Category: Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV
PHEV vs EV: Which Fits South Africa Better?
Posted by Group1 Chery on 09 Jun 2026
PHEV vs EV in South Africa – Which Makes More Sense?
South Africa’s electric vehicle market is growing steadily, with more motorists exploring alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. From lower running costs to reduced emissions, electrified motoring is becoming increasingly attractive – but for many South Africans, fully electric vehicles (EVs) still come with practical concerns.
Questions around charging infrastructure, long-distance travel and everyday usability continue to influence buying decisions. While EV technology is advancing rapidly, South African driving conditions and infrastructure realities mean many motorists are looking for a solution that offers both efficiency and flexibility.
This is where plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) enter the conversation.
Offering a combination of electric driving and petrol-powered backup, PHEVs provide a middle ground between conventional vehicles and full EVs. For many local drivers, this balance may make more sense right now.
Electric Vehicle Adoption Remains Slow
There is no doubt that interest in electric vehicles is increasing in South Africa. More manufacturers are introducing EVs to the local market, while charging infrastructure continues to expand in major cities and along selected national routes.
At the same time, consumer awareness around fuel efficiency and environmentally conscious driving is also growing. According to recent industry reports, South Africans are paying far more attention to alternative-energy vehicles than they did just a few years ago.
Despite this growing interest, EVs still represent a relatively small percentage of overall vehicle sales in South Africa.
One of the main reasons is practicality. While many motorists like the idea of driving an EV, questions about charging accessibility, travel range, and ownership convenience remain important considerations.
For drivers who regularly travel long distances, live in apartments or do not have access to home charging, making the switch to a fully electric vehicle can still feel like a significant lifestyle adjustment.
What Is the Difference Between an EV and a Plug-In Hybrid?
When comparing a PHEV vs EV, the biggest difference comes down to how the vehicle is powered.
An electric vehicle (EV) runs entirely on electricity. It uses a battery-powered electric motor and must be charged to operate. EVs do not have a petrol engine or fuel tank.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), on the other hand, combines an electric motor and battery with a traditional petrol engine. The battery can be charged externally, similar to an EV, but the petrol engine acts as a backup power source when needed.
In simple terms:
- An EV relies completely on the charging infrastructure.
- A PHEV can drive on electric power for shorter trips while still offering petrol-powered flexibility for longer journeys.
For many South African motorists, this combination can make electrified driving feel more accessible and practical.
The South African Reality: Why Infrastructure Still Matters
Although South Africa’s EV charging network is improving, infrastructure remains one of the biggest factors influencing adoption.
Charging Access
Not every motorist can install a home charging solution. Drivers living in sectional title properties, apartment complexes or rental accommodation may face limitations when it comes to charging convenience. For homeowners with private parking, overnight charging is often manageable. However, this is not yet a realistic solution for everyone.
Apartment Living
Urban apartment living presents additional challenges for EV ownership. Shared parking spaces and limited electrical infrastructure can make charging difficult or impractical for many residents. As a result, some motorists remain hesitant to rely entirely on battery-powered driving.
Long-Distance Travel
South Africans frequently travel long distances between provinces and cities. While national charging networks continue to expand, certain routes still offer limited charging availability compared to more developed EV markets overseas. For drivers who regularly road-trip between destinations such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban or smaller regional towns, charging logistics can still require careful planning.
Rural Travel
Charging infrastructure remains concentrated around major metropolitan areas and key travel corridors. Rural towns and remote destinations often have fewer charging options available. For motorists who need flexibility beyond urban centres, this can influence whether a full EV currently feels practical for their lifestyle.
Why Plug-In Hybrids Are Becoming an Attractive Alternative
As the local market evolves, plug-in hybrid South Africa demand is increasing because PHEVs address many of the concerns that motorists still have around fully electric vehicles.
Electric Driving for Daily Commuting
Many PHEVs can complete shorter daily commutes primarily using electric power. This means drivers may be able to significantly reduce fuel usage during weekday driving, especially in city environments.
For motorists with access to charging at home or work, this creates an efficient everyday driving experience without relying entirely on public infrastructure.
Petrol Backup for Longer Trips
One of the biggest advantages of a PHEV that South African drivers appreciate is flexibility. When the battery charge runs low, the petrol engine takes over seamlessly. This means motorists can continue travelling without needing to stop and charge immediately.
