Omoda & Jaecoo’s plug-in hybrid SHS models have recently undergone extensive real-world testing across 16 countries, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. These trials move beyond laboratory figures, in an attempt to prove the global adaptability, durability, and reliability of SHS technology.
Laboratory testing is not real world
And the reason that manufacturers move out of the laboratory away from the likes of the widely accepted WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) to calculate average fuel consumption, is because the number achieved this way to optimistic. It tries to be realistic, but it’s still a controlled test., and not a reflection of how people actually drive.
Jaecoo’s website list’s the overall fuel consumption of the Jaecoo J7 SHS at 4.7-litres per 100 km with a 90 km battery only range. This translates into a theoretical fuel and battery range of 1260 km from the 55-litre fuel tank. All fine and well.
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Travel mostly within that 90 km EV range, and recharge every night, and a tank of fuel will last you forever. But I can assure you, hit the highway or the open road, where you don’t have access to a quick charger and you will lucky if get 550 km between tanks. I know I have tried.
The Jaecoo J7 SHS’s figures get better not worse
Now this is where the water gets a bit murky. Knowing what I have just told you. You would think that after their travels around the world to achieve real-world credibility. The figures published by Omoda & Jaecoo would be slightly worse than what WLTP claim. But they are not. They are unbelievably a lot better.
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This is straight from the media release. “1,200 km+ WLTP comprehensive range: Real-world testing exceeded official figures, recording 1,353 km in the UK, 1,427.5 km in Southeast Asia, and an impressive 1,613.1 km in Mexico.”
Omoda & Jaecoo make brilliantly fuel-efficient cars as I said right in the beginning. But I would take these results with a serious dash of salt, as there is no way these tests were reflective of any real world you and I might live and drive in.
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