Author: Feng Jingang
As an owner of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, I feel happy that it does not have the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles, yet it offers excellent driving experience like them. Other plug-in hybrid electric vehicle owners should feel the same.
However, in the industry, when plug-in hybrids are discussed, many people shake their heads. Phrases like “Low efficiency” have filled their minds.
Users think it’s great, but non-users are in doubt. A gap exists between the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. This dilemma is caused by the collision of history and the era. From a future perspective, it is only a temporary challenge, just like the encounter of pure electric vehicles. They were once looked down upon, but now people love them.
As far as car companies are concerned, when there is controversy over plug-in hybrids in the industry, to measure or even judge them with a historical background is obviously inappropriate unless someone has an ulterior motive. Car companies should always take user feedback as the benchmark for technology and product discrimination.
As more and more car companies reach out to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, this indicates that plug-in hybrids have actually gained recognition. On November 30th, Changan announced the Origin Technology brand. Its core technologies include intelligent plug-in hybrid and super-electric boost. After Dongfeng, Changan is the second traditional large car company to make a push in plug-in hybrids.
It’s interesting that Changan Automobile Chairman Zhu Huarong also showed off some ads on his friends’ circle for this. I wonder what Li Xiang and Feng Sihan would comment on this?
From the information disclosed by Changan, as early as 2011, they began exploring modern plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and have been doing so for 11 years. So, why did they only start making a push now?
Whatever the reasons are that prevented Changan from entering the plug-in hybrid market earlier, one thing is certain: Changan’s accumulation of plug-in hybrid technology is not inferior. Data shows that Origin Technology brand includes 181 patented technologies. Regarding the efficiency of the generator part, its highest efficiency is 96%. Under the CLTC condition, it can achieve about 3.3 degrees of electricity generation per liter of fuel consumed.Generally speaking, there are three data that customers are most concerned about when it comes to extended-range electric vehicles: pure electric range, electricity consumption, and fuel consumption under hybrid mode.
Currently, the Changan Shenlan SL03 is the first mass-produced vehicle equipped with Origineer Technology, with a pure electric range of 200 km (CLTC cycle), electricity consumption of 16.8 kWh/100km, and fuel consumption under hybrid mode of 4.5L/100km. Based on the data, the SL03 has the best energy performance compared to other extended-range vehicle brands available in the market, such as the Ideal, Wuhanjue, Voyah, and Skyline. Of course, the car’s product form is also one of the reasons for its low energy consumption.
In the industry, there is also controversy over which is better, plug-in hybrid or extended-range electric vehicle. Some people say that only those who cannot handle plug-in hybrids would make extended-range electric vehicles; this might be a paradox. Taking Changan’s Shenlan SL03 extended-range version and UNI-V iDD plug-in hybrid as examples:
-Shenlan SL03 measures 482018901480, with a curb weight of 1760kg, pure electric range of 165km (WLTC cycle), and fuel consumption under hybrid mode of 4.5L/100km.
-UNI-V iDD measures 469518381435, with a curb weight of 1680kg, pure electric range of 100km (WLTC cycle), and fuel consumption under hybrid mode of 4.95L/100km.
By comparing the above core parameters, it can be seen that the SL03, which uses extended-range technology, is larger and heavier but has lower energy consumption and higher pure electric range than the UNI-V iDD that uses plug-in hybrid technology, making the SL03 the winner.
Recently, we also tested another type of plug-in hybrid vehicle with two electric motors. Its energy performance was also inferior to my extended-range electric vehicle.
Dual motor hybrid is not that magical, and extended-range electric vehicles are not that bad.
Regarding the operating principle of extended-range electric vehicles, we will not go into detail here since we have covered a lot of content in this area before (perhaps the most in the industry?). The publication “Electric Propulsion” has been advocating that the industry should take extended-range electric vehicles seriously.
Further readings:
Do You Really Understand Extended-Range Electric Vehicles? | An Engineer’s Perspective
At the press conference, Changan also disclosed an interview QA with the CEO of Changan New Energy, Deng Chenghao, which I think is very valuable and would like to share with you (with some deletions):Q: Mr. Deng, how does Changan Shenua SL03, as the first model equipped with ORA power, perform in the market?
What is the product plan for Shenua based on ORA power technology in the future?
A: Changan Shenua SL03 is the first product equipped with ORA power technology. Since its launch, it has received unanimous praise from the market and has a very good order situation. Despite the setbacks caused by the August high-temperature power supply limitation, the chip shortage from September to October, and the COVID-19 pandemic in November, we are still working hard to ensure delivery. In the future, the Shenua series will all be equipped with ORA power technology, covering various body types such as sedans and SUVs. Spoiler alert, our second SUV product under Shenua that will be equipped with ORA power technology is coming out next year.
