Here’s how GWM is electrifying off-roaders
The off-road vehicle segment, whether SUV or pickup, is mostly filled with traditional buyers who prefer products with less modern tech and instead those that focus on durability and capability. Despite that, we still need to move forward and automotive manufacturers are already offering electrified powertrains for off-roaders.
GWM is one of those automakers, developing new types of electrified powertrains and platforms for their off-road capable models, under the Hi4 name.
To meet the different driving scenarios of potential buyers, the Chinese automaker is following four key pillars in their development of the Hi4 family: enhanced safety, eco-friendliness, rugged performance, and intelligent technology. In addition, they developed a complete family of intelligent hybrid all-wheel drive systems.
Each system is designed specifically for its customer’s needs and categories. Hi4-T is for Extreme Off-Road models, Hi4-Z for General Off-Road, Hi4 extended for Urban SUVs. So far, Hi4 has been implemented in 10 GWM models.
Hi4 sets itself apart with the promise of balanced power distribution, a near ideal 50:50 axle load ratio, and true AWD capability which should provide superior traction, better balance, and improved performance and driving safety.
Nine intelligent driving modes are built-into the Hi4 system to automatically adapt to various driving scenarios. Combined with intelligent torque vectoring, the system ensures millisecond-level torque precision for enhanced power, efficiency, and safety.
Meanwhile, Hi4-Z is what GWM says is the ultimate all-terrain electrified platform with its three-speed series-parallel hybrid system, engineered for daily city driving and weekend escapes. It’s capable of 200km of pure electric driving range, a 0 to 100 kph acceleration time of below five seconds, and no performance fade after 20 consecutive launches and 20 times of torque amplification.
Hardcore off-roaders will enjoy Hi4-T which brings together electrification and rugged capability in one purpose-built platform. This is composed of a large-displacement engine mated to a nine-speed hybrid transmission, a high-capacity off-road-specific battery for longer pure electric range, and a non-decoupling AWD layout with three mechanical locking differentials.
This setup enables 100% torque transfer to any single wheel, ensuring maximum traction and the ability to power through the toughest terrain, with the aim if providing the efficiency of electrified vehicles while off-roading.
GWM seems to be ready with lots of possibilities with the Hi4 platform and their different electrified powertrains. We’re sure that the Chinese automaker still has a lot under its sleeve in its next-generation passenger vehicle and this makes us excited for what they have in store for the future. With the full Hi4 family, GWM says that it promises to create maximum value for every user through smart, sustainable, and performance-driven solutions.
Photos by Julian Panlilio