For long-distance driving and cross-country travel, this removes much of the uncertainty some buyers associate with full EV ownership.
Reduced Fuel Consumption
When charged regularly, plug-in hybrids can help reduce overall fuel consumption considerably compared to traditional petrol vehicles.
Drivers still benefit from electric efficiency while maintaining the convenience of a petrol-powered backup system.
Easier Transition Into Electrified Motoring
For many motorists, a PHEV offers a gentler introduction to electrified driving. There is no need to completely change driving habits or depend solely on charging infrastructure. Instead, drivers can gradually adapt to electric driving while retaining the familiarity and convenience of a conventional engine.
How Chery’s Super Hybrid Technology Fits Into This Picture
As demand for electrified vehicles grows, Chery’s hybrid offerings in South Africa are expanding to meet changing consumer needs.
Chery’s latest Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) technology combines electric efficiency with the practicality South African motorists often require. Models such as the Tiggo 7 CSH, Tiggo 8 CSH and Tiggo 9 CSH reflect the brand’s investment in hybrid mobility and next-generation powertrains.
Rather than focusing purely on all-electric driving, these vehicles are designed to deliver:
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Strong combined driving ranges
- Everyday usability
- Enhanced performance from hybrid-assisted power delivery
The Tiggo 7 CSH, for example, offers an all-electric driving range suited to many daily commutes while still providing petrol-powered support for longer journeys.
This balanced approach positions plug-in hybrid SUV South Africa options like the Chery lineup as practical solutions for motorists who want the benefits of electrified driving without compromising flexibility.
EV vs PHEV in South Africa
|
Feature |
EV |
PHEV |
|
Runs on electricity only |
Yes |
No |
|
Petrol backup |
No |
Yes |
|
Requires charging |
Yes |
Recommended |
|
Long-distance flexibility |
Moderate |
Excellent |
|
Range anxiety |
Possible |
Minimal |
|
Fuel usage |
None |
Low |
|
Best for urban driving |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
Best for mixed-use driving |
Good |
Excellent |
Which Type of Driver Is Best Suited to a PHEV?
Both EVs and PHEVs have advantages, but each tends to suit different driving habits and lifestyles.
Ideal PHEV Buyer
A plug-in hybrid may suit motorists who:
- Commute in urban areas during the week
- Travel longer distances regularly
- Want lower fuel consumption without relying fully on charging
- Prefer flexibility for road trips
- Have access to occasional home or workplace charging
Family buyers and frequent travellers may especially appreciate the balance a PHEV offers.
Ideal EV Buyer
A fully electric vehicle may suit motorists who:
- Primarily drive within urban environments
- Have predictable daily travel distances
- Have reliable access to home or workplace charging
- Want a fully electric driving experience
As charging infrastructure expands further, EV ownership will likely become more practical for a wider range of South African drivers.
Will EVs Eventually Overtake PHEVs?
Globally, EV adoption continues to grow rapidly. Battery technology is improving, charging networks are expanding, and manufacturers are investing heavily in fully electric mobility.
South Africa is also moving in this direction, although infrastructure development and market adoption may still take time to mature fully.
For now, many motorists may find that hybrid vs electric car South Africa comparisons favour plug-in hybrids for day-to-day practicality.
PHEVs offer a balance between efficiency, convenience and flexibility that aligns well with current local conditions – especially for drivers who are not yet ready to rely entirely on charging infrastructure.
That does not mean EVs are not the future. Instead, it highlights the reality that different technologies can serve different needs during South Africa’s transition toward electrified mobility.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between a PHEV and an EV?
An EV runs entirely on electricity and must be charged to operate. A PHEV combines an electric motor with a petrol engine, allowing it to drive using both electricity and fuel.
Are Plug-In Hybrids Better Than Electric Cars in South Africa?
Not necessarily better – but for some South African motorists, plug-in hybrids may currently offer greater practicality due to charging infrastructure and long-distance travel requirements.
Can a Plug-In Hybrid Run Without Charging?
Yes. If the battery is depleted, the petrol engine can continue powering the vehicle.
How Far Can a Chery PHEV Travel on Electric Power?
