the cabin is expected to be able to seat up to 6 in a 2+2+2 configuration with 4D massaging seats in the second row and a high-end 31-speaker Boya audio system. Interiors details are sparse in filings, but it all looks aimed at the upper end of the market.
The heart of the ET8 is its range-extender electric powertrain. A petrol engine is used exclusively as a generator to keep the battery charged, while electric motors drive the wheels. Combined range is claimed at around 1,400 km on a full charge and full tank to help address one of the key issues buyers have with electrified vehicles in India. Plus, fast-charging capability helps in daily usage with the ability to replenish the battery in a short time.
The latest patent comes as Chery’s association with JSW Motors deepens. The Indian conglomerate is set to use the carmaker’s platforms and components to come out with a range of new-energy vehicles, expected to be assembled at facilities in Maharashtra. Models from various Chery sub-brands have already been protected via design patents in India, suggesting the intellectual-property safeguards and potential product pipelines that could eventually be adorned with a JSW badge or are offered otherwise.
The Exeed EX7 REEV, patented earlier, follows a similar range-extender theme. It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 41.16 kWh battery and is available in both two-wheel-drive and dual-motor four-wheel-drive configurations. The more powerful all-wheel-drive version promises a good punch with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds, while the two-wheel-drive model has a combined range of up to 1,520 km. Features include advanced driver-assistance systems, a large panoramic infotainment screen and a multi-speaker audio system, putting it in contention as a potential rival in the mid-to-large premium electrified SUV segment.
Patent filings themselves do not confirm imminent launches, prices, local specification changes or production timelines. However, they show that Chery is methodical in protecting its designs in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets. As JSW Motors works on its plans for new-energy vehicles, the filings for successive Exeed REEV models such as the EX7 and now the larger ET8 keep the intrigue going on how these long-range premium SUVs could eventually fit into the electrified landscape in India. Whether as fully imported units, CKD kits or locally-made vehicles under the JSW umbrella is to be officially announced, but the rising number of patents makes it clear that Chery is laying proper foundation for its Indian chapter.