GWM confirms development of diesel hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Great Wall Motor (GWM) has confirmed that it is developing diesel hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies for its future models. GWM’s Chief Technology Officer, Nicole Wu, as quoted by Drive on Wednesday local time, stated that diesel hybrid technology is very important, particularly for markets such as Australia. “We have technical solutions. Diesel engines face challenges with NOx and particulates, but hybrid systems help improve both,” Wu said when asked about emissions management. GWM’s current diesel engines, including the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, 2.4-litre, and the upcoming 3.0-litre, are expected to be compatible with hybrid systems, although the latter will launch in mid-2026 without electrification. The plug-in hybrid version will include the Hi4-T system with mechanical four-wheel drive, similar to GWM’s current petrol plug-in hybrids in the Cannon Alpha, Tank 300, and Tank 500. A specification sheet for the GWM Tank 500 shared by the company in China also lists a ‘non-plug-in’ hybrid version of the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. According to the document, the Tank 500 diesel hybrid will add a 3.71 kWh high-voltage battery and a dedicated three-speed hybrid transmission (DHT), rather than the nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission in the non-hybrid diesel version. The combined system output is listed at 145 kW and 500 Nm, up from 135 kW and 480 Nm, but lower than the 170 kW and 620 Nm of the upcoming non-hybrid 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel version.