Q: What is the thermal efficiency of the range extender? What is the relationship between it and Blue Whale power?
Is it a branch of Blue Whale’s engine?
A: Let me explain the relationship between ORA range extender and Blue Whale power. Both technologies come from the same root, but they have different focuses due to differences in technical routes. Blue Whale power is our engine used in ICE, HEV, and PHEV, and emphasizes the balance of various operating points (the operating points are very broad); while ORA power is our power used in REEV and EV, and for the range extender, it emphasizes the extreme ability of core operating points (the operating points are very concentrated).
Q: Pure electric and plug-in hybrids have become the mainstream of the new energy market. People have always had doubts about range extenders. Why is Changan still expanding its research and development of range extenders?
A: I have been studying new energy technology for many years, and I would like to share some insights with you.
Pure electric power is a long-term goal, and electric power drive is our ultimate goal. However, currently, consumers of pure electric vehicles are still somewhat worried about “range anxiety,” and the existing infrastructure is not yet very complete, and the charging speed has not yet met consumer needs. But the driving comfort and lower operating costs of pure electric vehicles are very attractive. So, is there a good solution at this stage? Range extender technology is undoubtedly the best solution. Range extenders not only retain the advantages of electric drive but also avoid range anxiety, making it an excellent choice in the process of electrification.
As I understand it, PHEV is the solution for ICE towards electrification, while range extenders are the solution for EV range and charging anxiety.
As an example, the Changan Shenua SL03 with range extender equipped with ORA power technology is not a product of the same era as traditional fuel vehicles in terms of the most critical user experience such as comfort, car economics, power, and intelligence. The two are of intergenerational relationships and have inherent advantages in generational differences.Looking at the future market prospects, range extender technology will undoubtedly become one of the mainstream powertrain systems in the coming years.
Q: In what aspects does the fact that there is one patent every second reflect?
A: The 181 patents related to ORNL technology mainly focus on our two core powertrain systems, the ORNL Hyper-superset Electrical Drive and the ORNL Intelligent Range-Extender System. In fact, we have more than 181 patents, but to coincide with this press conference, we have selected the most core and top 181 patents. For example, our newly created micro-core high-frequency pulse heating technology has over 50 core patents in the technology collection.
Q: How is the 37% increase in power density achieved?
A: The technology behind the ORNL Hyper-superset Electrical Drive is of great concern. I will have a video specifically explaining this later, and I hope you can all support it.
First, in the development process, we adopted the “All in One” design philosophy, integrating and fusing multiple components using the hyper-integration technology that reduces unnecessary weight and volume. Moreover, during the development process, we also use multiple black technologies (such as dynamic temperature prediction technology), which have released the limit potential of motor control. These are the reasons behind the increase in power density.
Q: What is the heat efficiency of the range extender?
A: Some of my media friends asked about the thermal efficiency of the range extender.
Firstly, thermal efficiency reflects the maximum capacity of an engine (the extreme thermal efficiency of individual working points). It is not a performance that consumers typically feel during the conventional usage process. Therefore, I have always advocated the weakening of thermal efficiency and the strengthening of efficiency in use. Our range extender will not calibrate to individual working points where gasoline-powered engines excel, as that point may not necessarily be the working point targeted by our energy management strategy during the range extender usage process. Therefore, we stress the parameter of how much electricity can be generated from every liter of fuel. We can achieve 3.3 kWh of electricity production from every liter of fuel, which is a highly efficient parameter. Coupled with our energy consumption indicator, this can realistically achieve the fuel consumption level. Judging from the performance of SL03 currently provided to our customers, the customers are very satisfied with the fuel consumption, both in terms of our 200km CLTC cruising range and the gas consumption when they run out of electricity.
Q: Mr. Deng, as the head of the R&D team responsible for the ORNL technology labels released today, where do you think the breakthrough innovations lie in the ORNL Hyper-superset Electrical Drive and ORNL Intelligent Range-Extender systems? What is the core competitive advantage?
A:
A：长安新能源未来的产品布局是围绕着“纯电动、插电式混动、智能电动”这三个主要方向展开的。纯电动方向将着重于小型化、城市化、年轻化的市场，以及未来出行新模式、新场景的创新产品；插电式混动方向则是侧重于中大型车型和高端市场，满足消费者在长距离出行需求方面的期待；智能电动则与长安汽车智能驾驶技术和智能网联技术融合，共同掘发出智能出行的巨大潜力。未来，我们将不断加强核心技术研发，推出具有创新性、领先性的新能源车型，为广大消费者提供更加丰富、全面的出行选择。A: Regarding the future product layout, Shen Lan will release 6-7 new products successively. Starting from next year, we will accelerate and increase the speed of product launches with the goal of launching a new product every six months. Our goal is to complete the main product layout before 2025, supporting sales of at least one million units and meeting the different product spectrum needs of major customers.
