How to choose an extended-range electric vehicle？

The trend of new energy is booming. Among several types of new energy vehicles, extended-range electric vehicles have become the new favorite. Such vehicles can not only enjoy the policy benefits of new energy vehicles in most cities, but also make up for the shortage of mileage anxiety of pure electric vehicles. In the camp of extended-range electric vehicles, AITO and Ideality are representative brands. The former has launched the first technologically luxurious intelligent electric drive SUV—AITO Wenjie M5, which is being delivered in 36 cities and more than 100 user centers. The latter has a high market popularity in Li ONE, so how to choose these two models? This paper tells you the answer by comparing the hard power of the two.

Comparison of extended range platforms: AITO-bound M5 has a longer comprehensive battery life and a smoother range extender.

AITO Interface M5 comes from Celeste pure electric drive range extension platform (DE-i), which contains a 1.5T four-cylinder range extender specially built for the range extension system. It runs very smoothly, and the maximum power generation efficiency can reach 3.2 kW h/L under the action of 41% ultra-high thermal efficiency. In terms of cruising range, the pure battery life of AITO-bound M5 under WLTC condition is 150km. Under the condition of full charge and full oil, the comprehensive battery life under WLTC condition is over 1,100 km, which is superior to all pure electric vehicles. At the same time, the fuel-and-electricity charging method can better meet the needs of users in complex usage scenarios.

Li ONE also uses the extended range platform, but the specifications and structure of the range extender are different from those of AITO M5. It uses a 1.2T three-cylinder range extender. Although the dynamic parameters are good, the inherent structure of the three cylinders is not good for the ride comfort, thus affecting the NVH performance of the whole vehicle. In terms of cruising range, Li ONE’s WLTC has a comprehensive cruising range of 890km, which is far ahead of most pure electric vehicles, although it is far from AITO’s M5, and there is no mileage anxiety.

Power system comparison: all adopt dual-motor four-wheel drive, and AITO asks M5 to accelerate faster.

AITO Interface M5 adopts a dual-motor four-wheel drive scheme, the front axle is equipped with asynchronous AC motor and the rear axle is equipped with permanent magnet synchronous motor. This combination achieves a balance between performance and energy consumption. Under the strong power output, the zero-speed acceleration time of AITO’s flagship version of M5 four-wheel drive reached 4.4 seconds, which led a number of new energy vehicles.

Li ONE also adopts the dual-motor four-wheel drive scheme, but both motors are permanent magnet synchronous motors, with the maximum power of 245kW and the maximum torque of 455N·m, which is not as radical as AITO’s M5, and the acceleration time is 6.5 seconds, which is nearly 2 seconds behind AITO’s M5. This result is also expected. After all, Li ONE is positioned as a medium-and large-sized SUV for home use, which is more suitable for the daddy crowd. Even so, the acceleration performance of Li ONE is compared with that of gasoline at the same price and the same level.

Chassis specification comparison: the lightweight of AITO interface M5 is more in place, and the front suspension is higher.

As a high-end SUV, AITO Wujie M5 adopts an all-aluminum chassis, which is not only lighter but also better in rigidity and strength than the traditional steel chassis. In terms of suspension, AITO M5 also shows sincerity. The front suspension is a double wishbone structure exclusive to luxury cars, which can better restrain the roll and control the corners steadily. The rear suspension is a multi-link structure, which has good shock absorption, can absorb the vibration caused by uneven roads and improve the ride comfort.

Li ONE is a little more expensive than AITO M5, but the chassis material is not as kind as AITO M5. Although there are some aluminum alloy components, the application scope is not wide enough. In terms of suspension, Li ONE’s front suspension is a common McPherson style, which is simple in structure, small in size and more easily accepted by manufacturers. However, the curve limit is not as high as that of the double wishbone, and the rear suspension is also a multi-link structure, so the comfort is guaranteed.

As two representative players in the field of extended-range electric vehicles, both the M5 and Li ONE of AITO have good comprehensive strength, which meets the diversified car demand of users. In terms of the comprehensive cruising range, acceleration performance and chassis specifications, the performance of AITO Jiejie M5 is even better. Considering that its price is also lower than that of Li ONE, AITO Jiejie M5 is more worthy of consumers’ choice based on the car purchase concept of "spending less money to buy a better experience".