When discussing hybrid cars, the focus is usually on the battery and electric motors, but the combustion engine remains a fundamental pillar. In the case of Omoda Jaecoo , the brand has given it the importance it deserves and has developed a specific engine for its Super Hybrid System (SHS). This is the 1.5 TGDI, a unit that is not an adaptation of a conventional engine, but rather was designed with hybridization as its primary objective.
This engine, known internally as the H4J15, belongs to the fifth generation of the Chery Group's Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) family. Its purpose is to work in coordination with the electric motors, battery, and dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) to deliver maximum efficiency in every situation. The key lies in its 44,5% thermal efficiency , a figure that places it among the best on the market.
Technical specifications of the 1.5 TGDI
The engine has a displacement of 1.498 cubic centimeters, four cylinders, direct injection, and a turbocharger. It delivers a maximum power of 105 kW (143 hp) at 5.200 rpm and a maximum torque of 215 Nm at 2.500 rpm. Its weight has been kept to 106 kilograms thanks to the use of aluminum alloy and an optimized design to reduce mass. The specific power output reaches 70 kW per liter, a remarkable figure for an engine of this size.
To achieve that 44,5% thermal efficiency, the engine uses a 14,5:1 compression ratio and a suite of technologies that address combustion, thermal management, and friction reduction. The Deep Miller cycle is key , as it allows for better utilization of gas expansion and reduces losses during compression.
Technologies that make a difference
The intelligent i-HEC combustion system combines direct injection at pressures up to 350 bar with a high-energy ignition of 120 mJ. This achieves finer and more homogeneous fuel atomization, resulting in faster, more stable, and more controlled combustion. This precision is vital in a hybrid vehicle , where the internal combustion engine starts and stops frequently.
The HiDS high-dilution technology, with cooled exhaust gas recirculation, helps control combustion temperature and reduce energy losses. Meanwhile, the i-HTM thermal management system ensures the engine reaches and maintains its optimal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which is especially useful on short journeys or in cold weather. The i-LS intelligent lubrication system adjusts the oil level according to actual needs , reducing mechanical losses without compromising protection.
Integration into the SHS system
The 1.5 TGDI doesn't work alone. Within the Super Hybrid System, the combustion engine is combined with electric motors and a specific DHT transmission. Depending on the situation, the car can operate in 100% electric mode, use the gasoline engine as a generator, or combine both power sources. The electronics automatically determine the most efficient strategy based on speed, power demand, and battery status.
This engine is used across the entire Omoda Jaecoo SHS range, from the Omoda 5 to the Jaecoo 8. In the Jaecoo 8 SHS, for example, it is combined with three electric motors and a three-speed 3DHT transmission. Other models use a DHT with two electric motors. The engine's versatility allows it to adapt to different architectures and markets, from Europe to Central Asia and Latin America.
The ACTECO experience
Behind this engine is the expertise of ACTECO, the propulsion systems subsidiary of the Chery Group. ACTECO was founded in 2019, but its history dates back to 1999, when Chery manufactured its first engine. More than 25 years of development in combustion engines have led to this fifth generation, which is already prepared to work with electrification and alternative fuels.
The result is an engine that doesn't aim to stand out for raw power, but rather for efficiency and balance. Its ability to operate within the hybrid system's most efficient ranges is what truly makes the difference in fuel consumption and emissions. It's not just another component, but a fundamental piece of Omoda Jaecoo's electrification strategy.
In short, the Omoda Jaecoo 1.5 TGDI demonstrates that the combustion engine still plays a relevant role in the hybrid era. With 44,5% thermal efficiency, technologies such as the Deep Miller cycle and 350-bar injection, and seamless integration with the SHS system, this engine becomes one of the brand's key assets in offering more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. The combination of engineering expertise and accumulated experience results in an engine that not only performs well but also adds real value to the hybrid system.
