At the Guangzhou International Auto Show on November 22nd, the Lynk & Co 01 HVE was officially released at a price of 182,800 yuan, forming the Lynk & Co 01 versatile family with the 01 gasoline version and the PHEV plug-in hybrid version.
This is another strong model created by Lynk & Co to meet market demands!
In the eyes of many, it may be confusing why Lynk & Co would launch an HEV version on top of the gasoline and PHEV versions.
In terms of price, although the configurations of the gasoline version and the HEV version with the same price are the same, the dynamic performance of the gasoline version is stronger.
In terms of policy, Lynk & Co HEV cannot enjoy new energy vehicle subsidies or free green license plates because it cannot replenish energy to the vehicle through an external power source.
(Guangzhou City can enjoy the energy-saving license plate policy. Lin Jie, Vice President of Geely Automobile Group and General Manager of Lynk & Co Sales Co., Ltd., said at the press conference: “Lynk & Co 01 HEV is the only Chinese brand car model that enters the Guangzhou energy-saving car catalog after Japanese brand cars. It not only can enjoy Guangzhou energy-saving license plates and other policies, but also is the only hybrid SUV model under 200,000 yuan on the list, bringing higher value choices for users who advocate energy-saving and efficient travel.”)
So what is the meaning of Lynk & Co launching such a seemingly irrelevant model?
For users in non-limiting license plate cities and Guangzhou City, this is a vehicle that can significantly reduce your daily driving costs. Let’s start with the power structure.
The Lynk & Co 01 HEV is based on the CMA electrification basic module architecture and is equipped with a 1.5T efficient Miller cycle engine, matched with a dual-clutch 7DCT-H hybrid-specific gearbox with a maximum efficiency of up to 97%, and a fuel consumption of 4.8 L/100 km according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology standard.
This 1.5T engine uses the operating logic of Miller cycle, which is different from most engines that use Otto cycle. Miller cycle controls the engine load by changing the intake valve closing angle, thus reducing the pumping loss of the engine under partial working conditions. Therefore, it maximizes the conversion of heat into mechanical energy, achieving the goal of improving engine thermal efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, in this powertrain system of Lynk & Co, there is also a Siemens electric motor integrated in the gearbox, which can drive the vehicle alone when the engine is in its low efficiency range, or work together with the engine to produce greater power output when more power is needed. On the one hand, it effectively reduces fuel consumption, on the other hand, it can achieve a smoother acceleration experience.
So what are the advantages of Lynk & Co 01 HEV compared to PHEV?
PHEV can reduce both usage cost and emissions for families with charging conditions as it can be powered by electricity for short trips. However, PHEV also has two problems. Firstly, since part of the vehicle’s power comes from the electric motor, when the battery is low, the vehicle’s power performance may be unsatisfactory. Secondly, without a home charging station, PHEV may not be the best choice as a hybrid vehicle. HEV, on the other hand, has its own advantages. As a matter of fact, Toyota Levin Hybrid and Corolla Hybrid are two HEV models in the Chinese market that have achieved remarkable performance and sales. Lynk & Co 01 HEV is the only HEV SUV model under 200,000 RMB and it is definitely worth looking forward to.
Moreover, 01 HEV inherits the urban antagonistic aesthetic design concept of Lynk & Co, and presents a stylish and atmospheric appearance with the Aurora Green design elements, such as the Aurora Green skyline, the contrasting 19-inch wheels, the dual-tone interior, and so on.
The car is equipped with driving assistance technology for various scenarios such as forward driving, lane changing, reversing and parallel parking, with almost an L2 level of autonomous driving capability. It comes with Infinity luxury audio, integrated sport seats, and panoramic sunroof, allowing smartphone connectivity and remote control, providing users with luxurious and intelligent driving experience of high quality.
On the occasion of the two-year anniversary of the product launch, the Lynk & Co APP 2.0 will be officially upgraded on November 28th, integrating Lynk & Co selection, Co-Life ecosystem, multidimensional user evaluation, exclusive sales services and car networking experience. The APP has had over 600,000 registered users and over 76,000 monthly active users. As a result, it has become a vital link between Lynk & Co and its customers.
The Lynk & Co 01 is not only a model, but also a cornerstone for the Lynk & Co brand to move forward. Two years ago, the Lynk & Co 01, as the brand’s first model, was officially unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show, starting the Lynk & Co’s journey “from 0 to 1”.
In less than two years, the brand has quickly promoted a three-dimensional product layout of “fuel + new energy” and “SUV + sedan”, and launched the first domestic performance vehicle – the Lynk & Co 03+, targeting the mid- to high-end brand market.
Based on the leading CMA basic modular architecture, Lynk & Co has won recognition and trust from over 230,000 users in less than two years due to its high-performance, high-tech, high-safety and high-value products and high-end brand value. It is not only the fastest brand to exceed 200,000 sales in the high-end automobile sector, but also the leading force in China’s automobile high-end market.
Lynk & Co 01 HEV was born in response to the trend of the times and fully demonstrates Lynk & Co’s new progress in embracing new energy and implementing new energy strategies. The forward-looking and leading nature of CMA electrified basic modular architecture lays a solid foundation for Lynk & Co to complete its systemic and tactical new energy setup. Lynk & Co will always follow the user demand, adhere to the development of innovative products and services, and continue to change the way people travel, and we look forward to its future layout in the new energy sector.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.