In the recent past, we have come across multiple patent filings by Chinese manufacturers. These are mostly plug-in hybrid models. While a patent filing itself does not guarantee launch plans, the fact that these filings surfaced at a time when India is undergoing a major shift in powertrain strategy gives us hopes. Some, if not all of these are coming to our shores in the not-so-distant future. Here are 8 examples.
Rox Motor, a Chinese company backed by Xiaomi, has patented the Adamas plug-in hybrid SUV in India. This vehicle has large dimensions and a bold design. It measures 5.3 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width, and 1.8 metres in height. That’s almost as long as a Land Rover Defender 130! The wheelbase in its case, is around 3 metres.
Key design highlights include T-shaped LED headlamps, roof rails and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. It rides on 21-inch wheels, and is available in both six and seven seat configurations in global markets. The Adamas also has a modern, technology-heavy cabin. Due to its enormous proportions, the Adamas offers 346-litre boot space even when all three rows are occupied.
This SUV has a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a large 56 kWh battery pack sourced from CATL. This setup has a combined output of 469hp and 740Nm. It also comes with bidirectional charging technologies such as V2V (Vehicle to vehicle) and V2L (Vehicle to load).
Power is sent to all four wheels through a full-time AWD (All Wheel Drive) system. This 2.7 tonne SUV can do the 0-100kph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds, and even comes with height-adjustable air suspension. It remains unclear if this product would actually launch here.
The Past L6 is a compact SUV targeting younger buyers. Its design closely resembles that of the Tiggo 8 lineup. If launched in India, the L6 will likely be sold under JSW branding. It will most likely be brought as a plug-in hybrid to India, although other powertrains are available globally.
Underpinning the Lepas L6 will be Chery’s T1X platform or its derivative. This is a multi-energy architecture and is quite versatile as well. The hybrid version will mate a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and use the Chery Super Hybrid system (CSH) to produce a combined output of 221 hp and 390 Nm. It will be mated to a 3DHT dedicated hybrid transmission.
BYD, another Chinese major has filed a design patent in India for the Leopard 8 SUV. It is a large, body-on-frame, plug-in hybrid SUV that’s almost as large as a Defender 110. It will have a three-row seating layout and tech-heavy cabin. A massive 17.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12.3-inch displays for instrument cluster and front passenger entertainment, wireless charging pads, 18-speaker sound system and more are to be expected.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain will consist of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine working together with a 36.8kWh battery pack and dual motors. This will have a combined output of 748hp and 760Nm. 0-100kph will be done in 4.8 seconds, and the SUV will have an electric-only WLTP range of 100 km. It will also come with features like vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-load charging.
The Arrizo 8 is a plug-in hybrid sedan that was patented in India last year. It is claimed to have serious performance and efficiency credentials. The model sold abroad has a technology-packed cabin, and comes with features like a 24.6-inch screen, panoramic sunroof, 540-degree camera, 50W wireless charger and more.
Globally, it is available with 1.6 turbo petrol and 1.5 plug-in hybrid powertrain. The latter uses a 1.5L petrol engine along with a battery pack and electric motor to generate 351hp and 515Nm. It can do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 7.8 seconds.
JSW’s first car in India is expected to be the Jetour T2 iDM plug-in hybrid. Expected to arrive around Diwali this year, this PHEV will rival the Fortuner and Majestor here. It will have a capable powertrain and a rugged design. JSW will bring just the i-DM version to India. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 26.7 kWh battery pack. It generates a combined output of 375 hp and 610 Nm. The all-electric range is around 140 km. Both front wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD) versions are likely to be made available.
The T2 i-DM will come equipped with features like a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered seats, and more. Initially, the T2 will be shipped in as CKD units and assembled at the company’s plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. JSW will reportedly target higher localisation in the future.
Another patent filed in India is that of the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV. This three-row plug-in hybrid will compete with the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari when launched. The India-bound model is expected to remain largely similar to the global model in terms of design. This is also one PHEV that we are sure is being readied for the Indian market. It will have a tech-heavy cabin and will come with a 12.8-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio, 8.8-inch digital driver’s display and more.
The PHEV powertrain here would have a 1.5L petrol engine at its centre. It will be mated to an electric motor and a 20.5kWh battery pack. The SUV will have a combined system output of 197hp and 230Nm. The Starlight SUV will be able to do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 9.7 seconds and will have a top speed of 170kph.
Chery has also patented the Tiggo 8 SUV in India. This is a large three-row SUV measuring 4.7 metres in length. Two versions are available globally- Pro and Plus. Five, six and seven-seater layouts are offered in international markets. This SUV has a good-looking design and a feature-rich cabin. It will come with equipment like a large panoramic sunroof, 15.6-inch infotainment system, 12-speaker audio, 540-degree camera, digital instrument cluster, ADAS suite, and more.
The Tiggo 8’s plug-in hybrid system mates a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with an 18.4 kWh Lithium-ion Phosphate battery pack and electric motors. It comes mated to a DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) system and produces 496 hp and 735Nm.
And finally, Chery has also patented the Tiggo 7L in India. Essentially the larger, more premium derivative of the Tiggo 7, this SUV will come with semi-flush door handles, large wheels, connected LED tail lamps and more. Inside, it will get features like a 15.6-inch central display, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity including Apple Carplay, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, and more.
This SUV will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain that mates a 1.5 petrol engine with a 18.4 kWh battery pack and electric motor. This arrangement makes 355hp and 530Nm.
As mentioned in the beginning, patent filings do not always guarantee launch intentions. Brands often patent designs and names to protect intellectual property (IP) rights. The actual decision on whether or not to launch a product would depend on multiple other factors like market realities, product appeal and multiple other factors.
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