Ford's "power split" hybrid technology has been available since it was licensed by Toyota in 2004. This time, Ford finally took it out of the "arsenal" in the snow. In a word, it was not easy. We can also see how conservative the decision-making mechanism of a joint venture used to be in the face of the rapid and turbulent market environment.

According to Changan Ford's plan, the new seven-seat SUV Ruijie L will take the lead in carrying this integrated Ford EcoBoost ® The new hybrid system of engine technology and "power split" technology matches the high-efficiency and lightweight three-electric system to realize the "high-quality" balance between power and fuel consumption.

Compared with the current Ruijie PLUS, the fuel consumption of Ruijie L is reduced by about 25%, the fuel consumption of WLTC is reduced to 6.31 liters per 100 kilometers, and the fuel range of a tank is more than 1000 kilometers. According to the needs of family travel, Chang'an Ford has designated it as "the magic weapon of family travel".

At the technology sharing meeting of Changan Ford on February 13, we got a more detailed understanding of the technology of this hybrid system.

Speaking of power splitting technology, in fact, a planetary gear mechanism is used to couple the engine and generator, so as to achieve power splitting at the input end of power. The optimal efficiency of the engine and motor is accurately calculated by the vehicle control system VCU, and the optimal power output mode is automatically matched, so that the entire hybrid system can always operate in the range of optimal comprehensive efficiency.

This set of "power split" hybrid technology uses highly integrated electric drive systems such as efficient high-speed flat line oil-cooled dual motors, electric controllers, and highly integrated, lightweight, and low-nickel ternary lithium water-cooled battery packs. It can easily cope with whether it is schedule commuting or cross-city long-distance. A box of oil can "see the mountains and the sea". It avoids the dilemma of looking for charging piles everywhere and realizes zero anxiety in the car use scenario.

As we know, the industry said before that "there are only two kinds of hybrid vehicles, Toyota and others". However, Toyota's THS hybrid system has sacrificed some power performance, which is a great pity. On the basis of this system, Ford has taken another performance route.

Through the fifth generation of EcoBoost engine technology, it has achieved lean improvement in the four dimensions of power, fuel consumption, emissions and NVH. The fifth generation of 2.0T EcoBoost ® The double-vortex turbocharged direct-injection engine has a rated power of 202kW and a maximum torque of 405 N · m. It can achieve full speed range and full scene burst of power.

While breaking the current situation of fuel-efficient but generally "insufficient performance" in the hybrid market, the 5th generation 2.0T EcoBoost ® The double-vortex turbocharged direct-injection engine adopts the same stringent test standards. The duration of structural fatigue durability test, cold and hot impact durability test and system durability test is far more than 1000 hours, ensuring the safety and reliability of the engine in the whole service cycle.

Under the powerful power system, as a large seven-seat SUV with a length of 5 meters and a wheelbase of nearly 3 meters, Ruijie L can achieve zero acceleration of 7.1 seconds and match the intelligent electric control mechanical four-wheel drive system with millisecond switching. It can really go to "poetry and distance" without anxiety.

In terms of motors, the new low-nickel NCM111 ternary lithium battery has low thermal diffusion risk and long service life; The integrated high-efficiency water-cooling system with advanced technology provides efficient heat dissipation performance. Highly integrated, the battery pack is smaller, lighter and easier to assemble.

In terms of the safety of the battery, the normal and safe operation of the battery under extreme conditions can be guaranteed through many rigorous tests that exceed the national standards, such as overcharge, acupuncture, seawater immersion, salt spray, drop, high and low temperature impact, and cycle life. In addition, Changan Ford has improved the safety and durability of the whole hybrid system with all-round three-dimensional protection from the multi-dimensional protection of research and development, production and manufacturing, and experimental testing.

Changan Ford is full of confidence this time. The official also said that Ruijie L can provide users with the driving pleasure within reach, with both fuel economy and strong power. It can guarantee the normal use of the system under various extreme conditions and improve the safety and durability of the system by far exceeding the national standard quality standards. This is also because Chinese consumers are the most fastidious. On the basis of the demand for low fuel consumption, there is also the demand for high-quality travel with strong power, high safety and high driving interest.

As far as I know, the launch of Ruijie L, in fact, Changan Ford has been struggling for a long time about whether to launch the fuel version or the hybrid version first. My suggestion is to go directly to mix. According to the consistent decision-making mechanism and the meaning of Ford headquarters, it must be done step by step.

However, the Chinese market will not give any "tortoise speed" car companies an opportunity at all. Therefore, the hybrid technology sharing meeting before the appearance of Ruijie L shows that the Changan Ford team has significantly improved its sensitivity to the market, which is a good sign.

In terms of the overall situation, according to the "Road Map 2.0 of Energy Saving and New Energy Vehicle Technology" released by the China Society of Automotive Engineering, the sales of hybrid passenger vehicles are expected to be 10.75 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 74.7% from 2021 to 2025.

By 2035, all passenger cars powered by traditional energy will be replaced by hybrid vehicles, and the annual sales of energy-saving vehicles and new energy vehicles will each account for half. In fact, the hybrid model has entered the explosive period in 2022, and this time node will surely be advanced.

As for Ruijie L, who came from "catch up with the evening", there are not many competitors at this price level except for Hanlanda and Ideal L7, so as long as the price is competitive, it can still compete with one of them. After all, Ford has accumulated huge advantages in the era of fuel, and it is still very "able to fight". Of course, Changan Ford also hopes to stabilize its position and wait for an opportunity to fight back in the "bayonet hit" market in 2023 through the launch of this car.