A NEW type of plug-in hybrid powertrain has been developed by Chinese car maker Jaecoo - the sister brand of Omoda - and is making its debut on the Jaecoo 7 SUV.

Called the Super Hybrid System it gives the car a theoretical fuel economy of 403mpg and a range of 745 miles.

Unlike typical PHEV systems, the SHS ensures the electric battery remains charged and never drops to zero per cent.

The system was developed using third-generation hybrid technology from parent company Chery Group and it has been specifically adapted for the British market.

Jaecoo says it has ultra-low carbon emissions of 23 g/km and ultra-high battery safety that is class-leading in the automotive sector.

The Jaecoo 7 SHS powertrain comprises three key components. The first is the fifth-generation 1.5-litre TDGI petrol engine with 143 bhp and 215 Nm of torque which features six core technologies to help maximise fuel consumption and driving performance.

These are: Deep Miller cycle; i-HEC internal combustion; i-HTM intelligent thermal management system; HTC efficient turbocharging; i-LS intelligent lubrication and HiDS high dilution.

Coupled with the Jaecoo 7 SHS' engine, the hybrid transmission has four core technologies - a quad-core dual electronic control MCU; IGBT double-sided water cooling; a high-efficiency dual motor and hydraulic split cooling.

Finally, the 18.3 kW high energy density, high-performance lithium iron phosphate battery pack in the Jaecoo 7 SHS helps the car achieve an electric-only driving range of 56 miles.

Performance-wise, the total power of the set up is 347 bhp and 525 Nm of torque. The powertrain will enable the Jaecoo 7 SHS to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds which it says is faster than comparative hybrid powertrains, as well as equivalent pure petrol-powered vehicles.

Peter Matkin, chief engineer at Jaecoo and head of engineering for the Chery Group said: "The rapid growth of new energy vehicles is set to continue, and plug-in hybrids are a key part of this expansion around the world. The SHS enables an improved driving experience and better fuel economy, helped by a unique engineering solution.

"Jaecoo engineers have worked tirelessly to fine-tune Chery [Group]'s CDM hybrid technology to offer a truly viable alternative to a pure electric vehicle."

In November 2024, prices were announced for the Jaecoo 7, a premium SUV that will come with a choice of petrol or plug-in hybrid (SHS) powertrains, priced from £29,435 and £35,065 respectively.

With a 60-litre fuel tank, the Jaecoo 7 SHS has a driving range of 745 miles and a fuel economy figure of 403 mpg.

Deliveries are due to start from the end of January 2025.