SUVs run on gasoline depending on the type of power system. Conventional fuel SUVs typically run on gasoline, while new energy SUVs run on electricity, hybrids or other alternative sources of energy sources. Here's a breakdown:
1.Traditional fuel SUVs: Mostly petrol-powered
Petrol SUVs
Power source: Fully equipped with a gasoline engine, powered by gasoline combustion.
Features:
Convenient refueling, long driving range;
Mature technology and direct power transmission (e.g., turbocharged engines provide strong acceleration);
Typical models: Toyota RAV4 (gasoline version), Honda CR-V (gasoline version), Haval H6 (gasoline version).
Suitable for: long-distance travel, areas with little charging infrastructure, and users with high performance requirements.
Diesel SUVs
Power source: Fully equipped with a diesel engine, powered by diesel fuel compression and combustion.
Features:
Improve fuel economy (a high calorific value and low fuel consumption diesel);
High torque at low-end end (for off-roading or towing);
Representative models: Land Rover Discovery (diesel version), Jeep Wrangler (diesel version), Volkswagen Touareg (diesel version). Suitable for off-roading, long-distance transportation and areas where diesel prices are low or as per regulations.
2. New Energy SUVs: alternatives to gasoline
Pure Electric SUV (BEV)
Power: Fully battery-powered and powered by electric motors.
Features:
Zero emissions, quiet operation;
Charging costs less than filling up (but range is limited by battery capacity).
Representative models: Tesla Model Y, BYD Tang EV, NIO ES6.
Suitable for urban commuting, short journeys and areas with good charging infrastructure.
Plug-in hybrid SUVs
Power source: Equipped with a gasoline engine and electric motor with external charging capability.
Features:
Electricity for short journeys (zero emissions) and petrol for long journeys (no mileage concerns);
Policy incentives (e.g. purchase tax exemption, green license plates, etc.);
Representative models: BYD Song PLUS DM-i, Ideal L7, BMW X5 xDrive45e.
Suitable for users who need to balance environmental performance and practicality, such as city and suburban commuting. Hybrid Electric SUV (HEV)
Power source: mainly Gasoline engine, supplemented by electric motor (no external charging).
Features:
Fuel economy is better than conventional gasoline vehicles (e.g., 20%-30% reduction in fuel consumption per 100 km);
No charge required, easy to use;
Typical models: Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX Hybrid, Honda Corolla Hybrid.
Suitable for: Those who want to reduce fuel consumption but aren't charging.
Range-Extended Electric SUV (REEV)
Power source: Electric motor, gasoline engine for power generation only (do not drive wheels directly).
Features:
Pure electric driving experience (quiet and smooth)
Long driving range (over 1,000km combined if ideal L8);
Typical: Ideal L Series, Wenjie M7.
Suitable for: Users who focus on purely electric driving range but want to experience electrification.
III. How to choose? Key factors
Use Scenario
Urban commute: Prefer pure electric or plug-in hybrids (low cost, eco-friendly)
Long-haul or off-road: Traditional petrol/diesel or long-range electric cars are more reliable.
Policy environment
Cities with license plate restrictions: Plug-in hybrids or pure electric cars can obtain green license plates (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing);
Tax incentives: new energy vehicles are exempt from vehicle purchase tax and vehicle and boat tax.
Fee conditions
Availability of private charging station availability: Pure electric vehicles have the lowest operating costs;
No charging stations: Hybrid or conventional fuel cars are more convenient.
Budget and Performance Requirements
High-end models: Pure electric cars (such as the Tesla Model X) or plug-in hybrids (such as the BMW X5 PHEV) perform better.
Economy: Traditional petrol SUVs such as the Hav H6 offer better value for money. IV. INTRODUCTION Market Trends
Electrification is accelerating: New energy SUVs will account for over 30% of global sales by 2023 and are projected to reach over 50% by 2030.
Technological Upgrades: Battery energy density is increasing (such as CATL's Kirin batteries) and fast charging is becoming more common (300 km in 10 minutes).
Policy Drive: Many countries have announced bans on the sale of fuel-efficient cars from 2030 to 2040, phasing out traditional gasoline-powered SUVs from the mainstream market.
