Prediction of Chery's New Car Launching Today

KatadataOTO – PT CSI (Chery Sales Indonesia) continues to prepare its latest electrification lineup for consumers. After launching the J6 electric car, Chery is strongly believed to be bringing in a hybrid vehicle.

The model is strongly suspected to be the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which was previously showcased at IIMS 2025. 

This is interesting because not many manufacturers have introduced a PHEV. Currently, there are only a few, such as the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, Mazda CX-80 PHEV, and in the premium class, the BMW XM.

“We will launch a solution for those who want to use an EV but don't want to worry about range,” said Budi Darmawan, Sales Director of PT CSI, when met by reporters in Jakarta on Saturday (22/03).

Photo : KatadataOTO

He revealed that this type of vehicle is believed to be a transition for consumers who are not yet ready to use a pure electric car, also known as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle).

A PHEV itself is similar to a hybrid, where a conventional engine works supported by a battery and an electric motor. However, besides being filled with gasoline, a PHEV can also be charged like an electric car.

So there is extra range without relying on gasoline. Thus, it is said to be more fuel-efficient.

“We are preparing a solution for consumers who want a car like an EV but with the flexibility of a gasoline car. Just wait, this is a new trend in the automotive world,” said Budi.

On a separate occasion, Chery indicated that their PHEV would be offered more competitively.

For comparison, its competitors are currently offered at prices of Rp 1 billion and above.

“So far, (PHEVs) have been overlooked due to their high price and the limited number of players. In the upper class, there are only Toyota and Mitsubishi with a price tag of Rp 1.3 billion,” said Rifkie Setiawan, Head of Brand at PT CSI, to KatadataOTO some time ago.

However, he was reluctant to confirm if Chery's PHEV would be offered below Rp 1 billion.

If sold for under Rp 900 million, it would certainly be an attractive option for consumers. 

Photo : KatadataOTO

For your information, the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV has been sold in the Philippines since 2022. When it first launched, it was offered at a price of 2.4 million Pesos, or equivalent to Rp 690.6 million when converted to the rupiah exchange rate.

This car is equipped with a 1,500 cc turbocharged engine and an electric motor, producing 153 hp of power and 230 Nm of torque.

Its battery has a capacity of 19.27 kWh, which can support a journey of up to 95 km on a single charge.