IM Motors has announced it will unveil its “Super Extended Range” EV at a global launch event on August 1, 2025, it will showcase three technological advantages: the industry’s largest 66kWh dedicated range-extension battery, a pure electric range exceeding 450km (CLTC standard), and an 800V ultra-fast charging high-voltage platform. According to official information, the “Super Extended Range” system will utilise a 1.5T engine (model 15FNE) manufactured by SAIC Motor Corporation as the range extender, with a maximum power output of 114 kW. The vehicle’s 66 kWh battery, co-developed with CATL, enables a pure electric range of 450 km under the CLTC standard. With the integration of 800V charging technology, it is expected to deliver charging efficiency.
Recent Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filings reveal that IM Motors will introduce the technology in a new large SUV model, the IM LS9. The vehicle measures 5,279/2,000/1,806 mm (length/width/height) with a wheelbase of 3,160 mm and is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year. Some one just sarcastically said 5,279 mm only? Why not 10,279 mm? Guess the size is too big. (add screenshot)
This announcement comes amid a significant shift in the extended-range electric vehicle market. Last November, CATL officially launched its “Freevoy Battery” specifically designed for extended-range hybrid vehicles, capable of delivering over 400km of pure electric range with 4C ultra-fast charging capabilities. Francisco says This car has no sense. Does it actually not make any sense ? We will know about it once it actually comes out. (add screenshot)
The industry appears to be trending toward “big battery, small fuel tank” configurations for extended-range vehicles. Larger batteries provide better pure electric driving experiences, while the range extender with a small fuel tank eliminates range anxiety for occasional long-distance travel.
The 66 kWh battery in the IM Motors EREV not only surpasses the battery capacity of all other EREVs currently on the market (the largest being the Maextro S800’s 65 kWh), but it also exceeds the battery capacity of many pure electric vehicles. Undeniably, EREVs have sold very well in recent years, but this prompts the question: with such a large battery and corresponding fast-charging technology, is the extended-range route still necessary?
So how does EREVS actually work?
Electric vehicles come in many varieties, and chances are there’s an option that fits your needs—whether it’s a hybrid, a plug‑in hybrid, or a fully electric model. Now a new category is gaining popularity: extended‑range electric vehicles, or EREVs. They’re not exactly new—the Chevy Volt would be considered an EREV today—but a new generation of these vehicles is now taking off, especially in China.
According to BloombergNEF’s Electric Vehicle Outlook 2025, EREVs are the fastest‑growing drivetrain globally, driven largely by explosive demand in China. Picture a hybrid that runs mostly on electricity. The wheels are powered exclusively by electric motors, and the battery can be recharged by plugging in like a conventional EV. But there’s also a gasoline engine onboard, acting as a generator that recharges the battery by operating at peak efficiency. So, you can plug in an EREV and you can also fill it with gas—just like a plug‑in hybrid—but it’s engineered to rely more on electricity than gas.
In 2024, EREV sales in China surged 83% to 1.2 million units, following plug‑in hybrids at 3.4 million and fully electric vehicles at 6.3 million. While EVs still dominate that market, EREVs are proving an increasingly attractive option for buyers who aren’t quite ready to go fully electric. These vehicles allow drivers to cover the majority of their trips without tailpipe emissions, while offering a backup option when charging isn’t available (though that’s rare in China, where public EV chargers far outnumber gas stations).
The report notes that in 2024 the average EREV in China came equipped with a 39‑kilowatt‑hour battery, offered 170 km (105 mi) of electric‑only range, and ran purely on electricity more than 70% of the time. BloombergNEF projects that by the end of the decade, EREV adoption in China will overtake plug‑in hybrids—a major milestone that could serve as a testbed for other regions struggling with EV adoption, like the U.S.
Research shows that once consumers switch to full EVs, they rarely go back to gas. But this year in the U.S., broader EV sentiment has cooled amid congressional efforts to roll back Biden‑era climate policies. Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk—once considered the president’s “first buddy”—was unable to steer the country toward stronger EV adoption.
EREVs haven’t yet taken off in the U.S., but several are on the way. Stellantis has delayed the purely electric Ram 1500 REV in order to prioritize the Ramcharger—a pickup with an EREV drivetrain. Nissan currently offers no hybrids in its U.S. lineup, but has pledged to introduce EREVs as part of its comeback plan. Scout Motors will sell EREV trucks and SUVs alongside pure EVs starting next year. And Ford CEO Jim Farley has stated that battery‑electric trucks face “unresolvable” economic challenges due to their weight and cost. As a result, Ford now views EREVs as a necessary bridge—especially given Americans’ strong demand for large SUVs and trucks.
This isn’t to say EREVs are a cure‑all for climate change. It’s still unclear whether mainstream buyers will embrace a new type of drivetrain—even one designed to alleviate hesitation. But EREVs could be the missing link: they cover most miles on battery power, and as charging infrastructure improves across the country, more owners may opt to plug in to take advantage of lower‑cost electricity. If drivers discover they rarely rely on the gas‑powered generator, they may eventually phase it out entirely. If that happens, EREVs will have served their purpose—accelerating the transition away from gas‑only vehicles.
Jim Creech says Electricity is not less expensive than gas. What makes electric possibly less expensive is that an electric drive train is 2 to 3 times more efficient than gas. Do the math on the average Tesla Supercharger and the equivalent price of the Electricity is much higher than gas. I pay 0.14 cents per kw hour to charge at home. That is equivalent to paying $4.72 per gallon of gas.
In another news
The automotive world got an exciting jolt when IM Motors, MG’s premium division, made a splash at the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed this July, debuting not just one but two high‑end electric models tailored for the UK market: the sleek IM5 sedan and the upscale IM6 SUV (the latter known as the IM LS6 in China). Their arrival signals a bold new era for MG—one where state‑of‑the‑art EVs meet luxury aspirations at accessible price points.
