The first locally assembled Jaecoo J7 PHEV has rolled off the production line at the Shah Alam facility, signalling a major step forward for Malaysia’s hybrid vehicle market.
The plug-in hybrid electric SUV is set for an official launch by the end of February and is aimed at bridging the gap between conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and fully electric models. Jaecoo Malaysia already sells the J7 with a 1.6-litre combustion engine; it was launched in two versions last July and is also locally assembled. The 2WD version is RM138,800, while the AWD is going for RM148,800.
Jaecoo, a Chery Auto sub-brand from China, has developed the J7 PHEV to meet the rising demand for an alternative that offers the benefits of both ICE and EV segments.
The vehicle is equipped with a so-called Super Hybrid System (SHS), which promises enhanced performance compared to its pure ICE or electric counterparts.
According to Jaecoo Malaysia Vice President Emily Lek, the SHS technology not only provides a competitive edge in engine performance but also gives consumers greater peace of mind during the transition to hybrid energy mobility.
On paper, the J7 PHEV boasts a class-leading pure electric range of 106km under the old NEDC standard (the new and realistic WLTP range would be lower and less impressive) and records the lowest fuel consumption in its category at 5.99 litres per 100km when operating in a power-depleted state.
In a recent long-distance test from Singapore to Hatyai, Thailand, the vehicle achieved a WLTP range exceeding 1,200km on a single charge, underscoring its endurance and efficiency.
The impending launch of this locally assembled hybrid SUV comes at a time when Malaysia’s electric vehicle ecosystem is steadily evolving.
Jaecoo is also ensuring that its service network is fully prepared to support PHEV customers throughout their ownership journey.
