Changan CS55 Plus HEV Launches August 18, Achieves 44.28% Thermal Efficiency

Changan Automobile will officially launch the CS55 Plus hybrid variant in the Chinese market on August 18, 2026. The new model features the all-new BlueCore self-charging hybrid system, whose 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine adopts 500-bar ultra-high-pressure direct injection technology. The manufacturer claims a peak thermal efficiency of 44.28% — among the highest for production vehicles today.

According to official data, the engine delivers a maximum output of 110 kW (148 hp), with a compression ratio as high as 16:1 and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate of 30%, all aimed at optimizing combustion efficiency while reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Note that 44.28% represents peak thermal efficiency; average thermal efficiency stands at 40.9%.

The electric drive system includes a 1.7 kWh ternary lithium battery supplied by Sun Vectra, supporting up to 50C discharge rates; the drive motor produces a maximum power of 180 kW (241 hp) and achieves a rated electrical efficiency of 98.1%. As a self-charging hybrid vehicle, the CS55 Plus HEV has no external charging port — only a fuel filler located on the left rear side.

Exterior styling features a V-shaped split front grille, replacing the current gasoline version's hexagonal layout; wheels are updated to low-drag closed-spoke designs. Rear-end changes are minimal — only the original "Plus" badge is replaced with a blue "HEV" emblem to clearly denote its hybrid identity.

Per MIIT certification data, the CS55 Plus HEV measures 4550 mm × 1868 mm × 1675 mm (L×W×H), with a wheelbase of 2656 mm and suspension configuration of MacPherson struts upfront and multi-link at the rear. Changan has not yet disclosed pricing for this hybrid variant, though the current gasoline-powered model carries a manufacturer-suggested retail price of RMB 92,900–109,900 (approx. USD 13,800–16,300).

Data shows that in June 2026, the CS55 Plus sold 2,647 units domestically; aside from a brief surge above 7,000 units in March this year, overall sales performance has been modest. Analysts believe the HEV variant could enhance product competitiveness — especially amid fluctuating fuel prices and rising consumer demand for lower fuel consumption.