Q: Why doesn’t Shen Lan launch hybrid models? What are the considerations behind this decision?
A: Shen Lan will not launch hybrid models, but will adhere to the development of pure electric, extended range, and hydrogen fuel technology routes. These three technology routes are part of the new energy technology roadmap, with pure electric drive being the core. Pure electric drive is not only electric but also includes other forms of drive. In the future, Shen Lan does not have plans to separate internet sales. We will build a unique network for Shen Lan.
Q: Compared with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), what are the characteristics and differences of the extended-range electric vehicle (REEV) in the Changan internal technology roadmap? How is the differentiation between the two routes produced market synergy and avoid internal competition? What are the differences in driving experience between these two routes for consumers?
A: Based on the interest shown in the question about extended-range electric vehicles (REEV) and PHEV, using the series technology route, which is one of the directions of hybrid power technology, such as Nissan E-power. Chinese people have successfully created a brand-new category based on the series technology route of extended-range electric vehicles after years of exploration in the pure electric field, especially with longer pure electric mileage and good performance when the battery is dead. This is different from the exploration of the BMW i3. In my opinion, the creation of this new category of extended-range electric vehicles is the best solution in line with China’s national condition. For PHEVs, they are based on ICE electrification and mainly rely on gasoline with electricity as a supplement, so they drive more like gasoline-powered cars. REEVs are focused on solving the range anxiety of electric vehicles, with electric drive as the core and gasoline as the supplement. However, it must be ensured that the driving experience of pure electric vehicles is the same when there is no battery, giving the feeling of driving an electric vehicle.
Q: President Deng just said that pure electric is the future, and hybrids are short-term. Could you please tell me the timepoint for these two terms and how Changan Automobile predicts the sales proportion trend of the two powertrain types in the future?
A: For the time being, extended-range electric vehicles may grow faster in the short term, and in the long run, multiple power forms will be in parallel states.
The sales proportion of Deep Blue’s extended range vehicles and pure electric vehicles is predicted, based on market sales data combined with our product judgment, to be 60% extended range and 40% EV for sedans, and expected to be 7:3 for SUVs.
To sum up Original Force Technology in one sentence, it is electric driving pleasure (from the driving power of Original Force Hyper-set electric drive) and worry-free mileage (from the power supply of Original Force Intelligent Enhanced Range).
Q: Mr. Deng, will the models equipped with Original Force Technology have new names?
A: Since all Deep Blue series are equipped with Original Force Technology, there is no distinction. Therefore, we have not determined whether there will be a special logo on future cars. We will conduct further research later on.
Q: According to our plan, a new SUV will be launched next year. What’s the product positioning? Will it be higher than SL03?
A: Our Deep Blue SUV that will be launched next year is still in the confidential stage. We hope that the media can pay more attention and support. It is expected that in the near future, the mystery will be revealed. We originally planned to showcase it at the Guangzhou Auto Show, but due to the impact of the epidemic, we will find a suitable time to report to everyone later on.
Q: If there are still bottlenecks in fast charging battery technology, has Changan New Energy considered innovative measures such as battery swapping and self-built charging networks as a technical route for the transition to pure electric vehicles? Is Changan New Energy developing relevant technology reserves, or cooperating with partners such as CATL to develop together? Is it possible for such technology to be integrated into the Changan Original Force technology system?
A: We have reserves for battery swapping technology, but whether battery swapping can be a consumer-recognized transitional supplementary commercial model for pure electric vehicles still has uncertainties, and everyone is actively exploring. I personally have some reservations. As for the charging network issue, self-operation is more of a brand requirement, but in the long run, as a mature industry, it is not advisable for each company to build its own charging network. I believe that in the long run, specialized people should do specialized things. Third-party universal charging networks are the long-term trend.
Q: I would like to ask about sales channels. Changan New Energy is currently expanding rapidly on the basis of its original dealerships. However, this is different from the distribution of interests among dealerships before. Although both coexist in the same room, the service models and processes are different. There are even very strict regulations that have caused employees originally from the same dealership to be split into two teams with limited communication between them.
I want to ask Mr. Deng for his opinion on this issue. Will this separation of order delivery hinder the further increase of Deep Blue’s volume?
