A fleet of JAECOO and OMODA plug-in hybrid vehicles has successfully demonstrated the real-world benefits of electrification, achieving outstanding fuel efficiency and range figures over a demanding 1,100 km journey across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Departing Cape Town on February 22, the JAECOO J7 Super Hybrid System (SHS) and OMODA C9 Plug-in Hybrid, fully loaded with passengers and luggage, embarked on a four-day trip through varying weather conditions, culminating in Gqeberha. The journey served as a testament to the efficiency, power, and versatility of these premium SUVs, proving their capability in real-world conditions.
Despite facing wet weather—a factor that typically increases fuel consumption by 5-10% due to increased tyre resistance—the JAECOO J7 SHS delivered a remarkable average fuel consumption of 4.88 L/100 km, closely aligning with its WLTP-estimated figure of 5 L/100 km. Few vehicles can match such efficiency while delivering the J7 SHS’s performance: a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine combined with an electric motor, producing 255 kW and 525 N.m of torque. The 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides an all-electric range of 90 km and can be rapidly charged from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a DC fast charger. Over the course of the trip, the J7 SHS covered an impressive 1,228 km, reaffirming its efficiency and long-distance capabilities.
Equally noteworthy was the performance of the OMODA C9 PHEV, which achieved a best average fuel consumption of 5.88 L/100 km—well below its WLTP-estimated figure of 6.63 L/100 km. This premium SUV covered 1,189 km on a single tank, an extraordinary feat for a vehicle boasting an output of 440 kW and 915 N.m of torque.
Tony Liu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO South Africa, expressed his satisfaction with the results: “We are delighted with the road trip’s outcomes. Electrification is the future, and Brand O&J is at the forefront of this transition. Our plug-in hybrid variants of the C9 and J7, alongside the upcoming all-electric J6, offer South African motorists a versatile range of powertrain choices, from combustion to full electrification.”
Beyond showcasing efficiency and performance, the road trip underscored the environmental advantages of plug-in hybrids. By leveraging electric range for urban driving and hybrid power for long-distance travel, the J7 and C9 significantly reduce emissions while offering exceptional range—an ideal solution for South Africa’s evolving mobility landscape.
The journey was joined by 28 journalists and media personalities from Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Travelling from Cape Town to the iconic Addo Elephant Park, each leg of the trip was themed around South Africa’s diverse natural beauty—from oceans and beaches to forests, flora, and fauna—highlighting not only the vehicles’ efficiency but also the country’s breathtaking landscapes.
With one of the best combined ranges among electrified vehicles available in South Africa, the JAECOO J7 SHS and OMODA C9 PHEV set a new benchmark for plug-in hybrid capability. As South Africa moves towards cleaner mobility, these models represent a powerful, efficient, and practical step into the future of electrification.
