The GWM 1.5T LEMON hybrid DHT system was consecrated as one of the “10 best engines in China 2021”on March 26th, marking a milestone in the history of Great Wall Motor (GWM). This award, which GWM has received for the eighth time, is the first that the brand has obtained thanks to a hybrid system, underlining the technology leadership in automotive innovation. Below, you'll find out why this hybrid engine has been recognized as one of the best in China and how it fits into GWM's strategy to become a “global smart technology company” by 2022 and beyond.
What is the GWM 1.5T LEMON Hybrid DHT system?
Definition and architecture
The DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) hybrid GWM 1.5T LEMON system combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a set of electric motor and a specially designed transmission to maximize efficiency. Its main components are:
- Internal combustion engine 1.5T LEMON:
- Maximum powerPower rating: about 115 kW (156 hp).
- Torque260 Nm, optimized for low and medium rpm range.
- Direct injection technologyImproves the air-fuel mixture, increasing thermal efficiency.
- Maximum powerPower rating: about 115 kW (156 hp).
- Electric motor:
- Additional powerThe engine: 80 kW (109 hp) that is coupled to the combustion engine.
- Immediate torque220 Nm, providing instantaneous acceleration without turbo lag.
- Additional powerThe engine: 80 kW (109 hp) that is coupled to the combustion engine.
- DHT transmission:
- Optimized gears to offer three driving modes: pure electric, hybrid and combustion engine.
- Stepless shifting (e-CVT)provides a smooth transition between modes and reduces mechanical losses.
- Optimized gears to offer three driving modes: pure electric, hybrid and combustion engine.
This set allows the LEMON engine automatically adjusting the power source (electric or combustion) according to the driving demand, guaranteeing average fuel consumption from 4.5 L/100 km in mixed cycle and CO₂ emissions below 100 g/km under optimal conditions.
Recognition in the “Top 10 Engines of China 2021”.”
Importance of the award
The China's “Top 10 Best Engines” Award” is awarded by a committee composed of industry experts, specialized media, and governmental entities. By 2021, the recognition of the GWM 1.5T LEMON DHT implies:
- Technical validationThe engine's performance is certified to meet stringent criteria for efficiency, performance, emissions and durability.
- Market influencereflects the acceptance and fleets, as well as the trust of experts in the management of GWM towards the electrification.
- Stimulus to innovationby awarding for the first time to a hybrid engine, the importance of technology for the sustainability in the Chinese automotive market.
This award positions GWM as one of the world's leading benchmark in hybrid solutions and opens the door to sale of electrified models in multiple regions in Asia, Europe and Latin America.
LEMON engine evolution and GWM's track record
The LEMON (Let's Efficient & intelligent MOtor) is GWM's family of engines comprising variants of turbocharging, direct injection and cylinder deactivation technologies. Since their debut in 2018, LEMON engines have accumulated several awards:
- Third “Best Engine in China” (2018, 2019 and 2020). in pure combustion categories.
- Fifth award in 2021, being eighth prize total for GWM, with emphasis on hybrid solutions.
- International recognition at auto shows in Dubai, Frankfurt and Shanghai, thanks to its efficiency and robustness.
By combining the LEMON motor with the DHT architecture, GWM capitalizes on a track record of mechanical excellence to venture into the segment of electrified vehicles, which is estimated to represent 50 % of global sales of the brand by 2025.
Advantages and key features of the GWM 1.5T LEMON hybrid DHT
Fuel efficiency and emissions reduction
- Mixed consumption:
- GWM's internal tests show an average consumption of 4.5 L/100 km, located in the top 5 % of hybrid engines in the Chinese market.
- In urban driving (WLTC cycle), fuel consumption drops to 3.8 L/100 km.
- GWM's internal tests show an average consumption of 4.5 L/100 km, located in the top 5 % of hybrid engines in the Chinese market.
- CO₂ emissions.:
- Below 100 g/km in mixed traffic conditions, complying with the standards of the China 6b and Euro 6d-temp.
