Does the Li ONE engine provide power?
2 Answers
Li ONE's engine cannot directly drive the wheels. Here is relevant information: Powertrain: It adopts a range-extender powertrain mode combining a 1.2T three-cylinder engine with front and rear motors. In addition to using some physical insulation materials, the engine also utilizes a double-layer front windshield and front-row bilateral glass to suppress various noises. Working principle: The principle is that the engine is matched with the electric motor, driving the wheels through electric transmission. The engine only serves as a range extender, converting thermal energy into electrical energy to provide power output for the electric motor. In urban driving conditions, the most economical pure electric mode is used, while on highways, the engine will inevitably intervene. Low-speed cruising conditions are conducive to the engine operating at its highest efficiency, achieving a balance between power and fuel economy.
I've always found the Li ONE quite fascinating. It does have an engine, but that engine doesn't directly drive the wheels! As someone who's done some research on automotive technology, I know it's designed as an extended-range electric vehicle. Simply put, the engine's main job is to generate electricity, acting like a mobile generator. It converts gasoline into electrical energy to charge the battery, and then the electric motor takes over to power the car. This eliminates the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles, so you don't have to worry about running out of power on long trips. In actual driving, the engine is quite quiet when it starts, and most of the time you feel like you're in pure electric mode. However, the fact that the engine doesn't directly contribute to propulsion also brings advantages, such as significantly lower fuel consumption compared to traditional SUVs, making it agile and quiet for city driving. I think this design is quite practical during the transition period, especially for commuters like me who occasionally drive on highways.
