Recently, the Chinese government has released several stimulating policies such as a waiver of sales tax and free license plates to further develop the electric vehicle industry in China.

As the first Chinese automaker who strategically planned the development of alternative energy vehicles, SAIC has been focusing on R&D, manufacturing and production. Currently, SAIC offers Roewe E50 EV, Roewe 550 Plug-In Hybrid, Roewe 750 Fuel-Cell, and other alternative energy vehicles. Other than having government support, it is more important to create an active market demand for electric vehicles in China. We believe the alliance of eHi and SAIC can help promote electric vehicle adoption as well as the electric vehicle industry in China.

—Xiaoqiu Wang, Vice President of SAIC

As a leading car rental services provider in China, eHi Car Services has the largest directly-owned service network covering more than 90 Chinese cities and more than 700 service locations. eHi has been providing EV rentals and free charging service to its customers, and these services will be available in more cities in China.

SAIC launched the Roewe E50 EV in China in 2012. (Earlier post.) Equipped with a LiFePO₄ battery pack, the E50 EV has range of 180 km (112 miles) and a top speed of up to 120 km/h (75 mph). A123 Systems is the supplier of the battery packs for both the E50 EV and the 550 PLUG-IN. (Earlier post.)

Under the hood of the Roewe 550 plug-in. Click to enlarge.

SAIC released its Roewe 550 PLUG-IN model in March this year. The powertrain comprises a 1.5-liter engine that develops 80 kW (107 hp) of power and 135 N·m (100 lb-ft) torque; a 44 kW traction motor and a 23 kW ISG motor developing 317 N·m (234 lb-ft) and 147 N·m (108 lb-ft) respectively; and an 11.8 kWh Li-ion battery pack.

Combined system power is 147 kW (197 hp), while combined torque is 587 N·m (433 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 10.5 seconds, and top speed is 200 km/h (124 mph). The car has a combined driving range of more than 500 kilometers (311 miles) while reducing fuel consumption by 70% to about 2.3 l/100 km (102 mpg US). All-electric range is 58 km (36 miles); integrated power consumption is 12 kWh/100 km.

eHi is looking forward to the success of Roewe 550 PLUG-IN in the rental car market because of the car’s greater fuel efficiency and better comfort level.

eHi was founded in January 2006 with the goal of providing comprehensive mobility services to both consumer and corporate clients. eHi’s fleet consists of more than 100 different vehicle types.