IM Motors Set To Debut ‘Super Extended Range’ EV Tech In Aug

Official teaser image released by IM Motors of its upcoming 'Super Extended Range EV' powertrain tech.

Set to debut next month through the IM Motors venture is a new “Super Extended Range” EV tech. As a refresher, the IM Motors brand was borne out of a joint venture between SAIC Motor Corporation with Chinese tech giants Alibaba Group and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech.

Set to debut this week on Aug 1, this ‘Super Extended Range’ EV tech is poised to feature the industry’s largest 66 kWh dedicated range-extension battery supplied by CATL that promises up to 450 KM of pure electric range (CLTC standard).

Secondly, the tech will also incorporate an 800-volt ultra-fast charging high voltage platform. Thirdly, official information also indicates that the system will employ a 1.5-litre turbocharged combustion engine outputting 114 kW (153 HP) as a range-extender.

This new ultra-long range EREV setup is reportedly poised to debut i the upcoming IM Motors LS 9 large SUV pictured above.

Additionally, leaked filings my IM Motors with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveal that the brand plans to introduce this ‘Super Extended Range’ EV tech in a new large SUV offering – like the IM LS9.

Set to debut within the final quarter (Q4) of this year, the LS9 reportedly sits some 5,279 MM long to boast a generous 3,160 MM wheelbase, 2,000 MM wide and 1,806 MM tall.

According to sources online, the 66 kWh battery capacity mentioned not only surpasses other packs brimmed in comparable extended range EVs (EREVs) currently marketed, but it also stands larger than what many pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have too.

Moreover, this tech’s arrival reflects the industry’s trending toward “big battery, small fuel tank” configurations for extended-range vehicles.

The setup's 66 kWh battery capacity surpasses the capacities found in other EREVs, as well as many BEVs too.

Whilst big batteries provide better pure electric driving experiences, the added range extender with a small fuel tank eliminates range anxiety for occasional long-distance travel.

We’ll have more details once the powertrain officially debuts in the upcoming IM Motors LS9 model mentioned later this week.

In the meantime, even with such a large battery and corresponding fast-charging tech, do you reckon extended-range route still necessary? Hit the comments below with your take…