Chery is preparing to replace its plug-in hybrid SUVs with range-extender electric vehicles in markets with tough emissions rules, and Australia could follow from around 2028. A Chery spokesperson discussed the plan with Australian media at the company's headquarters in Wuhu, China, on 30 October 2026, saying the brand sees range extenders as a long-term replacement for both hybrids and plug-in hybrids in selected markets.
No model, launch date or price has been confirmed for Australia. Europe is first in line, from 2027, and Chery's local move would depend on how that transition goes and how quickly Australia's emissions targets bite.
What is changing
Chery currently sells plug-in hybrids in Australia under its Super Hybrid banner, including the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid. In those cars the petrol engine can drive the wheels directly.
A range-extender EV works differently. The wheels are always driven by electric motors, and a small petrol engine only runs as a generator to top up the battery. Range extenders usually carry bigger batteries than plug-in hybrids, so they cover more distance on electricity alone and can return much lower official CO2 figures. Our guide to range extenders versus plug-in hybrids explains the trade-offs in more detail.
Chery is developing range-extender versions of the latest Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8. They will go on sale in China first, alongside the existing petrol and Super Hybrid versions. Chery says the setup feels closer to an EV under acceleration than its current hybrids, but it has not published official efficiency or emissions figures.
Why Europe goes first
New European testing rules assume plug-in hybrid owners recharge less often than before, which has pushed up official CO2 ratings. The Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid's European rating rose from 19g/km to 54g/km under the change, enough to move it into a higher tax band in some countries, and the assumptions tighten again in 2027.
Why Australia could follow
Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard sets fleet-average CO2 limits that fall every year. Chery's spokesperson said plug-in hybrids are not yet a problem under the local scheme, but the steeper targets later this decade will force the brand to consider the switch.
| Year | Passenger cars and SUVs, type 1 | Utes and heavier SUVs, type 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 117g/km | 180g/km |
| 2027 | 92g/km | 150g/km |
| 2028 | 68g/km | 122g/km |
| 2029 | 58g/km | 110g/km |
Headline limits from the NVES Regulator. Each brand's actual target is adjusted for vehicle mass.
For comparison, the Australian Tiggo 7 is rated at 158g/km in petrol form and 33g/km as a plug-in hybrid. A range extender with a lower rating would earn Chery extra credits to offset its petrol models.
Plug-in hybrids will not disappear
Chery does not plan to drop plug-in hybrids entirely. The upcoming Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid ute keeps a layout where the engine can drive the wheels, which suits off-road and towing use. If the European rollout works, Chery's local range could settle into electric cars for city buyers, range extenders for long-distance drivers and a few plug-in hybrids for genuine four-wheel-drive needs.
Its electric line-up is growing too, with the E5 SUV to be joined by the smaller Chery Q.
What it means for buyers now
Nothing changes in showrooms yet. The Tiggo Super Hybrid models remain on sale with their current warranty and pricing, and any range-extender replacement is still years away and unconfirmed for Australia. Buyers weighing a Chery plug-in hybrid today should judge it on its current price, electric range and running costs.