Chery Exeed EX7 REEV Patented in India; Range-Extender SUV Could Rival BYD Seal U DM-i
Chery has patented the Exeed EX7 REEV in India. The SUV uses a 1.5-litre range-extender engine, a 41.16kWh battery and is offered with two- and four-wheel-drive configurations.
Chery has patented the Exeed EX7 REEV (Range Extender Electric Vehicle) in India. The patent adds to the company's recent activity in the Indian market, following the appearance of the Exeed Exlantix ET on test roads.
The EX7 REEV uses a range-extender powertrain. In this setup, the petrol engine does not drive the wheels directly. Instead, it generates electricity for the battery, which then supplies power to the electric motor. There is currently no confirmation from Chery about an India launch.
Chery Exeed EX7 REEV: Exterior and Interior
The EX7 REEV features a closed front grille, squared headlamp units, open air vents, flush-fitting door handles and roof rails. The SUV can be equipped with 19-, 20 or 21-inch wheels.
The equipment list includes a LiDAR sensor and LED lighting. Inside, the SUV gets a digital instrument display, a head-up display and a 30-inch 6K infotainment screen extending towards the passenger side.
Other features listed for the model include Level 2 ADAS, a 23-speaker audio system, leatherette upholstery, 50W wireless charging and 60W USB-C charging ports.
Chery Exeed EX7 REEV Powertrain Details
The EX7 REEV is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that works as a range extender. It is paired with a 41.16kWh battery pack. The model is available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.
The dual-motor 4WD version uses an electric motor producing 201bhp and 310Nm at the front, while the rear motor produces 304.18bhp and 332Nm. The claimed 0-100kmph acceleration time is 4.9 seconds. For the 2WD version, Chery claims a combined driving range of up to 1,520km. The battery supports DC fast charging, with a claimed 10-80 per cent charging time of 15 minutes.
Possible Rivals in India
If Chery introduces the Exeed EX7 REEV in India, its range-extender powertrain could place it against models such as the BYD Seal U DM-i, which uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The two systems differ in their operating principles. In a range-extender EV, the engine primarily generates electricity, while a plug-in hybrid can use its engine to drive the wheels as well.
Elctrik Speaks
The patent does not confirm that Chery will launch the Exeed EX7 REEV in India. However, the filing indicates that the company is continuing to build its intellectual property footprint in the Indian market.
The EX7 REEV also represents a powertrain format that is still limited in India's passenger vehicle market. Its combination of a petrol range extender and battery-electric drive could offer another approach to reducing dependence on charging infrastructure, if the model is eventually introduced here.