Following a successful tour across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, a fleet of JAECOO and OMODA plug in hybrid vehicles has demonstrated the real-world benefits of electrification, achieving exceptional fuel efficiency and range figures over the lengthy journey.

Covering more than 1,100 km, the fleet of JAECOO J7 Super Hybrid System and OMODA C9 plug in hybrids, filled with luggage and multiple people, departed Cape Town on February 22, travelling over four days in various weather conditions towards Gqeberha to showcase the efficiency and capability of these premium SUVs.

Despite some wet weather, which can increase fuel consumption by 5-10% depending on the severity of rain and amount of standing water that the tyres have to cut through, the JAECOO J7 SHS delivered an impressive average fuel consumption of 4.88 L/100 km—remarkable considering its WLTP-estimated 5 L/100 km figure. While many vehicles can achieve such efficiency, few offer the power of the J7 SHS. Its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, paired with an electric motor, produces 255 kW and 525 N.m of torque.

The 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery enables an all-electric range of 90 km and can be charged from 30-80% in just 20 minutes using a DC fast charger. The J7 SHS covered 1,228 km on this trip, underscoring its efficiency and versatility.

“We are delighted with the road trip results,” said Tony Liu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “Electrification is the future, and Brand O&J is at the forefront of this technology, as shown by the plug in hybrid variants of the C9 and J7 and the upcoming all-electric J6. We are committed to offering South African motorists a choice between combustion, plug in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.”

The OMODA C9 PHEV performed just as impressively, achieving a best average fuel consumption of 5.88 L/100 km over the trip (WLTP - estimate is 6.63 L/100 km). The premium SUV covered 1,189 km on a single tank—remarkable for a vehicle that produces 440 kW and 915 N.m of torque.

The J7 and C9 plug in hybrids offer one of the best-combined ranges of any electrified vehicle currently available in South Africa, making them among the most practical and capable plug in hybrids on the market.

Aside from efficiency and performance, the road trip highlighted the environmental benefits of electrification, with significantly lower emissions thanks to the electric range. This balance between electric driving and long-distance capability positions PHEVs as an ideal step in South Africa’s transition to cleaner mobility.

A total of 28 journalists and media personalities from Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom joined the journey. Starting in Cape Town and ending at Addo Elephant Park, each leg of the trip highlighted a different theme, from Ocean and Beach to Forest, Flora, and Fauna, showcasing the vehicles’ efficiency and the beauty of South Africa’s diverse landscapes.