Chery’s incoming iCaur brand claims its extended-range electric (EREV) models will be easier and cheaper to repair than plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), as it prepares to enter Australia with the V25 in early 2027.
Speaking with Australian media, including CarExpert, in China, iCaur International CEO Ronna Luo said separating the petrol engine’s electricity-generation role from the electric drive system made repairs simpler.
“If you look at the iCaur, we use EREV technology. It’s much easier to repair than PHEV because their infrastructure and systems are separate, and it’s more economical for users to repair and to maintain,” Ms Luo said, though she didn’t provide comparative repair bills, servicing prices or reliability data to support the claim.
Ms Luo said iCaur had taken lessons from the Toyota Prado, describing it as easy to use and repair. She said iCaur had sought “not to make the cars too complicated”.
Chery has previously argued that EREVs suit Australia’s longer driving distances and help address range anxiety. The technology has attracted renewed interest from automakers.
Also known as REVs and REEVs, EREVs that can be charged externally are a type of plug-in hybrid.
In iCaur’s series-hybrid layout, electric motors drive the wheels and a petrol engine generates electricity. The engine doesn’t drive the wheels through a mechanical connection.
iCaur CTO Ma Yongdong said the approach was intended to combine electric driving for shorter urban trips with engine support for longer journeys.
While PHEVs are common in Australia, EREVs are fewer in number.
Leapmotor offers EREV versions of its B10 and C10 SUVs, which it calls Hybrid EVs, while newcomer brand Forthing offers both electric and EREV versions of its C10-rivalling mid-size SUV.
Australia’s confirmed first iCaur model is the V25, a mid-size SUV with unibody construction. Its overseas dimensions – 4636mm long, 1920mm wide and 1855mm tall, with a 2820mm wheelbase – put it in the broad size class of the Toyota RAV4, and it’s offered with a choice of electric or EREV powertrains.
The local V25 lineup has yet to be detailed.
iCaur’s overseas lineup also includes the smaller, battery-electric V23 and the larger V27 EREV. Neither model has been confirmed for Australian sale.