The electric-only driving range depends on the specific model and driving conditions. The Tiggo 7 CSH offers an electric driving range designed to support many daily commutes.
Is a Plug-In Hybrid Suitable for Long-Distance Driving?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of a PHEV is the ability to switch to petrol power for extended journeys.
What Is Chery Super Hybrid Technology?
Chery Super Hybrid technology combines electric and petrol-powered driving systems to improve efficiency, performance and flexibility.
Are Charging Stations Common in South Africa?
Charging infrastructure is growing, particularly in major cities and along key travel routes, but coverage is still developing in some areas.
Should I Buy an EV or a PHEV?
The right choice depends on your driving habits, charging access and travel requirements. Urban drivers with reliable access to charging may prefer EVs, while motorists seeking greater flexibility may find PHEVs more practical.
So Does a Hybrid Make More Sense?
As South Africa’s automotive landscape evolves, motorists now have more options than ever before.
While fully electric vehicles continue to gain traction, plug-in hybrids currently provide a practical middle ground for many local drivers. They offer the benefits of electric driving, reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions while still delivering the convenience and confidence of petrol-powered backup.
For motorists navigating the shift toward electrified mobility, PHEVs may represent one of the most sensible stepping stones available today.
With models like the Tiggo 7 CSH, Tiggo 8 CSH and Tiggo 9 CSH, Chery is helping expand those options for South African buyers looking for a balance between innovation, efficiency and everyday usability.
The post PHEV vs EV: Which Fits South Africa Better? appeared first on Group1 Chery.
Chery’s Double Semi-Final Achievement In The 2026 SA COTY Competition
Posted by Group1 Chery on 15 Jan 2026
Chery’s Double Semi-Final Achievement In The 2026 SA COTY Competition
Chery South Africa has secured two semi-finalist positions in the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, with both the Tiggo 7 CSH and the flagship Tiggo 9 moving on to the next round. This dual recognition marks an important step for the brand as it continues to expand its footprint in South Africa’s highly competitive SUV market.
In a market long dominated by legacy brands, seeing two Chery SUVs reach the semi-finals of the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition is a moment worth noting. Driven by an expanding SUV lineup, including several new hybrid models, the brand is steadily raising its local profile.
It’s a sign that Chery is being taken seriously, and in a crowded SUV segment, that’s no small feat.
Both models employ Chery’s CSH plug-in hybrid system, reflecting growing trust in hybrid technology and showcasing the brand’s ability to deliver efficient, high-performing, and affordable electrified SUVs across multiple price points. CSH technology combines electric power with petrol efficiency and is preferred for long-distance capability, fuel economy, and reliable performance.
What Is The COTY Evaluation Process Like?
The South African Car of the Year competition operates through structured, multi-stage assessment by experienced automotive journalists. The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), now in its 40th year since inception in 1986, evaluates vehicles across performance, safety, value proposition, build quality, and real-world usability.
For the 2026 awards, 55 vehicles met the entry requirements, creating one of the most diverse fields in recent years. Of these, 30 models were selected as semi-finalists and will be reviewed further in the next judging phase.
Reaching the semi-final stage indicates that independent judges have measured these vehicles against their direct competitors and found them worthy of continued assessment. In the case of the Tiggo 7 CSH and Tiggo 9, it confirms that both models demonstrated the capability and balance required to progress alongside established names in their respective segments.
“We see this recognition as proof that our electrified strategy is on the right track. More people are exploring electrified options, but they still want dependable long-distance capability,” said Verene Petersen, National Marketing & Communications Manager at Chery South Africa.
For car shoppers, semi-finalist status indicates that these vehicles are reliable, well-built options worth considering when exploring SUV choices for 2026 and beyond.
Chery’s Growing Presence In South Africa
Chinese automotive brands have steadily gained ground in South Africa, and Chery has become a leading presence with its Tiggo SUV range. Throughout 2025, the brand recorded consistent growth, supported by an expanding lineup, new hybrid models, and the introduction of the range-topping Tiggo 9.
This growth is reflected in sales. The Chery Tiggo 4 was the fourth best-selling passenger car in South Africa in 2025, making it the most popular Chinese model in the country.
Backed by a global research and development network, Chery continues to improve hybrid performance and efficiency across its SUV range. Recognition as a 2026 SA Car of the Year semi-finalist further highlights the brand’s engineering maturity.
