At present, the automobile market has an extremely rich range of plug-in hybrid models, ranging from 100,000-class to million-class models, from national brands to BBA, and even super luxury brands, all of which have launched corresponding plug-in hybrid models. But when it comes to models that are at the forefront of technology and product capabilities, we have to look at first-tier Chinese brands, including Changan's Blue Whale iDD, BYD's DM-i, Great Wall's DHT, etc. The core selling point of these plug-in hybrid systems is that they all have ultra-long pure electric cruising range, leaving plenty of room for users' imagination in car use scenarios.
Among them, the Changan Blue Whale iDD hybrid system's multi-mode power drive can well balance low-speed fuel economy and high-speed performance. It is considered to be a relatively comprehensive plug-in hybrid system at present. Is this true?
The secret of fuel saving and performance
First of all, the structure of Changan Blue Whale iDD hybrid system is not as complicated as imagined. In fact, a high-speed motor is added between the engine and transmission . At the same time, the transmission is also upgraded to a three-clutch electric drive transmission, which can control the engine to drive alone or the motor to drive alone, or the engine and motor to drive the vehicle together.
Therefore, in terms of system structure, the Changan Blue Whale iDD hybrid system can achieve multiple modes of driving. For example, in the starting stage, the motor can directly drive the vehicle to achieve rapid and energy-saving start-up. For example, during rapid acceleration, the Blue Whale iDD hybrid system can drive the vehicle through the engine and motor together, thus ensuring sufficient explosive power.
Thanks to this, the initial acceleration of Blue Whale iDD can reach 0.6g. The fastest acceleration time of UNI-K iDD equipped with Blue Whale iDD is only 8.1 seconds, and the top speed easily exceeds 200km/h. Users can easily cope with scenes such as starting at traffic lights and driving at high speeds in daily life.
Even when coasting or running out of power, the Blue Whale iDD hybrid system can drive the motor through the engine to charge the battery, further achieving an efficient and energy-saving travel experience. Data shows that the NEDC comprehensive fuel consumption of UNI-K iDD is only 0.8L/100km, and the fuel consumption when running out of electricity is as low as 5L/100km. Whether you are commuting in the city or traveling long distances on weekends, the journey will become simple, comfortable and anxiety-free.
From this point of view, the Changan Blue Whale iDD hybrid system can indeed take into account low-speed fuel economy and high-speed performance, and can achieve efficient driving under various road conditions, including hill climbing and long-distance power shortage without power attenuation. In my personal opinion, the structure of this system is important, but the core advantage is still the hardware that makes up the system itself.
Among them, the Blue Whale NE1.5T hybrid-specific engine cancels the front-end gear train and adopts Miller cycle technology to ensure high efficiency. It also retains the mature AGILE agile combustion system and intelligent lubrication system and other technologies. It can also be understood that this hybrid-specific engine will be completely tilted towards economy, further achieving the ultimate in low energy consumption, and achieving better power response and explosive power than ordinary fuel vehicles through joint drive with the electric motor. Moreover, the motor equipped with the Blue Whale iDD hybrid system also applies S-winding winding technology, motor oil-water composite cooling technology, IGBT double-sided cooling and other technologies, which have been well optimized in terms of power, economy, and reliability. The above-mentioned blessings of many of the leading technologies of the Blue Whale NE platform are the guarantee for a happy trip.
The Blue Whale three-clutch electric drive transmission independently developed by Changan has three major characteristics: high efficiency, high integration, and high compatibility. Moreover, the technical route of this kind of gearbox is relatively mature, and it is also used in some high-end models. The maximum transmission efficiency of the entire system reaches 97%, and the maximum comprehensive torque of the system can reach 590N·m, allowing drivers to fear various road conditions.