A New Premium Play for MG
IM Motors isn’t just another sub‑brand—it’s a joint venture backed by SAIC Motor, Alibaba, and Zhangjiang Hi‑Tech Park, launched in 2020 as a premium EV initiative. The vehicles are sold through MG’s distribution network under the IM banner, much like Lexus does for Toyota. This move reinforces MG’s evolution from value-oriented electrics to a contender in the luxury EV space, competing with Tesla, BMW, and other mainstream premium offerings
While IM Motors first previewed its offerings in China in late 2023 and showcased them at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show (as the IM L6 sedan and IM LS6 SUV), the Goodwood reveal marks their UK market debut, with deliveries expected to begin in September 2025
IM5 Sedan: Elegant, Efficient, and Electrifying
The IM5, also known in China as the IM L6, is a four-door executive saloon designed to rival the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4 in both design and performance
Key Specs & Performance
Offered with 75 kWh or 100 kWh batteries; the entry-level 75 kWh version costs £39,450, while the 100 kWh Long Range model is priced at £44,995, with up to 441 miles WLTP range
The Performance variant—equipped with dual motors and AWD—delivers approximately 767 hp (553 kW) and can sprint from 0‑62 mph in just 3.2 seconds—offered at £48,495
Thanks to a new 800‑volt charging architecture, the 100 kWh battery charges from 10% to 80% in about 17 minutes, assuming compatible fast‑charger access
Design & Technology
The IM5 has a coefficient of drag around 0.226–0.23, helping it punch above its weight in efficiency and stability The cabin is brimming with premium features and tech:
A massive 26.3-inch ultra-HD infotainment screen spanning the dash, supported by a 10.5‑inch touchscreen in the console
Luxury appointments include double‑laminated glass, a panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, and a 20‑speaker surround system with “Sky Speakers” embedded in the ceiling
Smart features like bi‑directional rear‑wheel steering, bringing the turning circle down to 9.98 meters, Rainy Night Mode, and One‑Touch Park Assist for autonomous complex parking maneuvers
IM6 SUV: Space, Style & Speed
Standing tall alongside the IM5, the IM6 SUV, also known as IM LS6 in China, brings premium SUV appeal with a coupe‑inspired silhouette and upscale tech
Dimensions & Performance
The IM6 measures approximately 4,904 mm in length, 1,988 mm wide, and 1,669 mm tall, placing it neatly between the Tesla Model Y and Model X in terms of footprint
Standard across all UK trims is the 100 kWh battery, with the entry-level Long Range version priced at £47,995, the Performance at £50,995, and a Launch Edition at £52,995
Performance specs include a dual-motor setup producing around 767 hp, sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds
The Long Range IM6 achieves approximately 345–388 miles WLTP, depending on trim, while charging from 10% to 80% in just 17 minutes, thanks to the same 800 V fast-charging system
Features & Interior
The IM6 shares much of the IM5’s high tech and luxury hardware:
Dual screens (26.3‑inch + 10.5‑inch), autonomous parking assist, air suspension, rear‑wheel steering, and flush door handles for a premium, aerodynamic finish
The interior is equally immersive, with panoramic roofing, premium sound, and upscale materials lining every inch of the cabin
Strategic Positioning, Market Outlook & Competition
MG’s presentation at Goodwood wasn’t just a product launch—it was a strategic statement from SAIC: IM Motors is now going toe‑to‑toe with EV heavyweights like Tesla, and crafting a new premium image for MG across Europe
Both IM5 and IM6 are positioned to undercut established rivals while offering similar—if not superior—specs at lower price points. For example, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range starts at about £39,990 with 323 miles WLTP, while the IM5 Long Range offers 442–441 miles for around £44,995. The Model Y, meanwhile, starts at about £44,990 with 311 miles WLTP, while the IM6 Long Range undercuts it at £47,995 with up to 388 miles range ChinaEVHome.
IM is also expected to roll out range-extended hybrid versions based on these models, along with a future six-seat SUV later in 2025—a move designed to further broaden the appeal of the premium EV platform ChinaEVHome.
Why It Matters
This launch marks more than new metal—it’s a turning point in MG’s trajectory. The IM5 and IM6 deliver:
- Premium EV performance rivaling flagship EVs.
- Ultra-fast charging, extended range, and cutting‑edge 800 V architecture.
- Luxury‑grade cabin tech, advanced autonomous features and digital chassis control.
- Competitive pricing vis‑à‑vis long-established rivals without compromising on quality or range.
By offering dual‑motor AWD variants with 3.2–3.5 s acceleration and class‑leading WLTP range (up to 441 miles for IM5 Long Range), MG is making a convincing case for European and UK customers seeking performance and practicality at a more reasonable price point
In unveiling the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV at Goodwood 2025, MG and its partner IM Motors planted a bold flag in the UK and broader European EV market. These models blend high‑tech electrified performance, super-fast charging, and luxury‑grade interiors—all packaged at price points that undercut established premium EV models.
The early pricing (starting at £39,450 for IM5 and £47,995 for IM6), combined with deliveries slated to begin in September under MG’s dealership network, sets up a compelling proposition for drivers who want innovation and electric performance with attainable realism.
As the brand launches in markets like France, Switzerland, Norway, and soon Australia and Thailand, the IM5 and IM6 could very well become global symbols of MG’s transformation from value EV maker into a serious player in the premium electric vehicle arena ChinaEVHome. For auto enthusiasts, conscious buyers, and tech lovers alike, this is a launch—and a hint of what’s to come—that’s well worth watching.