
Li ONE is not a pure electric vehicle, but an extended-range electric vehicle. The Li ONE is a mid-to-large-sized SUV. Taking the 2020 Li ONE as an example, its body dimensions are: length 5020mm, width 1960mm, height 1760mm, with a wheelbase of 2935mm and a fuel tank capacity of 45L. The 2020 Li ONE features a MacPherson independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with an extended-range engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 131PS, a maximum power of 240kW, and a maximum torque of 530Nm, paired with an electric single-speed transmission.

The Li ONE is not a pure electric vehicle; it actually falls under the category of an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). I've encountered many friends who mistakenly thought it was purely electric, but its key feature is a small internal combustion engine that acts as a range extender to generate electricity, helping the battery maintain the car's operation when the charge is low. Pure electric vehicles rely solely on battery power, producing zero emissions throughout their operation. However, the Li ONE can continue running by refueling after the battery is depleted, giving it a range of over 1,000 kilometers and solving the range anxiety issue for long-distance travel. In daily use, the electric drive part is quiet and smooth, with quick acceleration. But during high-speed or long-distance driving, the range extender activates, producing a slight but noticeable sound. I believe this design is particularly suitable for families or frequent business travelers, as it combines the advantages of electric vehicles (cost-saving, eco-friendly) with the convenience of fuel-powered cars (no waiting in line to refuel). However, it's important to note that it still burns gasoline, so its tailpipe emissions are higher than those of pure electric vehicles. Overall, the Li ONE is a smart choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of electric driving without worrying about charging risks.

I've been driving for many years and have used the Li ONE for a while. I can clearly say it's not a pure electric vehicle. Although it drives like an electric car—quiet and smooth, with quick acceleration—it has a 1.2T small engine hidden in its backbone that kicks in to generate electricity when needed, preventing you from being stranded without a charging option. Pure electric vehicles don’t have this issue at all, relying solely on batteries. The Li ONE, however, requires occasional refueling or charging. For city driving, pure electric mode is sufficient—fuel-efficient and quiet. But for highways or camping trips, just find a gas station to extend its range, easily surpassing 1,000 kilometers. I chose it initially because charging stations are scarce, and waiting to charge a pure EV wastes time. The Li ONE gives me a reliable fallback. Routine maintenance isn’t complicated either, much simpler than a traditional gas car. In short, if you’re like me—wanting to be eco-friendly but fearing hassle—the Li ONE is definitely a trustworthy companion.

Young people often ask this question—the Li ONE is not a pure electric vehicle. Those who have driven it know that the battery is the main power source, but it comes with a range extender engine as backup, essentially adding a portable charger to an electric car. In the city, you can switch to pure electric mode—quiet, fast acceleration, and super fun; on long trips, the engine generates electricity, giving you peace of mind without worrying about hunting for charging stations. During my test drive, I experienced that compared to pure EVs, it has a longer range (claimed to exceed 1,000 km) and much shorter charging times—just 5 minutes to refuel and go. The downside? A slight hum when the engine kicks in, disrupting the quiet ambiance. Market-wise, the Li ONE sits between hybrid and pure electric, perfect for trend-conscious yet risk-averse users like frequent travelers or weekend adventurers. Given the current EV trends, the Li brand cleverly targets this niche.


