Chinese Electric Cars have now successfully surpassed American cars, challenging the long-standing belief in the superiority of American automotive manufacturing. Previously, the MPV market was controlled by joint venture brands like Buick GL8 and Toyota Sienna in the mid to high-end segment, and Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM in the high-end segment. However, the emergence of Chinese car companies in the new energy era is reshaping this market landscape.
The entry of Chinese Electric Cars companies into the MPV market with their new energy offensive has brought about significant changes. This not only challenges the dominance of joint venture brands but also introduces more competition and innovation in the market. With the release of the first plug-in hybrid MPV Lantu Dreamer in 2021, Chinese Electric Cars companies have made a strong statement and are poised to reshape the MPV market in the coming years.
This has caused fierce competition in the market, leading to lower prices and higher customer satisfaction. Companies are also experimenting with new marketing strategies such as offering discounts to customers who purchase two or more vehicles. This strategy has been successful in increasing sales and driving down prices.
Buick’s entry into the plug-in hybrid MPV market, albeit two generations later than Chinese brands, highlights the shifting dynamics and growing influence of Chinese car companies. It signifies the recognition and acceptance of the new energy offensive by established automotive manufacturers, further solidifying the reshaping of the MPV market.
Why is MPV more compatible with plug-in hybrid?
MPVs offer several benefits for commuting or traveling with multiple people. With spacious interiors and flexible seating configurations, MPVs provide comfortable and convenient transportation options for large families or groups. Additionally, MPVs often come equipped with advanced safety features, ensuring a secure journey for all passengers.
MPVs using new energy sources, such as electric or hybrid power, offer several advantages over those using pure fuel. These vehicles are more environmentally friendly, producing fewer emissions and contributing to a cleaner and greener future. Additionally, new energy MPVs often have better fuel efficiency, saving drivers money on fuel costs in the long run.
However, with advancements in technology, manufacturers have been able to strike a better balance between energy efficiency and power performance in large-sized MPV models. By utilizing hybrid or electric powertrains, these vehicles can now offer both impressive fuel efficiency for daily commuting and sufficient power for a better driving experience, providing consumers with the best of both worlds.
In addition to the inconvenience caused by waiting for passengers, business travelers in MPVs often have limited legroom and seating space, which can lead to discomfort during long journeys. Furthermore, the lack of amenities and entertainment options in these vehicles can make the overall experience less enjoyable for passengers.
Pure fuel power is bound to be phased out, but at the same time, pure electricity is not entirely suitable for MPVs. It’s hard to meet the requirements of high-frequency round trips and fast response with existing pure electricity energy replenishment speed and facilities when using it for business connections; In the case of family outings, it’s awkward and unbearable to wait for charging for the third generation.
Plug-in hybrids offer a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to other new energy power categories. With the ability to run on both electricity and gasoline, plug-in hybrids provide a more flexible and sustainable option, allowing drivers to switch to electric mode for shorter trips and rely on gasoline for longer journeys. This dual power capability makes plug-in hybrids a greener choice that can help mitigate climate change and reduce overall dependence on fossil fuels.
What kind of hybrid can stand out?
Chinese brands have led the new wave of plug-in hybrids in recent years, which are completely different from the old foreign brands’ plug-in hybrids.
High-performance four-wheel drive plug-in hybrids offer several advantages. Firstly, they provide superior traction and stability, making them ideal for driving in challenging weather conditions or off-road terrains. Secondly, they offer enhanced acceleration and power, giving drivers a thrilling and dynamic driving experience. Lastly, these vehicles combine the benefits of electric power, such as reduced emissions and lower fuel consumption, with the versatility and range of a hybrid system, providing a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation.
The earliest Chinese plug-in hybrid MPV brand, Lantu Dreamer, has a multi-mode drive for the plug-in hybrid 3.0 era. Instead of using the single motor P2 parallel plug-in hybrid that’s been phased out, Lanhai Power’s intelligent multimode drive uses a parallel P1+P3+P4 hybrid architecture.
A plug-in hybrid 3.0 can switch between pure electric, low power range, high-speed direct drive, acceleration parallel, etc. In urban areas, and respond to various scenarios with the best working mode; In urban areas, and respond to various scenarios with the best working mode; The higher degree of electric drive compared to Japanese hybrid models, allowing them to compete with pure electric models in terms of performance and smoothness; Hybrid dedicated engines with large batteries to achieve extremely low power consumption.
The intelligent multi-mode drive reduces energy conversion losses through its direct drive and hybrid capabilities. By directly transmitting power from the engine to the wheels without the need for additional mechanical components, such as a transmission, the drive system minimizes energy loss and improves overall efficiency. Additionally, the hybrid capabilities allow for the seamless integration of electric power, further optimizing energy usage and reducing losses.
