Xpeng to Bring 'Longest Range' Gas-Hybrid Powertrain to Global Markets

Xpeng joins the rush to provide an alternative product to its battery-electric vehicles by pulling the wraps off an extended-range gas-hybrid powertrain to boost all-electric travel.

The automaker’s so-called Kunpeng Super Electric System claims a battery range of up to 267 miles (430 km) and a total system range of 870 miles (1,401 km), Chinese auto website CnEVPost reports.

The company claims the range is the longest yet offered in the automotive industry and should allay any consumer fears of range anxiety in areas where charging infrastructure is sparse.

It also says its system will be available in all its global markets. The powertrain uses a battery pack that supports 5 C fast charging, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in 12 minutes.

Last month, CATL unveiled its Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, claiming more than 250 miles (403 km) of battery range for hybrid models and supporting 4 C fast charging.

Xpeng claims its system uses a silent-running internal-combustion engine that adds just 1 dB of extra noise and will not be noticed inside the cabin.

This engine will support the electric powertrain when the vehicle is used on inclines, in mud or in snow, and to top-up battery levels when needed.

Battery swap-out pioneer Nio is also readying to market its first hybrid powertrain model targeting the foreign markets of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East but excluding its home market of China.

The automaker plans to launch the model in 2026, according to sources quoted by the Reuters news agency.

Industry-watchers believe this is a reaction to both increased European tariffs hitting Chinese BEV manufacturers propped up by state subsidies and also a severe lack of charging infrastructure in several markets.

CnEVPost reports that Nio, Xpeng and Leapmotor are among the BEV makers that cooperated with Europe’s trade body, the European Commission, in its investigation into corporate data looking for unfair state support and face a reduced tariff of 20.7% on top of the standard WTO 10% import duty.

Hybrid-powered vehicles from China are, so far, free from additional tariffs and have the extra advantage of providing a better profit margin for automakers than do BEVs.