Evaluating the feasibility of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in the MG HS Super Hybrid to travel beyond 1000 kilometers using a sole charge and fuel fill-up: Time to put it to the test...
The MG HS Super Hybrid Essence, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine-powered vehicle, embarked on a 1-day, 1000km loop through south-east Victoria. The drive incorporated highways, byways, freeways, climbs, descents, and a bit of gravel.
At the start of the journey, the petrol range was forecast at 1047km, and the battery power was at 127km. The powertrain, which also includes two e-motors and a 24.7kWh LFP battery pack, was set to HEV mode, allowing the petrol engine and e-motor to work together and apart as the software deems appropriate.
During the first 100km, the fuel consumption was 4.2L/100km, and the electricity consumption was 6.9kWh/100km. The speed average during this stretch was 70km/h. The steering of the HS was nicely weighted but distant in its feel.
As the journey progressed, the engine suddenly revved up to 2800rpm, looking to replenish the battery. Despite the regenerative braking never feeling strong, it was doing a very good job at clawing back range. The road conditions during Leg 3 included water crossings, flooded areas, and green paddocks.
Ahead of us during Leg 4, the sun was starting to sink, and there were hours of driving to go yet. The range indicator really started to steadily descend during this leg. For the rest of the trip, the HS would only have a few kilometres/per cent in reserve.
The behavior of the powertrain during Leg 4 was fascinating, as it tried to run unobtrusively as a range extender. The fuel consumption average rose to 5.3L/100km during 300km-400km of Leg 4. The HS's braking feel was fine up to a point, but required a moment to ramp up when a solid brake was required.
A hunt through the settings in the owner's manual revealed no ability to change over the fuel gauge during Leg 4. Weirdly, the fuel gauge was presented only in kilometres to empty, not as a segmented indicator. The vehicle had driven more than 1700km without refueling due to meticulous charging of the battery overnight. The battery had now essentially depleted during Leg 3.
A sudden deceleration on adaptive cruise can be a bit uncouth. The powertrain software is designed to maximize performance in Australian conditions. The MG HS Super Hybrid Essence has an initial highway range of 900 km when both the battery and gas tank are empty, a range that was tested in Europe.
The drive was concluded at Port Welshpool during Leg 3. Despite a few challenges along the way, the MG HS Super Hybrid Essence's powertrain range of over 1000km lived up to its claim.
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