OMODA and JAECOO are embarking on an electrified adventure with the all-new C9 and J7 plug-in hybrid SUVs, which are due in South Africa later this year. 14 PHEVs (4 C9s and 10 J7s) will set off a long-distance trip between Cape Town and Gqeberha to prove their efficiency, combined petrol-electric range, and comfort and driving experience over several days. 

The objective? To travel more than 1,100 km - without charging or refuelling any vehicles along the way. While this may seem like a tall order in many SUVs, the C9 and J7 PHEVs boast exceptional range thanks to their electrified drivetrains.

28 journalists and guests from Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia will depart Cape Town in electrified SUVs. Over four days, they will travel to the Addo Elephant Park, enjoying a specially curated trip themed after the natural beauty of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces.

The trip starts on 22 February in Cape Town, with the range drive beginning the following day. The drive is set against an Ocean/Beach theme. As the convoy of electrified OMODAs and JAECOOs heads towards Gqeberha, drivers and passengers will be immersed in a Forest, Flora, and Fauna theme inspired by the natural beauty of the Garden Route. On the final day, 25 February, the journey will take on a Bush and Safari theme, concluding at the iconic Addo Elephant Park.

“Our upcoming endurance drive is more than just a long-distance journey—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate the impressive efficiency, performance, and comfort of the OMODA C9 and JAECOO J7 plug-in hybrids,” commented Tony Liu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “Covering over 1,100 km without refuelling or recharging highlights the capability of our electrified drivetrains while giving drivers a chance to experience the beauty of South Africa’s diverse landscapes from behind the wheel of cutting-edge vehicles.”

The J7 PHEV is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a 3 DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) that integrates an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 255 kW and 525 N.m of torque. An 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a WLTP-estimated all-electric range of 90 km, providing a driving range of 1,200 km. When connected to a DC fast charger, the battery can be recharged from 30-80% in just 20 minutes.

The range-topping C9 PHEV takes performance to the next level. While the standard C9 is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, the PHEV variant features a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that, together with a 3 DHT and three electric motors, delivers a remarkable 440 kW and 915 N.m of torque. This enables the C9 to accelerate like a performance car while maintaining the refinement and composure the C9 has become known for. The WLTP-estimated all-electric range is 150 km, pushing the total range to 1,100 km. When plugged into a DC fast charger, the C9 PHEV can replenish its battery pack from 30-80% in 25 minutes.