Both Tengshi D9 and Wei brand Gaoshan, both Chinese brands, chose series parallel plug-in hybrids after the Lantu Dreamer. Buick just launched the GL8 plug-in hybrid version, which also has a parallel structure at its core, showing that heroes share similar views. Even if they do introduce plug-in hybrids, they are mostly based on the fuel platform’s “oil to electric/oil to hybrid” approach. Several Chinese brands have already developed plug-in hybrids based on pure electric platforms, which are called “electric-to-hybrids”.
With the forward development of the ESSA native intelligent electric architecture, the Lantu Dreamer can carry a 43-degree battery, providing a pure electric range of 236 kilometers. In contrast, the GL8 plug-in hybrid has only 24 degrees and 138 km of pure electric range.
A large battery pack helps reduce noise and vibration levels, enhancing the driving experience. It also improves acceleration performance, enabling faster travel.
The plug-in hybrid vehicle positions its battery pack flat on the chassis, ensuring battery safety with a dedicated protective structure. This design enhances body strength, boosting MPV safety standards.
Lantu’s intelligent multimode drive, powered by ESSA’s native pure electric architecture and Lanhai Power platform, drives the MPV market into the plug-in hybrid 3.0 era. It’s the first to excel in the success factors of MPVs in the new energy era with its intelligent multimode drive.
The advantage of plug-in should be maximized
To achieve this, automakers need to optimize their vehicles for both electric and hybrid drive. They should ensure that they inform customers about the benefits. Additionally, they must invest in customer service to support the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. Finally, they need to invest in infrastructure, such as charging stations, to support electric and hybrid vehicles.
Furthermore, Dreamers can now fully utilize the power grid. This expands their already excellent economic advantages due to the nearly double pure electric range advantage.
The internal combustion engine in Lantu Dreamer provides several benefits. First, it offers high thermal efficiency, resulting in better fuel economy and reduced emissions. Second, it provides reliable power, ensuring smooth acceleration and performance. Lastly, it allows for easy maintenance and widespread availability of fuel, making it a practical choice for long-distance travel.
There’s only 5.36L/100km fuel consumption under feeding, which can be moderately supplemented by charging to decrease ownership costs.
Lanhai Power’s brand new hybrid engine
The 12 hour external discharge capacity makes it an ideal power source for household applications. It is also compatible with most standard AC outlets. The battery is also very durable and reliable. During camping trips with friends and family, Dreamer also serves as a stable and reliable mobile power station.
Dreamer’s ESSA architecture enhances driving quality beyond traditional MPVs. It overturns the perception of MPVs as bulky and slow.Dreamer transcends the constraints of the MacPherson suspension typical in low-cost models.
The new electric architecture enables support for higher specifications. Instead, it has a front double wishbone and rear multi link all aluminum chassis. The top of the line model also features a magic carpet air suspension and CDC shock absorbers.
The powerful chassis performance allows Dreamers to easily handle power beyond the reach of ordinary MPVs. The Dreamer series comes standard with four-wheel drive power, enhancing performance with front 150kW and rear 160kW settings. Its potent performance, boasting a combined output of 420kW/571 horsepower, enables a rapid 5.9-second acceleration from 0-100 km/h for MPVs.
It features the sole standard torque vector intelligent control in its class. This allows for seamless 0-100% adjustment between front and rear, ensuring stability on low-adhesion surfaces like ice, snow, and mild inclines.
The intelligent four-wheel drive system comes with torque vector control.
Plug-in hybrid MPVs based on electric architecture and multimode hybrid technology have no inherent structural regrets. This is unlike plug-in hybrid models that have just started out, which may have small batteries and MacPherson.
This makes it an ideal choice for both urban and rural driving. The AI-controlled system can detect road conditions and adjust the car’s performance accordingly. The MPV is also equipped with an advanced suspension system that provides a smooth and comfortable ride. ev charge connector
Write at the end
The first mover advantage has been crucial for Dreamer’s success. Lantu was the first to enter China’s plug-in hybrid MPV market. This allowed them to establish themselves as a leading brand and gather a strong user base.
Their early presence enabled product refinement based on user feedback, making Dreamer more reliable and mature than competitors.
As new energy evolves, joint venture brands are adapting. Despite challenges, the once classic GL8 enters the plug-in hybrid market. As plug-in hybrid technology progresses, more car manufacturers will invest in MPVs.
This will lead to a wider range of models and choices for consumers, making plug-in hybrid MPVs mainstream.