- Contributes to the reduction of the carbon footprint, aligning with government policies on clean mobility.
- Below 100 g/km in mixed traffic conditions, complying with the standards of the China 6b and Euro 6d-temp.
- Pure electric mode (EV):
- To 50 km electric range with the integrated battery, sufficient for daily urban trips without consuming gasoline.
- Allows to circulate in low emission zones that limit access to conventional vehicles.
- To 50 km electric range with the integrated battery, sufficient for daily urban trips without consuming gasoline.
Performance and driving experience
- Smooth acceleration:
- The electric motor delivers 220 Nm of instantaneous torque, eliminating turbo lag and offering immediate response to the pedal.
- Combined with the 156 hp acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) is about 8.5 seconds, competitive with hybrids in higher segments.
- The electric motor delivers 220 Nm of instantaneous torque, eliminating turbo lag and offering immediate response to the pedal.
- e-CVT transmission:
- Continuous shifting with no “slipping” sensation, improving the smoothness and the comfort.
- Intelligent adjustment of the gear ratio according to the environment:
- Eco modeEfficiency: prioritizes efficiency, reducing engine revolutions and increasing the electrical load.
- Sport modePower delivery: adjusts the power delivery for a more dynamic drive, with a more energetic response from the combustion engine.
- Eco modeEfficiency: prioritizes efficiency, reducing engine revolutions and increasing the electrical load.
- Continuous shifting with no “slipping” sensation, improving the smoothness and the comfort.
- Battery recharge:
- Regenerative when braking and decelerating, recovering energy for the electric motor.
- Regenerative when braking and decelerating, recovering energy for the electric motor.
Fast charging in compatible stations (level 2), reaching 80 % of charge in 30 minutes, ideal for medium distance trips.
Durability, maintenance and operating costs
- Long life cycle:
- The combustion engine and the electrical system are subjected to durability testing of more than 1 million km in real and virtual conditions.
- Reinforced components in pistons, oil pump and cooling system reduce wear in urban and highway driving.
- The combustion engine and the electrical system are subjected to durability testing of more than 1 million km in real and virtual conditions.
- Predictive maintenance:
- Integration with the IoV platform GWM: remote diagnostics, oil change alerts, brake check and real-time battery status.
- Maintenance costs emissions reduced by 20 % compared to purely combustion engines, due to less use of the heat engine and limited brake wear (regeneration).
- Integration with the IoV platform GWM: remote diagnostics, oil change alerts, brake check and real-time battery status.
- Extended warranty:
GWM offers 5 years o 150,000 km warranty for hybrid components and combustion engine, providing greater peace of mind to the owners.
The impact of hybrid innovation on GWM's global strategy
Vision towards 2025: becoming a global smart technology company
With the recognition of the GWM 1.5T LEMON hybrid DHT system, GWM reaffirms its commitment to:
- Mass electrification:
- By 2025, GWM plans that 80 % of its global sales are new energy vehicles (NEV)including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electrics.
- Invest CNY 10 billion (USD 1.5 billion) at I+D for five years, with a focus on solid state batteries and high power chips.
- By 2025, GWM plans that 80 % of its global sales are new energy vehicles (NEV)including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electrics.
- International expansion:
- Establish local assembly plants in key markets such as Brazil, Russia and Thailand, to reduce logistics costs and benefit regional economies.
- Sign strategic alliances with technology providers (Horizon Robotics, CATL, etc.) to ensure the battery supply and chips.
- Establish local assembly plants in key markets such as Brazil, Russia and Thailand, to reduce logistics costs and benefit regional economies.
- Co-creation strategies with users:
- Implement digital platforms that enable customers to suggest improvements in the HMI interface, systems driver assistance and functions of infotainment.
- Organize pilot programs of autonomous vehicles in pilot cities in China, to validate AV (autonomous vehicles) technologies.
- Implement digital platforms that enable customers to suggest improvements in the HMI interface, systems driver assistance and functions of infotainment.
