Baojun Yep To Feature Retrofittable ICE Generator To Extend EV Range!

Baojun, a brand under the Chinese-US joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), is considering the addition of a small internal combustion engine (ICE) generator to its all-electric Baojun Yep budget urban SUV. Zhou Xing, the sales and marketing vice president of Wuling and Baojun, made this announcement. The purpose of the ICE generator would be to address range anxiety among customers by providing an additional 80km of range. Xing mentioned that the device could also be retrofitted onto previously delivered cars. The cost of the ICE generator is expected to be RMB2000 (RM1300).

Retrofitting of this ICE generator would essentially transform the Baojun Yep into an extended range electric vehicle (EREV), whereby the ICE generator would not be connected to the wheels but would serve as a power generator to charge up the vehicle's battery. This concept is similar to the Perodua Ativa Hybrid that is available in the Malaysian market.

It's important to note that Baojun does not consider the Baojun Yep EREV as a new variant,  instead, they view the optional add-on that customers can opt for in their Yep configuration, similar to choosing the type of wheels.

According to Zhou Xing's statement on Weibo, the Baojun team has been working on a solution to install a compact generator in the engine compartment. They have already contacted suppliers to develop a detailed plan for implementation. Chinese media speculates that the ICE generator could be a single cylinder with 10 kW of power, primarily intended for emergency use.

The Baojun Yep was launched on May 25 in two variant, The base model is priced at RMB79,800 (approx. RM52,000), which is way below our initial estimates of RM64,000. Said model even boasts a somewhat respectable CLTC range of 303 KM too.

Similar to the Suzuki Jimny, this Chinese-made rival of sorts measures 3,380 MM long with a 2,110 MM wheelbase, 1,685 MM wide, and 1,721mm tall. Though relatively compact in dimensions, it does sport a large 715-litre cargo space(with  rear seats folded) plus a relatively light weight of just  1,006 KG.

Other notable features are vertical hinged rear door, and there a 35-liter frunk that can function as a refrigerator.

Source: CarNewsChina