GWM pulls covers off next-gen hybrid Hi4 system with greater range and better efficiency

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GWM has revealed a new Hi4 hybrid platform that is set to electrify its model lineup in the near future. 

Two powertrains will debut soon with maximum power outputs of 340kW and will be suitable for small to medium segment vehicles, GWM has said. 

It’s claimed that GWM vehicles using the Hi4 system will be capable of travelling over 100km on pure electric power thanks to a high-capacity battery pack. GWM has not yet stated the size of this battery. 

GWM has said that the Hi4 system is able to achieve thermal efficiency of 41.5 percent due to exhaust gas recirculation technology, high-pressure direct injection and an “advanced combustion system”. 

To compare, Toyota’s current Dynamic Force engine is capable of achieving 40 percent thermal efficiency. 

Two electric motors feature in the Hi4 system to achieve a series-parallel four-wheel-drive electric architecture. It also uses an energy recovery system as standard. 

The GWM Hi4 system is expected to debut in the near future, however an exact model implementation is yet to be determined. 

GWM existing hybrid systems to feature in Tank models 

The GWM Hi4 hybrid system is different to the systems used in the Tank 300 and 500 models.

The upcoming Tank 300 uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid system that produces 258KW/615Nm and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

The Tank 500 will use a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine with either the option of mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid technologies. 

The Tank 500 will be capable of up to 380kW of power and will, in plug-in hybrid guise, have a battery pack capacity of 19.94kWh. 

Which GWM vehicles could use the Hi4 system?

It’s unlikely that the soon-to-be-released GWM Tank models will use this next-generation hybrid system, however we could see the setup used in future versions of the Haval Jolion and H6 models. 

The next generation of GWM Cannon ute could also use this system as the ute segment gradually begins to transition to electrified power. 

GWM currently sells the Jolion and H6 in hybrid guise in the Australian market and will soon introduce the Tank brand of rugged off-roaders in the coming months. 

The Ora electric car will also soon go on sale locally.