In a bold move that signals both ambition and adaptability, Chinese automotive giant Chery has launched its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in South Africa—marking a significant step in its African expansion strategy.
The company unveiled the Omoda C9 and Jaecoo J7 Super Hybrid SUVs at a stylish event in Muldersdrift, just outside Johannesburg. These launches are more than just new models; they are a statement of intent.
“This is the first time that Omoda and Jaecoo have launched plug-in hybrids for the local or the African market,” said Hans Greyling, General Manager of Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa.
“The move really is because that’s the way technology is going—you get the best of both worlds.”
The Omoda C9, priced at R999,000 (~$56,275), is equipped with a 34.5 kWh battery, offering an all-electric range of up to 150 kilometers—ideal for city commuting.
Yet its real-world advantage lies in its combined range of 1,100 kilometers, blending battery power with fuel efficiency to address one of the major challenges in South Africa’s EV landscape: limited charging infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Jaecoo J7 Super Hybrid, priced more accessibly at R689,900, integrates what Chery calls a “super hybrid” system designed for dynamic, fuel-efficient driving in urban and rural settings alike.
South Africa, the continent’s largest automotive market, is fast becoming a battleground for next-gen mobility. Sales of electric and hybrid vehicles have been on the rise, though full EV adoption remains stymied by infrastructure challenges and affordability concerns.
Chery’s entry into the hybrid segment is a savvy response to these market conditions—and they’re not alone. Other Chinese automakers like BYD, GWM, and GAC are also actively pushing into African markets, each bringing their own flavor of electrified innovation.
But Chery’s dual-brand strategy with Omoda and Jaecoo offers something distinctive: a tech-forward, premium aesthetic at competitive price points. The brands were introduced to South Africa only last year and have already gained attention with internal combustion models like the Omoda C5 and the fossil-fueled Jaecoo J7.
“Probably in August we’re looking at a new model on the Jaecoo side, the J5, and then a month or two later we’re going to go back to the Omoda side and launch a mid-size C7 SUV,” he said.
With at least three product launches slated for the year, Chery is laying the foundation for a hybrid-led product ecosystem, one that can evolve as the region’s energy and transportation infrastructure does.
Chery’s hybrid push into South Africa isn’t just about selling cars. It reflects a wider shift in how international brands view Africa—not as an afterthought, but as a testbed for scalable innovation.
In a market hungry for modern solutions but constrained by infrastructure, PHEVs offer a bridge between the present and the electric future. And Chery appears ready to be one of the architects of that bridge.
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