A: Regarding the sales model, Deep Blue mainly uses a direct sales model, which realizes transparent pricing and consistent service. According to customer surveys, customers have a very good experience with this model. But Deep Blue has innovated on the basis of direct sales. For example, although we operate directly, we do not build our own sales channels. Instead, we choose the best strategic partners from our previous dealers to quickly develop our order centers. In just half a year, Deep Blue has developed over 500 order centers. After repeated research, we believe this is a model that can effectively utilize existing resources and quickly expand, which is in line with Changan’s development model.
At the same time, we adopt the model of separating orders and delivery and separating sales and services. Although our delivery center has not yet been fully constructed, we have authorized a batch of order centers to become authorized delivery centers. We analyzed that the model of separating orders and delivery can allow professional teams to perform their respective duties. Our order center focuses on customer service, product introduction, and order conversion, while our delivery center focuses on one-stop delivery services. We believe this model is efficient in the long run. Of course, we are also researching how to ensure customer convenience while separating orders and delivery.
Q: Mr. Deng, does the Deep Blue SL family cover three power architectures, including EV, REEV, and FCV? Will future models also continue the research and development strategy of “one platform, compatible with three powers”, or focus more on the EV and REEV technology paths?
A: We will continue to focus on the three technology paths of EV, REEV, and FCEV and continuously explore and innovate. FCEV is our longer-term reserve for REEV. We believe that REEV is a long-term direction. Currently, oil is convenient and serves as the energy medium; in the future, when hydrogen is more convenient, it can be used as an energy medium. Our technological reserves for REEV and FCEV have continuity and sustainability.
Q: Currently, only new brands such as Li Xiang, Voyah, and Wanjie have extended-range hybrid models. Many users do not approve of them currently. Why does Deep Blue want to compete with these new brands?
A: We are not competing with anyone in the extended-range hybrid field. Rather, we want to provide customers with a new product category and new choices. According to our research, the acceptance of extended-range hybrids among users is increasing due to the active promotion of various media and actual market performance. We hope that in the next step, extended-range hybrids can attract more attention from users who buy joint venture gasoline vehicles. For the same price, we offer superior product performance, better performance, and economy. According to our analysis, buying a Deep Blue SL03 extended-range model can save 150,000 to 200,000 yuan in usage costs over a 10-year period compared to buying a joint venture gasoline vehicle.Q: What are the outstanding advantages of Changan Yuanli’s technology over the existing range-extender technology in the market?
A: I would like to use three words to describe the advantages of the Yuanli Intelligent Range-Extender System: extreme experience, not only in terms of silent operation (some users requested that we provide a prompt signal to indicate whether the range-extender is activated, as it operates completely unnoticed during driving), but also in terms of reliability (we are the first brand in the industry to provide a lifetime warranty for the range-extender, which demonstrates our confidence in its reliability). The second word is extreme energy saving, with 1L of fuel generating 3.3kWh of electricity. Even the high-speed fuel consumption that many people are concerned about performs well on the Deep Blue SL03. The third word is extreme mileage, with the SL03 exceeding 1200km in comprehensive range and 200km in pure electric range. The design intention for the 200km pure electric range was to achieve pure electric driving in urban areas. After driving various pure electric cars for a long time, ranging from 160km to 600km, I personally believe that 200km of actual pure electric range in urban areas is enough, but if it were only a pure electric car, it would be too anxious.
Mr. Deng: For the past few years, I have been working on front-line research and development of the Deep Blue products and the development of Yuanli technology.
I am very pleased that after the Deep Blue’s release, Yuanli also met with everyone.
I hope that this very interesting press conference today can be appreciated by everyone.
Yuanli technology is the technological accumulation we have developed over 5 years, which originates from Changan’s accumulation of over 20 years of new energy.
It is the source of the Yuanli electric and REEV products, as well as the driving foundation of our EV and FCEV products. This electric drivetrain has achieved excellent results in the “China Heart 2022 Top Ten New Energy Vehicle Power Systems” award competition this year. As the organizing committee did not disclose the final rankings, I will not mention the specific rankings. I understand that we cannot achieve better results, as we have outperformed products from many international first-class automotive brands. This is the result of China’s adherence to pure electric drive for many years.
Yuanli Intelligent Range-Extender is the cornerstone of worry-free driving range. Our range-extender system originates from decades of accumulation of Changan’s engines and shares the same roots as Blu Whale Power Technology, each emphasizing different aspects. We will continue to work on the range-extender technology route, and we are not here to capitalize on publicity or entertainment. Our goal is to make products and technology optimally suited for Chinese customers.
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.