The Tank 500 lineup now has two hybrid versions, but the Hi-Charge (model preview on our website) was the first truly "plug-in" version. Unlike the Urban with its tiny battery, this one uses a full-fledged traction battery that allows you to drive without starting the gasoline engine and charge from external sources. Visually, this Tank is almost indistinguishable from the regular one: the same impressive shapes, a spare wheel on the tailgate, and minimal markings. The main detail is two hatches on different sides of the body: one hides a Chinese standard GB/T charging connector, the other a fuel filler neck that accepts even AI-92.
The dimensions of the Hi-Charge version are impressive even by segment standards. Including the spare tire, the SUV's length exceeds 5 meters, the width and height are close to 2 meters, and the curb weight approaches 3 tons. The battery is located under the trunk floor, which meant abandoning the classic lower spare wheel mount. On city streets and especially at charging stations, this car attracts a lot of attention - a massive frame SUV with a connected cable still looks unusual, even against the backdrop of premium electric vehicles.
The power plant combines a 2-liter gasoline turbo four-cylinder engine with 231 hp and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The total output reaches 394 hp and 750 N·m, and the system is powered by a 37.1 kWh battery. The claimed range on electric power is 115 km, but in real urban mode without starting the ICE, it is slightly less than 100 km, which still covers a typical daily route. Fast charging allows you to replenish energy in about an hour, while a regular outlet stretches the process to 7 hours.
Several modes are provided for controlling the power plant. EV completely excludes the operation of the gasoline engine, HEV prioritizes electric traction, and the "Auto" mode actively uses the ICE to maintain a high battery charge level. The latter option is useful if you need to urgently restore the charge on the road, but you have to pay with increased fuel consumption. When driving at a speed of 60-90 km/h, the battery really fills up quickly, but the average consumption easily exceeds 15 l/100 km, and the range is reduced to approximately 450 km.
The HEV mode is optimal for long trips. With a full tank and a charged battery, the on-board electronics promise more than 900 km, although in reality the SUV consistently travels about 630 km. At the beginning of the journey, the Tank 500 Hi-Charge mainly runs on electric power, and the gasoline engine is only connected during active accelerations. While there is a charge, fuel consumption can drop to 3.9 l/100 km, then the electronics maintain a minimum battery level of about 15%, and the final average figure is fixed in the range of 11-12 l/100 km.
The dynamics are confident in all modes for this format. Even on pure electric traction, the SUV does not look slow and calmly stays slightly faster than the city traffic. In hybrid modes, the acceleration characteristics almost do not depend on the charge level. The claimed 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h looks optimistic, but the car accelerates to a maximum of 180 km/h without strain. At the same time, the transitions between the operating modes of the power plant are almost not felt - a slight jolt is possible only at very low speeds.
On the road, the Tank 500 Hi-Charge surprises with its level of comfort. Sound insulation with acoustic glazing, stability on a straight line, predictable steering and no reaction to rutting make long trips easy. The frame construction and weight make themselves felt on small bumps, but it is almost impossible to break through the suspension. I would like more efficient brakes, but in general the car's manners correspond to its class and purpose.
The interior emphasizes the status of the model. The driver has access to a projection display, a comfortable steering wheel and a seat with heating, ventilation and eight massage modes. The second row has even more space and almost the maximum set of options, including a separate climate zone, massage, control tablet and sockets. Compromises are evident in the trunk: due to the battery, the volume has been reduced to 445 liters, the floor has become higher, and some practical solutions have disappeared. But the 220 V socket has been preserved and has become more powerful - 2.2 kW.
With all this, the hybrid Tank 500 Hi-Charge turned out to be cheaper than the Premium version with V6, offering almost identical equipment and significantly lower fuel consumption. This makes it an interesting alternative to the classic gasoline version for those who drive more often in the city but are not ready to give up the format of a large frame SUV.
