SHANGHAI—In a bold move to redefine electric vehicle range limits, Huawei and Chery’s joint EV brand Luxeed has unveiled the R7 Max RWD, an extended-range electric SUV (EREV) claiming a staggering 1,673 km (1,039 miles) of total range under China’s CLTC testing cycle. The vehicle, built on Huawei’s latest Qiankun EV platform, marks a new milestone in China’s fiercely competitive EV market, blending marathon-like efficiency with smart connectivity features that position it as a direct challenger to Tesla’s Model Y and Li Auto’s L6.
Breaking the 1,000-Mile Barrier
At the heart of the Luxeed R7 Max lies a next-generation EREV powertrain combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged range extender with a 40 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This setup allows the SUV to deliver an electric-only range of 330 km (205 miles) before the gasoline engine engages, effectively eliminating range anxiety for most daily commutes. When the battery depletes, the vehicle transitions seamlessly to hybrid mode, achieving a thermal efficiency of 44.5%—among the highest in its class.
“The R7 Max isn’t just about range; it’s about rethinking how drivers interact with energy,” said Zhang Yong, Luxeed’s chief engineer, during the launch event. “With a full tank and full charge, this SUV can drive from Beijing to Shanghai without stopping.”
Huawei’s Tech Dominance Takes the Wheel
The R7 Max rides on Huawei’s Qiankun platform, which integrates the tech giant’s HarmonyOS-powered infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance features, and 800V ultra-fast charging architecture. Drivers can recharge the battery from 20% to 80% in just 15 minutes, while Huawei’s ADS 3.0 autonomous driving system offers hands-free navigation on highways and city streets—a feature gaining rapid regulatory approval across China.
Notably, the SUV’s “Super Hybrid” mode uses AI to optimize power distribution between the battery and range extender based on driving patterns, road conditions, and even weather. “This isn’t just a car; it’s a connected device that learns from its environment,” said Huawei’s Smart Car Solutions CEO, Wang Jun.
Pricing and Market Ambitions
Starting at ¥259,900 ($35,800), the Luxeed R7 Max undercuts rivals like the Li L6 (¥249,800) while offering significantly longer range. Analysts suggest the pricing strategy aims to capture both budget-conscious families and tech-savvy buyers drawn to Huawei’s ecosystem integration—think seamless smartphone-to-SUV connectivity and over-the-air updates.
Deliveries in China begin in June 2025, with Luxeed targeting sales of 50,000 units in the first year. While global expansion plans remain unconfirmed, the R7 Max’s launch underscores Huawei’s growing influence in automotive tech—a sector it entered just five years ago.
The EREV Wars Heat Up
The Luxeed R7 Max arrives as EREVs gain traction in China, accounting for 12% of all EV sales in Q1 2025. Unlike pure battery EVs, EREVs offer gasoline backup for rural areas with sparse charging infrastructure, making them popular in lower-tier cities. However, critics argue that the technology is a transitional solution as charging networks expand.
For now, though, Huawei and Chery are betting big on transition. With the R7 Max, they’ve built an SUV that doesn’t ask drivers to choose between cutting-edge tech and cross-country freedom—a formula that could electrify China’s roads and beyond.