Changan showcased several vehicles equipped with its latest Blue Core HEV technology at the launch event on March 30. (Photo/Huxin Luo)

Chongqing - Amid Middle East-driven oil price fluctuations, Changan Automobile has launched its Blue Core HEV hybrid technology, offering improved energy management as a low-cost alternative for internal combustion engine (ICE) users.

Zhao Fei, General Manager of China Changan Automobile Group, stated that the core value of Blue Core HEV is cost-efficiency, noting that equipped models can achieve a total range of 1,500 kilometers on a full tank at the launch event on March 30.

According to Changan’s specialized testing, the Blue Core HEV delivers exceptional fuel economy in urban conditions: 2.98L/100km for sedans and 3.98L/100km for SUVs. For comparison, industry data shows that Toyota’s hybrid models—the long-standing industry benchmark—typically consume between 3-4L/100km in urban settings. These results place Changan’s hybrid efficiency on par with global leaders.

This fuel efficiency translates directly into financial savings. Yang Dayong, Executive Vice President of Changan Automobile, provided a detailed cost analysis using the fourth-generation Eado model equipped with Blue Core HEV as an example.

The vehicle saves 3.02L/100km compared to equivalent traditional ICE vehicles. Based on an annual mileage of 15,000 km and a fuel price of 8.57 yuan/L (1.24 U.S. dollars/L), owners can save 3,882 yuan per year. Over a six-year ownership cycle, total fuel savings can reach approximately 23,300 yuan.

These breakthroughs are the result of deep iterations in Changan’s core technologies. The Blue Core HEV features an engine with nearly 45% thermal efficiency and a direct injection pressure 42% higher than the industry standard. This is paired with a high-flux electric drive reaching a peak efficiency of 98.1%, ensuring the engine operates within its optimal range. Furthermore, AI control technology dynamically allocates power based on road conditions and driving habits.

Changan has shown strong resilience in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector in recent years, with sales surging from 474,000 units in 2023 to 1.109 million units in 2025. Despite this rapid electrification, Changan remains committed to ICE and hybrid technologies based on its insight into global market structures.

Zhao pointed out that 53% of users in China still prefer ICE vehicles, and approximately 70 million users worldwide continue to purchase traditional fuel cars annually. Changan believes this preference is often a practical choice driven by limited charging infrastructure or specific driving habits rather than a rejection of electrification.

The Blue Core HEV aims to serve this massive global market by reducing operating costs and enhancing performance without requiring users to change their refueling habits.