- Brand development:
- Positioning Haval, Ora, Tank and POER like leaders in innovation and quality, backed by its award history and technical reliability.
- Positioning Haval, Ora, Tank and POER like leaders in innovation and quality, backed by its award history and technical reliability.
Increase the customer loyalty through intelligent after-sales services, such as OTA updates and remote diagnostics.
Reinventing the driving experience
The integration of the DHT hybrid 1.5T LEMON is not only a technical advance, but also transforms the way in which the drivers interact with their vehicle:
- Customized driving mode:
- Allows a choice of modes Eco, Normal and Sport, The hybrid system's response is instantly adjusted.
- Design of intuitive HMI interface, which displays real-time power flow and battery status.
- Allows a choice of modes Eco, Normal and Sport, The hybrid system's response is instantly adjusted.
- Predictive driving:
- Based on navigation data and traffic conditions, the system decides whether to prioritize the electric motor or the thermal engine to maximize efficiency.
- Saving energy on uphill journeys by means of temporary use of the electric supplementary.
- Based on navigation data and traffic conditions, the system decides whether to prioritize the electric motor or the thermal engine to maximize efficiency.
- Cloud connectivity:
- The OTA updates add new functions without requiring a workshop visit; they may include improvements in the battery management or in the gear shift algorithm.
- Remote assistance servicesMaintenance notifications, service reminders and appointment schedules at Ambacar workshops.
- The OTA updates add new functions without requiring a workshop visit; they may include improvements in the battery management or in the gear shift algorithm.
With these capabilities, the DHT hybrid GWM 1.5T LEMON is presented as a intelligent engine, capable of evolving according to the user's needs and driving conditions.
GWM's electrified future: models and plans for 2022
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for new markets
By 2022 and 2023, GWM plans to launch:
- Hybrid SUVs based on LEMON DHT platforms:
- Haval H6 Hybrid with the 1.5T LEMON DHT engine, oriented to markets such as Latin America and Europa.
- ORA Good Cat Hybrid for the compact electric segment with hybrid option, targeting urban consumers.
- Haval H6 Hybrid with the 1.5T LEMON DHT engine, oriented to markets such as Latin America and Europa.
- Hybrid trucks:
- GWM POER Hybrid with intelligent 4×4 traction, combining electric and thermal torque in a reinforced chassis.
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions in POER and Tank 300, extending electric autonomy to 80 km per load.
- GWM POER Hybrid with intelligent 4×4 traction, combining electric and thermal torque in a reinforced chassis.
- Pure electric models (BEV):
- ORA Funky Cat with range up to 450 km on the WLTP cycle, aimed at users who prioritize urban mobility clean.
- Haval Shenshou EV with fast charging technology at 150 kW, completing the 80 % of battery in 30 minutes.
- ORA Funky Cat with range up to 450 km on the WLTP cycle, aimed at users who prioritize urban mobility clean.
With these introductions, GWM aspires to expand its NEV offering and meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers in multiple regions.
Expansion of local manufacturing and strategic partnerships
To support the overall electrification strategy, GWM will strengthen:
- Battery production plants in China and alliances with local cell manufacturers (e.g., CATL and SVOLT).
- Manufacturing centers in Brazil: assembly of hybrids and plug-in hybrids to supply the South American market with vehicles adapted to local conditions.
- Agreements with semiconductor suppliersSupply of chips and components for ADAS systems and digital platforms.
- Collaboration with universities and research centersjoint development of next generation architectures for autonomous and connected vehicles.
These actions not only diversify the supply chain, but also consolidate GWM's position as the important player in the global transition towards electrified mobility.
Do you want to experience the most awarded hybrid innovation of 2021? Visit your Ambacar dealer nearest you and discover the models equipped with the GWM 1.5T LEMON hybrid DHT system. Performs a test drive to feel the power and efficiency of this cutting-edge technology, and receives personalized advice to choose the hybrid vehicle that best suits your lifestyle.
Accelerate into the sustainable future with the GWM 1.5T LEMON hybrid DHT engine and drive the next generation of smart mobility!
