Chery sets a new record with long-range hybrid sedan

Chery unveils a hybrid with record range

Chery has introduced the Fulwin A8L C-DM, a plug-in hybrid sedan that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by a production PHEV sedan without refuelling or recharging on a single tank and full charge.

The Fulwin A8L C-DM pairs its e-drive with a 1.5-liter engine (naturally aspirated or turbocharged, depending on trim) with an electric drive unit and battery pack. Chery positions the model as a mainstream mid‑size sedan offering an extremely long total range, far exceeding the typical 600–1,000 km range of most plug‑in hybrids.

A massive range backed by a world record

The Fulwin A8L C-DM’s headline figure is a Guinness-certified 2,369.915 km (1,472.596 mi) record drive without refuelling or recharging, achieved under controlled test conditions with a full tank and full battery.

This figure is significantly higher than the ranges of other PHEVs on the market, making it the longest production PHEV sedan distance run recorded at the time of certification.

While real‑world range will vary, the record demonstrates the efficiency of Chery’s hybrid system and its ability to sustain long‑distance travel without frequent refueling. Chinese media emphasize that this achievement positions the Fulwin A8L C‑DM as a benchmark for long‑range hybrid technology in 2025.

Fast charging supports long‑distance use

Chery highlights the Fulwin A8L C-DM’s long-distance capability, but no verified 2025 source provides specific DC fast-charging numbers, such as 280 miles in 5 minutes. Public information confirms that the model supports fast charging, but exact charging speeds have not been published in the sources returned by the search.

What is confirmed is that the Fulwin A8L C-DM combines gasoline refueling with plug-in charging, allowing drivers to rely on electric power for daily commuting and gasoline for longer trips. This dual-energy approach reduces dependence on charging infrastructure and supports long-range travel without requiring ultra-fast charging speeds.

Efficient 1.5‑liter engine supports long range

The Fulwin A8L C-DM is equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, as confirmed in multiple launch reports. Chery’s ACTECO C-DM family literature cites 44.5% peak thermal efficiency for its dedicated hybrid engines; treat this as a family figure, not a certified value for this specific A8L tune.

Even without a confirmed thermal‑efficiency number, the combination of a small turbocharged engine and hybrid operating strategy contributes significantly to the vehicle’s long recorded range. The hybrid system is designed to keep the engine operating in its most efficient zones, which helps extend total driving distance.

Designed for a broad market

The Fulwin A8L C-DM was launched in China with pricing aimed at the mainstream mid-size sedan segment. Chinese media describe it as a model intended to compete with both domestic PHEVs and established hybrid brands. Its record‑setting range is positioned as a key selling point for buyers who prioritize long‑distance capability.

Chery has been expanding its exports across Europe, South America, and the Middle East, and industry analysts expect long-range hybrids like the Fulwin A8L C-DM to play a role in that strategy.

Competitive pricing strengthens Chery’s position

The Fulwin A8L C‑DM launched in China with a starting price between 109,900 and 149,900 yuan. At late-2024 exchange rates, this places the sedan in the USD 15,000–20,600 range, making it one of the most affordable long-range plug-in hybrids on the market.

In the Chinese market, this price bracket allows the Fulwin A8L C‑DM to compete directly with domestic PHEVs and hybrid sedans from established brands.

While global pricing varies by region, the launch price demonstrates that extremely long-range hybrid technology can be offered at accessible price points, thereby broadening its appeal to cost-conscious buyers.

Safety and driver‑assistance features reflect modern expectations

Chery’s latest plug-in hybrids generally offer the driver-assistance features common in today’s mid-size sedans. Although verified sources have not published full ADAS details or crash-test results for the Fulwin A8L C-DM, it competes in a segment where adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking are increasingly becoming standard features.

The most accurate conclusion is that the Fulwin A8L C-DM aligns with the broader trend of Chinese automakers equipping mainstream models with advanced safety technology.

Aerodynamic design supports long‑range efficiency

The Fulwin A8L C‑DM’s record‑setting range is supported not only by its hybrid system but also by its efficiency‑focused exterior design. Long‑range vehicles typically rely on streamlined body shapes, smooth airflow surfaces, and reduced drag to minimize energy consumption at highway speeds.

Although specific aerodynamic coefficients, such as drag values, were not published in the verified sources, the Fulwin A8L C-DM follows industry practices observed in other long-range hybrids and EVs.

These include clean body lines and airflow‑optimized exterior elements that help reduce resistance and support the vehicle’s ability to achieve long distances on a single tank and full charge.

Electric assistance improves everyday performance

The Fulwin A8L C-DM utilizes an electric motor to supplement its gasoline engine, delivering strong low-speed torque and smooth acceleration.

Electric motors deliver immediate torque, which helps the vehicle respond quickly in city driving and during highway merging. This characteristic is common across plug‑in hybrids and contributes to a more responsive driving experience.

While no verified 0–100 km/h acceleration figures were published for this model, the combination of electric assistance and a small turbocharged engine is designed to provide confident performance for everyday driving.

A practical bridge between gasoline and electric vehicles

Plug-in hybrids, such as the Fulwin A8L C-DM, are often described by analysts as a transitional technology between traditional gasoline vehicles and fully electric cars. They enable drivers to complete daily trips using electric power while retaining a gasoline engine for longer journeys, thereby reducing their dependence on public charging infrastructure.

The Fulwin A8L C‑DM’s record‑setting range reinforces this role. Drivers can rely on electric power for short commutes and use the hybrid system for extended travel without altering their driving habits. This flexibility is a key reason plug‑in hybrids remain relevant in 2025, even as EV adoption increases.

Platform designed for future expansion

Chery’s recent product strategy emphasizes modular vehicle architectures that can support multiple body styles, including sedans, crossovers, and SUVs.

This modular approach enables automakers to reduce development costs and introduce new vehicles to the market more quickly. As Chery expands its hybrid lineup, the technologies demonstrated in the Fulwin A8L C‑DM are likely to appear in other vehicle categories, making long‑range hybrid capability accessible to a wider range of buyers.

Want to see how Chery is taking on Europe’s big players? Click through to learn more about the Tiggo 8’s U.K. launch.

Chery sets a new benchmark for hybrid range

The Fulwin A8L C‑DM’s Guinness‑certified 2,369.915 km (1,472.596 miles) run sets a new benchmark for plug‑in hybrid range. This achievement demonstrates the potential of modern hybrid systems to deliver extremely long distances on a single tank and full charge, surpassing all previous PHEV records.

Rather than replacing battery‑electric vehicles, this record positions plug‑in hybrids as a complementary technology for drivers who prioritize range and flexibility. The Fulwin A8L C‑DM’s performance challenges other automakers to improve their hybrid offerings and expands consumer expectations for what a plug‑in hybrid can achieve in 2025.

Curious how Chery’s latest SUV mixes style and innovation? Check out the full story and see how it compares to Porsche’s design cues.

If you’re impressed by how far plug-in hybrids have come, share your thoughts below and let us know whether you’d take a car like this on a long-distance trip!

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This slideshow was created with the assistance of AI and human input.