Next is the 30.74kWh large-capacity battery pack equipped with UNI-K iDD, which can achieve a pure electric range of 130km, allowing low-cost travel in more car use scenarios.At the same time, all UNI-K iDD models are equipped with 6.6kW AC charging as standard, and the external discharge power is 3.3kW. Nowadays, outdoor camping activities are popular, which can meet the diverse entertainment needs of outdoor karaoke, cooking, watching movies, etc. Isn’t the picture particularly strong? The actual test of
gave me a great surprise.
says nothing, but actual test is the way to go! Recently, we tested the driving performance of Changan UNI-K iDD equipped with the Blue Whale iDD hybrid system at the Dianjiang proving ground in Chongqing, and also conducted some relatively difficult challenges. First of all, the low-speed state should be the best to understand. In most cases, it is driven by an electric motor. The direct and rapid power response and the smooth and delicate feeling when the vehicle starts are still incomparable to many current fuel vehicles compared with electric vehicles or hybrid models. This has been clearly experienced in scenes such as parking and moving the vehicle.
In order to more intuitively experience the low-torque performance of Changan UNI-K iDD, we also challenged the 30% and 40% slopes, especially the 40% slope, which requires high power for the vehicle. However, Changan UNI-K iDD overcame its own vehicle weight and friction resistance and easily passed by relying on the strong low-torque output. This is enough to prove that the power advantages brought by the Blue Whale iDD hybrid system can allow users to easily cope with various complex travel scenarios.
The second is high-speed working conditions. UNI-K iDD can realize HEV hybrid operation in all gears, continuously output large torque, and can still maintain a relatively sufficient power reserve at 80-120Km/h. The power performance does not decay under high-speed working conditions or power shortage. As for the top speed condition, it is also rarely used in daily cars. We drove the vehicle at the Dianjiang proving ground. From start to 200km/h, the whole process was very easy. The abundant power reserve makes it easy to challenge the top speed. The power performance can maintain an excellent level in the full speed range. This is also one of the advantages of the Changan Blue Whale iDD hybrid system that distinguishes it from other plug-in hybrid systems.
The car usage scene is full of imagination
In addition to the actual testing or challenges of the power system, there is another challenge that impressed me deeply - the driver drove the vehicle through the rough road, and I sat in the back row of the car to challenge the maze ball. Of course, this challenge is also a test for the smooth power output of the vehicle, but in fact it requires higher stability of the vehicle body. After the challenge started, I was pleasantly surprised by the power smoothness of Changan UNI-K iDD and the vibration filtering effect of the chassis. The stable balance of the car body is the basis for comfortable and safe travel.
In addition, the entire NVH performance is also worthy of recognition. First of all, the engine noise is not obvious or almost non-existent at full speed, and the sound insulation materials used in the whole vehicle are also very kind. The whole vehicle gives people a very strong texture, and it has the flavor of a luxury brand. Compared with entry-level luxury brands, Changan UNI-K iDD's smart and luxurious configuration also has obvious advantages. Such a mobile space will become another living space for users.
In addition, the avant-garde interior design of UNI-K iDD also gives us a very strong visual impact. A series of high-definition screen applications also give the entire cabin a sense of technology. In particular, the fighter jet cockpit-like instruments and two-spoke steering wheel are very avant-garde and bold in my opinion. The interior is covered in leather in many places, and the blue and white interior color scheme also looks more refined.
But for me personally, the most attractive thing about Changan UNI-K iDD in terms of car experience is actually the 30.74kWh large-capacity battery pack. While ensuring ultra-long battery life, more power will bring more possibilities to users' travels. Not only can they directly use electricity for daily short-distance travel, saving a lot of money, but they can also use electricity to do whatever they want when camping outdoors. For the challenge, I and several partners used UNI-K The 3.3kW external discharge function of iDD is equipped to make coffee, French fries, and chat about life... The Blue Whale iDD hybrid system can really bring a zero-anxiety life outdoors.
Finally:
Many people think that the plug-in hybrid model is just a transitional product, but this is absolutely not the case. Major manufacturers like Changan definitely have the ability to directly produce electric vehicles, and they have already done so.The significance of the existence of the Blue Whale iDD hybrid system is not just for a green card. It is one of Changan Automobile's technologies that aims to improve the power experience of Chinese users and save energy consumption. It is also one of the results of Blue Whale Power's comprehensive embrace of electrification. It is also to truly cover more car use scenarios and bring more user-car life experiences that ordinary models cannot provide
