There’s a new player in the game of electric vehicles, and it’s not BYD. Omoda, one of China’s automakers in the umbrella of the Chery Automotive group, is taking Europe’s roads for a spin with its Omoda 9 SHS — an Omoda plug-in hybrid crossover SUV making waves for its potency, mileage, and visionary concept of tomorrow. The title “the end of electric cars” is metaphorical: Omoda isn’t abandoning electrification but is indicating that the future may not be entirely electric and instead can have hybrids as the star of the show.
Omoda’s hybrid revolution: Why this Chinese carmaker is betting on power and versatility
Omoda, which was introduced in 2022 as Chery’s premium sub-brand, is now introducing its flagship Omoda 9 SHS to Europe and the UK. Based on The EV Report, the Omoda 9 SHS is “aiming to provide an electric-like feeling without giving up the hybrid’s versatility.” The SUV delivers a combined 449 hp (PS) and 700 Nm of torque and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. That’s faster than most of the pure electric competitors in its segment.
The Omoda 9 SHS features a 34.46 kWh battery with up to 93 miles of zero tailpipe range and a WLTP combined range of more than 700 miles. In case the battery is depleted, a 1.5-litre turbo engine continues, with 935 additional km of driving. Nothing cheaper has more power, as Electrek presumably thinks, which is the unique value proposition of the Omoda 9 in Europe.
This is how Omoda’s hybrid system opposes the all-electric trend
In contrast to BYD and other Chinese full EV competitors, Omoda is counting on versatility. Drivers can experience electric drive ease for daily use and avoid the nagging fear of being out of range on long highway trips. The car is equipped with DC fast charging to 65 kW, refilling from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes, and is ideal for city and highway use.
Luxury, technology, and a new hybrid standard
Omoda is not just about performance. The 9 SHS is also equipped with luxury: a 24.6-inch curved HD monitor, a 540-degree panoramic camera, a 14-speaker SONY surround sound system, and heated, ventilated, and massaging Nappa leather seats. The interior is silence-optimized with noise levels as low as 45.8 dB in urban speeds. Omoda is on a quest to transform the future of mobility.
OMODA 9 SHS is proof of the brand’s focus on smart engineering, progressive design, and refined hybrid technology at an affordable price,” explains Victor Zhang, Omoda UK Country Director.
The Omoda 9 SHS costs from £44,990 in the UK with a full 7-year/100,000-mile warranty and an 8-year battery warranty. This puts it in the price range of most premium hybrids, outside of electric and traditional luxury SUVs, in its market. In contrast to BYD and other Chinese full EV competitors, Omoda is counting on versatility.
This is what the introduction of Omoda looks like in terms of revolution for the European automotive market
Electrek reports Omoda’s introduction “seeks to shake things up in the ultra-competitive class with a best-in-class tech package, more power than a Porsche 911 GT3, and a €39,900 price tag.”
Its global ambitions are well known, and its hybrid-first strategy can be expected to encourage others to ponder the comparative strength of electric and hybrid technology. Omoda is not just about performance.
Omoda is on a quest to transform the future of mobility. Omoda’s 9 SHS isn’t the kiss of death for electric cars, but it’s a stern warning that the future of mobility may be a bit more muddled than most anticipate. With 449 HP, comfort amenities, and a versatile hybrid system, this Chinese automaker is making a strong declaration: the road ahead is available to something other than pure EVs.
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