China's automotive industry continues to redefine what's possible in the electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) space, often introducing features that leave the American market playing catch-up. While some innovations might seem like mere novelties, others, like the new Chery Jetour G700, push the boundaries of vehicle utility in truly astonishing ways. Forget merely floating; this SUV is designed to *boat*.
Just three years ago, BYD’s YangWang U8 luxury SUV turned heads with its ability to float in water for a respectable half-hour. Now, Chery has taken this concept to an entirely new level with the Jetour G700. This isn't just a vehicle that can survive a dip; it's a plug-in hybrid SUV that comes equipped with built-in propellers, enabling it to actively navigate waterways. Marketed as the "Ark Edition," Chery emphasizes the water-crossing feature is primarily for emergency scenarios, such as flash floods. However, it undoubtedly serves as an incredible "party trick" that showcases advanced engineering.
Chery has demonstrated the G700's amphibious capabilities repeatedly, most notably during a recent publicity event where the plug-in off-roader effortlessly traversed the Minjiang River in just 10 minutes, remaining completely dry inside. The company states the SUV relies on a sophisticated gyroscopic stability system to maintain a level position while on the water. The Jetour G700, roughly the size of a Lexus GX, boasts underpinnings far removed from conventional SUVs. In a move characteristic of China’s new-energy vehicle (NEV) market, it’s powered by a robust 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of an impressive 892 horsepower and a colossal 837 pound-feet of torque. For serious off-road and potentially water-faring endeavors, three locking differentials are also on offer.
Shop Off-Road Recovery Gear on AmazonPowering this versatile machine is a substantial 34.1-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, supplied by CATL and mounted within the floor. This pack provides a respectable all-electric range of up to 62 miles on the WLTC procedure. When combined with a full tank of gasoline, Chery proudly advertises a total driving range of up to 620 miles, making the G700 a capable long-distance cruiser both on land and, if needed, on water.
Charging is equally impressive, with the 800-volt nominal voltage architecture allowing for fast-charging speeds of up to 170 kilowatts (kW). This means drivers can replenish their battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 10 minutes, a crucial feature for a vehicle designed for diverse applications. The Chery Jetour G700 Ark Edition embodies the rapid innovation coming from the Chinese automotive sector, challenging perceptions and delivering truly multi-functional vehicles that could one day become commonplace in regions prone to extreme weather or simply for adventurous spirits seeking new horizons.
Find EV Chargers on AmazonSource: insideevs.com
