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China Getting its Own FAW-Branded Range Extended Hybrid

The FAW Group, one of China’s largest domestic carmakers, is reportedly working on its own Volt-style range extended hybrid which will be much cheaper and considerably lighter. They are also VW’s main partner in China, having been making their cars for over two decades. Also, all the numbers surrounding the upcoming ‘green’ offering are lower than those of the American car.
FAW 1 photo
Photo: gm.wieck.com
According to wardsauto.com, its range, which includes both a fully charged battery and a full tank of fuel will take it around 400 km (250 miles), lower than that of the Volt, which can travel much further without needing to stop - 1030 km (640 miles). The lower numbers continue, as it will get a 9-10 kWh which is smaller than the Volt’s setup which features a 16 kWh battery. However, having a smaller battery means that the whole package will be lighter, reportedly weighing around 600 kg (1,300 lbs) less than the Volt which tips the scales at around 1.7 tons.

Another aspect which allows the car to be lighter is an engine half as small as that of the Volt, but one which is helped by a turbocharger. The 670cc two-pot turbo makes 56 hp - more than enough to charge the battery, we say. No words on pricing or an unveiling, but if they get it right (and make it cheap enough) it could be ‘the next big thing’ in China.
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