Author: Mu Min
Tank embraces new energy
On August 26th, at the Chengdu International Auto Show, Tank brand officially released “Off-road + New Energy” technology route and an off-road super hybrid architecture. At the same time, two mass-produced hybrid models, Tank 300 HEV and Tank 500 PHEV, were unveiled. Tank entered a new era of new energy off-road.
Tank is a very pure hardcore off-road vehicle brand under Great Wall Motor. Since its inception, it has been favored by many consumers. As of July 2022, the total sales volume of Tank models has exceeded 150,000 vehicles.
At present, the automobile industry is accelerating its comprehensive electrification, and Tank cannot sit still. Although it is an off-road model, Tank has also set its sights on the field of new energy. Tank hopes that by doing this, its users can enjoy both the low energy consumption and high performance of new energy, and can also have an off-road trip at any time.
In order to transform to new energy, based on high-performance engines, batteries, electric drives, electric control, and Tank platforms, Tank has created the first platform achievement of the “Off-road + New Energy” technology route — off-road super hybrid architecture.
The “Off-road Super Hybrid Architecture” integrates the core advantages of engine and motor parallel double direct drive, TOD + differential lock top mechanical four-wheel drive system, intelligent SoC energy management, etc., compatible with outdoor off-road and urban travel, and realizes full-scene coverage of low, medium, and heavy off-road under this architecture. The models born under this architecture have high-performance powertrains, reliable strong self-rescue ability, and intelligent energy management system, which can take into account both large displacement and low energy consumption.
Two new cars take the lead
Under such architecture, Tank launched two mass-produced hybrid models at the Chengdu Auto Show — Tank 300 HEV and Tank 500 PHEV.
The Tank 300 HEV version is equipped with a 2.0T Miller cycle engine and a 9HAT transmission, with a maximum power of 224 kW and a maximum torque of 640 Nm, with more abundant power reserves. When driving in the city, the motor intervenes directly, making the start and acceleration more powerful, and the acceleration to 100 km/h is within 9 seconds. During the driving process, the motor can also provide additional power to help get out of trouble and longer driving range.
At the same time, the motor’s assistance greatly reduces fuel consumption during congestion. The comprehensive fuel consumption per 100 kilometers under WLTC working conditions is less than 10L, and combined with an efficient energy recovery system, the fuel consumption under urban working conditions can be less than 9L. In short, it saves fuel and money without mileage anxiety.
The Tank 500 PHEV plug-in hybrid model is equipped with a 19.94 kWh battery and achieves a maximum comprehensive power of 300 kW and a maximum comprehensive torque of 750 Nm with the 2.0T+9HAT powertrain. Its acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h is only 6.6 seconds. It can use both gasoline and electricity and is powerful, quiet, and smooth.
The efficient hybrid system can achieve a WLTC comprehensive fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km in full charge, with a comprehensive cruising range of 736km, breaking the pain point of city travel fuel consumption and achieving longer-distance cruising range. The most important thing is that it can obtain a green license plate.
At the same time, the battery system carried by the Tank 500 PHEV supports 0.5-hour fast charging and 3-hour slow charging, with a 3.3kW power output, which can be used for outdoor camping and emergency power supply.
Tank plans to start pre-selling the Tank 300 HEV and Tank 500 PHEV plug-in hybrid models globally in 2022. In the future, the 3.0T V6 PHEV product will also be carried on high-end models such as Tank 700 and Tank 800 and will be successively introduced to the market.
In addition to hybrid, “electric tank” is also the direction of the future layout of the Tank brand. At present, Tank is actively researching and developing reserves in the fields of batteries, motors, and electronic controls, and will soon launch “electric tanks” in the market.
After the products are available, the channels are also very important. As of August 2022, Tank has covered more than 100 networks nationwide, mainly in the form of experience centers, supermarkets, city exhibition halls, and delivery centers. At the same time, the global layout of the Tank brand is also accelerating. In July 2022, the Tank brand made its debut in Saudi Arabia, and it will continue to expand to other overseas markets such as Russia and Australia.
The Tank brand, which has been established for more than a year, has played the new energy card, and the real transformation has begun. The challenges are even more daunting.
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.