Lynk & Co turns to PHEV with 200 km electric-only range in bid to end sales slump
GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Geely subsidiary Lynk & Co is looking to reverse a steep sales slump in Europe with the addition of the 08, a midsize SUV that can drive 200 km (124 miles) in electric-only mode.
Lynk & Co's sales of its two-model lineup, the 01 compact SUV and 02 compact hatchback, through April were down 33 percent to 1,653, according to figures from market researcher Dataforce.
The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be aimed at car buyers reluctant to switch to full electric.
'For plug-in hybrid customers, we think the long electric range will stand out as a clear upgrade,' Lynk & Co CEO Nicolas Lopez Appelgren told Automotive News Europe during a driving event for the 08 here May 13.
'EV drivers, on the other hand, may see it as a more practical option given the current state of charging infrastructure. And for high-end petrol buyers, the similar price point could make switching to a plug-in hybrid an easy decision.'
Until recently, the electric-only range on most PHEVs was less than 100 km — and in many cases only about 50 to 60 km.
Several automakers debuted long-range PHEVs with bigger batteries — the 08's pack is 39.6 kilowatt-hours — toward the end of 2024 ahead of a Jan. 1 deadline that increased emissions ratings for the technology to better reflect real-world use.
At the same time, some Chinese brands launched PHEVs in Europe, notably BYD, to avoid EU tariffs on battery-electric vehicles made in China.
PHEV sales were up 32 percent in April, according to Dataforce. The bestselling model last month was the BYD Seal U, followed closely by the Volkswagen Tiguan and Volvo XC60.
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Lynk & Co also will avoid the higher tariff on the China-made 08.
The midsize SUV enters a part of the segment that has seen huge growth this year, with overall sales of models with PHEV powertrains up more than 200 percent to 51,823 after four months.
Seven of the 10 top-selling PHEV midsize SUV are new to the niche.
Another limiting factor for PHEVs was the time it took to replenish the batteries, often several hours using AC charging.
PHEVs with longer ranges offer DC fast charging, which for the 08 means it's possible to boost the batteries to 80 percent from 10 percent in about 30 minutes at 85 kilowatts.
Using AC charging at 11 kW means charging to 100 percent take four and a half hours.
The 08 offers a combined 345 hp of power from its four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor.
The 08's cockpit is dominated by an iPad-like touchscreen in the center of the dashboard, below which is an inductive pad to provide wireless charging for up to two smartphones.
Built-in car sharing, integrated Wi-Fi, a specially designed Harman Kardon sound system, and advanced driver-assistance features — from park assist sensors to driver monitoring — are included.
Customizable 'modes' are also available. They include a 'relax mode,' with soothing music and sunshades, and a 'pet mode' that turns on the climate control system and displays a message informing passersby that the pet is safe from freezing or overheating and that the owner is aware it is inside the vehicle.
The 08 comes in two trims, Core and More, with the More package offering larger wheels, heated rear seats and an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system.
Target buyers: Range-anxious families
What's good: Having an electric-only range of 200 km
What's bad: Constant warnings from the driver-assistance systems that are likely to force more people to turn them off
Launch date: June 2025
Starting price: €55,995 in Germany ($63,500)
Platform: CMA Evo
Built: Yuyao, China
Annual production forecast: 6,000 in 2025, 12,000 in 2026
Lowest CO2 emissions: 23 g/km
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