Over the weekend, Chery unveiled the latest iteration of the Fulwin A8, dubbed the Voyage Edition, marking a significant stride in their venture into new energy vehicles (NEVs). This launch aligns with Chery's broader initiative to expand its footprint in the realm of electric mobility. The Fulwin brand itself operates as a sub-brand within Chery, specializing in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants derived from Chery's internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle lineup.
Furthermore, Chery is poised to introduce additional NEV brands to the market, including iCar and the forthcoming Yueji brand, slated for release in the third quarter. The inaugural offering from Yueji is rumored to be a hybrid compact SUV bearing the codename T1GC. Reflecting on Chery's evolving strategy, Yin Tongyue, chairman of Chery Holding Group, declared at the 2023 Chery Technology Day, "Chery will not be as 'polite' in the field of new energy next year as before," signaling the company's intent to assertively compete in this burgeoning sector.
The launch of the Fulwin A8 Voyage Edition serves as a tangible manifestation of Chery's intensified focus on NEVs. To underscore their commitment, Chery subjected the Fulwin A8 to a series of rigorous tests, aiming to demonstrate its prowess as a PHEV.
On March 28, two test vehicles departed from Chery headquarters in Wuhu, Anhui Province, embarking on a challenging 2,000 km journey to Yancheng, Jiangsu Province. Despite their efforts, both vehicles fell short of the target distance, with one covering 1,919.9 km and the other 1,935 km. While these tests highlighted the car's impressive range potential, they also addressed concerns regarding "high-speed stall" phenomena often associated with PHEVs, wherein insufficient battery charge leads to performance limitations.
Formerly known as the Chery Fulwin A8 Pro, the Fulwin A8 Voyage Edition officially launched on March 30, offering three distinct versions priced between $15,200 and $17,950. Distinguishing features include a redesigned enclosed grille, lending the vehicle a more pronounced NEV aesthetic. With dimensions measuring 4780 mm in length, 1843 mm in width, and 1469 mm in height, accompanied by a wheelbase of 2790 mm, the Fulwin A8 Voyage Edition exudes a commanding presence on the road.
Inside, the cabin retains the familiar layout found in previous iterations of the Fulwin A8, boasting dual 12.3-inch screens seamlessly integrated into one unit, an expansive panoramic sunroof, and driver's seat equipped with both heating and ventilation functions. Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay and Huawei HiCar, ensuring seamless integration with modern devices.
During testing, the Fulwin A8 Voyage Edition demonstrated remarkable performance on a high-speed oval track, maintaining a speed of 180 km/h for an hour without encountering any issues. Notably, the vehicle's state of charge increased from 44% to 47% over the duration of the test, indicating its efficiency in managing energy consumption.
A key enhancement of the Fulwin A8 Voyage Edition lies in its larger 18.3 kWh battery pack, surpassing the 14.2 kWh capacity found in previous models. Equipped with the Chery Kunpeng super hybrid C-DM system, featuring the fifth-generation Acteco 1.5TGDI hybrid engine, the vehicle delivers an impressive power output of 156 hp and 220 Nm of torque, while boasting a fuel tank capacity of 60 liters and an exceptional thermal efficiency of 44.5%.