Chery’s Semi-Finalists: Tiggo 7 CSH And Tiggo 9
Let’s take a closer look at the two Chery models that reached the semi-final stage.
Chery Tiggo 7 CSH (PHEV)
The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, one of the most attainable plug-in hybrid SUVs, combines a striking, modern exterior with a spacious, well-appointed interior. Its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor delivers 265 kW, an electric-only range of up to 90 km, and a combined range of 1,200 km.
The SUV is thoughtfully equipped with advanced safety systems, premium comfort features, and cutting-edge technology, making it a compelling choice in the mid-size hybrid SUV segment.
Chery Tiggo 9 (PHEV)
The Chery Tiggo 9 is Chery’s flagship seven-seater SUV in Mzansi. Designed to offer space, comfort, and advanced safety for families, the Tiggo 9 also delivers luxury and performance typically expected from higher-priced SUVs.
It is offered with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, both powered by the 1.5-litre turbo petrol-electric powertrain.
- The FWD Pinnacle produces 280 kW and 610 Nm of torque.
- The AWD Vanguard, with three electric motors, delivers 455 kW and 920 Nm.
Both variants use an 8-speed automatic transmission, achieving fuel consumption of just 1.5 L/100 km (Pinnacle) and 1.4 L/100 km (Vanguard), with a combined petrol-electric range of up to 1,400 km. The Tiggo 9 Pro PHEV boasts impressive dimensions and a long list of premium features, all for less than a million Rand.
What Happens Next?
The COTY process continues, with category winners and the overall 2026 South African Car of the Year set to be announced in May. For buyers comparing SUVs across segments, this recognition offers a strong reason to include Chery on the shortlist.
Experience the Tiggo 7 CSH and Tiggo 9 for yourself by booking a test drive at your nearest Group1 Chery dealership and see how these semi-finalists fit your driving needs.
The post Chery’s Double Semi-Final Achievement In The 2026 SA COTY Competition appeared first on Group1 Chery.
Crash-Tested And Found Incredibly Efficient: The Chery Tiggo 9
Posted by Group1 Chery on 27 Nov 2025
Chery Tiggo 9 Safety Performance and Hybrid Efficiency
The Chery Tiggo 9 is Chery’s flagship seven-seater SUV in Mzansi, and it has already been thrown into some serious real-world tests. Instead of relying on lab simulations and brochure talk, Chery and local motoring media have put this big family SUV through a staged crash, an in-depth road test, and a marathon economy run.
For families weighing up the Chery Tiggo 9 South Africa as their next 7 Seater Hybrid SUV South Africa, these stories give genuine local proof of how it copes with our roads, distances, and traffic.
In this article, we unpack what those tests mean for South African buyers and how you can experience the Tiggo 9 at Group1 Chery.
Tiggo 9 Crash Test Story
In August 2025, Chery South Africa lined up two Tiggo 9 SUVs at a test venue and drove them into each other in a 50 percent offset head-on impact at 50 km/h. This is the kind of frightening accident that can happen when a driver drifts over the centre line on a typical two-lane road, so it is very relevant to local conditions.
High-speed footage and post-impact inspections showed that the passenger cells of both vehicles stayed intact, with no visible deformation of the key roof and door pillars.
All the doors could still be opened, the fuel systems remained sealed, and the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners worked as intended. Under the skin, the body makes extensive use of high-strength steel and engineered crumple zones to absorb and route the crash energy away from the cabin.
Motoring journalists pointed out that this kind of public demo is a brave move because any structural failure would have been there on camera for everyone to see. Instead, it became a confidence builder. Even before an official Tiggo 9 Safety Rating from the usual independent bodies arrives, South Africans have already watched this SUV walk away from a realistic worst-case scenario.
If you are carrying a full load of passengers on a busy highway, it matters that your vehicle has already been pushed close to the limit in a controlled environment.
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More About Tiggo 9 Safety Tech
The crash test is backed up by some serious safety engineering. Chery’s flagship SUV uses a body with a very high proportion of high-strength steel, designed to channel impact forces around the cabin rather than through it, and offers up to 10 airbags in certain derivatives to create a protective bubble for everyone on board.
