SAIC Motor’s premium electric vehicle arm IM Motors has launched a new range extender system dubbed ‘Stellar,’ making its debut in the redesigned LS6 SUV and set to feature in the upcoming LS9. The system combines a large battery pack with a turbocharged petrol engine, giving the models a claimed total range of up to 1,500 kilometres.
The LS6, which competes directly with Tesla’s Model Y, will go on pre-sale in China on Aug. 15. In overseas markets, including the United Kingdom, it is marketed as the IM6, though IM Motors has not confirmed whether the range extender version will be offered there. The larger, seven-seat LS9 will follow in China in the fourth quarter of 2025.
At the heart of the Stellar system is an 800-volt electric motor paired with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, enhanced with variable turbine geometry to optimise torque delivery and efficiency. According to the manufacturer, fuel consumption under Chinese testing standards is 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres.
Energy storage comes from a 66 kWh ‘Super Freevoy Max’ battery, developed with CATL for hybrid applications, allowing up to 450 km of pure-electric driving. When combined with the petrol engine’s contribution, the maximum range reaches 1,500 km.
The extended range figure is more than most drivers are likely to use in one trip, but such specifications are becoming common in China’s growing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) segment. The cars often operate mainly on battery power due to lower running costs compared to petrol.
Industry observers say EREV technology’s popularity in China is partly due to the success of Li Auto, which has specialised in such models since its founding in 2015. The automaker is now diversifying into fully electric vehicles, a move that could influence future demand for range extender systems.
Source: carnewschina.com