Lynk & Co recently unveiled a set of new smart hybrid technologies to help eliminate range anxiety while owning a hybrid vehicle.
We take a dive into some of the features behind these groundbreaking technologies.
Going full electric has always been goal of zero-emission mobility, but not all consumers are taken by the prospect of a pure electric vehicle. Hybrids or plug-in were initially seen as a ‘stop gap’ solution to introducing electrification into the driving environment before users would upgrade to a pure battery electric vehicle. But what if hybrids weren’t just a stop gap; what if they could become super hybrids?
Lynk & Co has always prided itself on always asking the question “What if?” and has decided to redefine conventions on hybrids.
At a recent digital event, Lynk & Co launched its E-Motive Hybrid technologies which follows the brand’s original mission to change mobility forever and bring joy to travel. Developed based on the NordThor Intelligent Hybrid platform, these new technologies will help Lynk & Co offer better mobility, better performance, better sustainability and better intelligence.
Lynk & Co Next Day Concept
What if hybrids were better?
Lynk & Co’s current available hybrids have yet to meet user expectations; they may be fuel efficient but at the cost of performance, and though they may be partly electrified, most do not have ‘smart’ powertrain capabilities, and they do not deliver long range electric driving in PHEV mode. With the new E-Motive Hybrid technologies, these underserved demands for both improved drive performance and low-emission fuel efficiency will be met without compromise.
To achieve the desired result, the Lynk & Co E-Motive Hybrid technologies utilise a combination of high thermal efficiency, high-performance hybrid engine and a dedicated high-efficiency hybrid transmission that is matched with a variety of high-performance batteries depending on user requirements and high-powered rear-drive e-motor. These can then be applied to both hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
E-Motive 1.5T Hybrid Engine
E-Motive Hybrid Battery
150kW Rear E-Motor
One of the key resulting features is allowing PHEVs models to reach a maximum electric range of 180 kilometres on a single charge. Charging has also been significantly improved via DC fast charging with maximum output of 50kw, while the rear-mounted electric motors provide both two-wheel and four-wheel driving options.
In terms of performance, the E-Motive Hybrid technologies come with a three-speed DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) that provides increased torque from standstill or when needed during high-speed overtakes at 80 – 120 km/h on the highway. For any speed above 20km/h, the DHT allows for parallel hybrid utilization with power from both the engine and battery, while any speed below 20km/h will use pure electric power to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
E-Motive Hybrid Powertrain
Fuel efficiency is another area that receive enhancement, as the hybrid version can achieve a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Transport Test Procedure) fuel consumption rating as low as 4.5L/100km, while the plug-in version can achieve WLTP rating of 5.1L/100km when driven in hybrid mode.
The Lynk & Co E-Motive Hybrid technologies also come with a new electrical and electronic architecture that raise the software limits on a hybrid. Over-the-Air (OTA) updates can now be applied on the cockpit to the powertrain, all the way down to the chassis. Real-time AI assistance also learns about driver habits and style to adjust performance and driving mode accordingly, while smart energy management can be enabled through navigation, traffic, weather and driving data.
Lynk & Co 01 EM-F with E-Motive Hybrid PHEV powertrain
Giving hybrids a new purpose
Longer range, faster charging, enhanced driving, improved fuel efficiency, bleeding-edge software and an all-wheel drive capability – these revolutionary features on a hybrid vehicle will not only ease driver anxiety but also redefine the hybrid driving experience. For too long, hybrids are only seen as a short-distance city vehicle, suitable only for daily commute between home and work, with an average range of about 50 kilometres.
This has prevented many from shifting to hybrids, preferring the joy of driving rather than doing what is best for the planet. With Lynk & Co’s new E-Motive Hybrid technologies, they can now enjoy both, taking their hybrids over the weekend to distant places, across highways and on different terrains while being supported by an intelligent driving and energy management system.
By pushing the limits of hybridisation, Lynk & Co has charted a new journey for hybrids that will take us well into the future. Until a time when fully electric cars are completely viable for all drivers, hybrids will remain to help reduce emissions and facilitate user conversion to electric. Rest assured, Lynk & Co will be there to make this journey as pleasant as it can be.