On the active safety side, you get driver assistance features that are designed to step in before things go wrong. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking can warn you and even brake if a potential impact is detected ahead.
Lane keeping systems help nudge the car back if you drift, while blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alerts keep an eye on areas you cannot easily see. A clever 540-degree camera gives a full view around and even under the car, ideal for tight parking garages or rough gravel roads.
Whether you look at a petrol version or the Chery Tiggo 9 Hybrid, the safety story is the same, namely a rigid shell, clever restraint systems, and tech that helps you avoid trouble in the first place.
Chery Tiggo 9 Safety Performance and Hybrid Efficiency
Tiggo 9 CSH Road Test
Of course, safety is only one part of the picture. When The Citizen tested the range-topping Tiggo 9 CSH Vanguard AWD, the focus was on whether this big seven-seater feels as strong on the road as it looks on paper.
Here, the plug-in hybrid system delivers serious numbers. In top specification, the All Wheel Drive hybrid setup produces around 455 kW and 920 Nm, which is enough to hustle this large SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.3 seconds before it runs into its electronic limiter at 190 km/h. Reviewers described it as properly quick for a big family vehicle, with effortless overtaking power.
At the same time, they noted that the cabin stays plush and quiet, with a premium feel, big screens, ambient lighting, and that smooth, near-silent electric running at lower speeds. In everyday life, it means you can load up the kids, luggage and padkos, and still have easy performance in reserve when you need to merge or pass.
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One-Tank Challenge Results
To see what happens when you stretch things out, TopGear SA took a Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV on an epic one-tank run from Gauteng to the southern tip of the country. The goal was to see how far a big hybrid SUV could travel in real South African conditions without refuelling.
By the time the tank and battery finally gave up, the odometer showed around 1,374 kilometres covered on a single fill, beating Chery’s own claimed maximum by a useful margin. The route included traffic, climbs, descents, fatigue, and all the usual challenges that make long-distance driving in South Africa such a unique test.
Your real-world Tiggo 9 Fuel Consumption will always depend on how often you charge, how heavy your right foot is, how many people and bags you are carrying, and the terrain you drive. Even so, that one tank run shows what is possible when the hybrid system and careful driving work together.
Tiggo 9 Line-Up In SA
Here in South Africa, buyers can choose between plug-in hybrid and petrol-only derivatives.
On the hybrid side, the Pinnacle front wheel drive model pairs a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine with electric motors for a combined output of 280 kW and 610 Nm, while the Vanguard all wheel drive model steps things up to 455 kW and 920 Nm. Both are seven-seaters with a claimed combined petrol-electric range of around 1,400 kilometres when everything is working in your favour.
There are also 2.0 litre turbo petrol versions that deliver 187 kW and 390 Nm, teamed with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and either front or All Wheel Drive, for buyers who prefer a traditional setup. Across the lineup up you get a spacious three-row cabin, generous luggage room with the rear seats folded, and plenty of tech inside to keep everyone connected and comfortable.
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Chery Tiggo 9 Safety Performance and Hybrid Efficiency
What It Means For SA SUV Buyers
For South African SUV shoppers, all of this adds up to some clear benefits:
- Proven real-world crash performance with an intact cabin and working restraint systems after a staged offset head-on.
- A high-strength body and advanced driver assistance features that are designed around accident avoidance.
- Serious hybrid power with performance figures that put it in the company of premium performance SUVs.
- Long-distance capability that shows how far a big family SUV can travel when the hybrid tech is used properly.
- A premium, seven-seat interior with space, comfort, and plenty of gadgets for everyday family life and long holiday trips.
If you have wondered whether the Tiggo 9 is all talk and big numbers, these South African tests suggest it is a genuinely capable, safe, and efficient large SUV in the real world.
Experience Tiggo 9 At Group1 Chery
Group1 Chery is ready to help you experience this flagship for yourself, whether you are curious about the plug-in hybrid derivatives or keen to explore the petrol models. Our team can talk you through the different specs, help you compare options, and structure finance that works for your budget.
Book a Chery Tiggo 9 ICE or PHEV test drive at your nearest Group1 Chery dealership, or get in touch online to chat to our team. And keep an eye on the Group1 Chery blog for up-to-date and interesting Chery news as this exciting brand continues to evolve in South Africa.
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