GAC Group to launch 'Xingyuan' range extender tech later in August

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On August 12, GAC Group announced that it will introduce its new "Xingyuan" (dubbed in Chinese Pinyin) range extender technology on August 19, designed to tackle a long-standing challenge for range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) — poor performance when the battery charge is low.

GAC Group's work in range extender technology dates back to 2010, when it undertook a major national project under China's 863 Program to address the range and charging limitations of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This made GAC one of the country's earliest pioneers in REEV research.

HYPTEC REEV; photo credit: GAC Group

In November 2014, GAC debuted the Trumpchi GA5 REV at the Auto Guangzhou, the first mass-produced REEV sedan in China. The launch marked a milestone in bringing lab-developed range extender technology into commercial production, proving its feasibility and paving the way for future innovations.

Over the past decade, GAC Group has built deep technical expertise in powertrains, mastering the development of complete vehicle systems, key drivetrain components, and core new energy vehicle (NEV) technologies—battery, electric motor, and electric control unit. The company has consistently advanced in engine thermal efficiency, hybrid system heat utilization, and low- to zero-carbon technologies.

The upcoming Xingyuan range extender technology builds on this foundation to address common REEV pain points when running low on charge — such as higher fuel consumption, reduced power, and noticeable noise and vibration — with a comprehensive solution.

When an electric vehicle battery drops too low to provide sufficient power on its own, external energy input becomes essential. GAC Group said its system tackles this with three key breakthroughs. First, "ultra-efficiency": a self-developed high-efficiency range extender that delivers class-leading fuel-to-electric conversion and overall generation efficiency, maximizing every drop of fuel. Second, "ultra-power": a world-first crankshaft-direct oil-cooled generator with bi-directional oil cooling for rotor and stator, enabling top-tier continuous output to keep performance strong even at low charge. Third, "ultra-quiet": by minimizing engine speed fluctuations, optimizing electromagnetic force in the motor, and fine-tuning system integration, the extender achieves a major leap in noise reduction. Even under high-output generation, noise levels remain low, while cylinder deactivation enables seamless start-stop operation, creating a cabin environment comparable to a pure EV.

An AI-enabled energy management platform, also developed in-house, further enhances the Xingyuan system. It employs four strategies—comprehensive energy management, intelligent charging adjustment, smart energy recuperation, and instant optimal allocation—to improve efficiency and eliminate the low-battery performance drop that REEV drivers often experience.

At the technology launch event to be held on August 19, the first vehicle to feature the system—the HYPTEC HL REEV version—will also go on sale.