Li Auto L9 Powertrain Explained: How the Third-Gen Range Extender Works

Dubai: The recently launched Li Auto L9 isn't a typical petrol SUV, nor is it a pure electric vehicle. It occupies a middle ground as a range-extended Electric vehicle, or REEV. This type of powertrain uses a large battery for daily driving, paired with a small petrol engine that works only as an on-board generator to create electricity. 

It never drives the wheels directly. The approach aims to provide a pure-electric driving experience while eliminating the range concerns of longer journeys.

 Here’s a look at how its powertrain system works.

How Does The Li L9 Range-Extender Powertrain Work?

The L9’s architecture is fundamentally electric-driven. Unlike a parallel or series-parallel hybrid, the petrol engine’s sole purpose is to top up the battery or provide power to the electric motors. 

The company claims a high motor generation efficiency of 94.8%. This is supported by technologies like a 30% exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which helps lower combustion temperatures and improve efficiency, and electronic variable intake timing for more precise engine operation. 

Powertrain Element	Li L9
Powertrain type	Range-extended electric / REEV
Range extender	Third-generation self-developed
Motor generation efficiency	94.8%
Exhaust gas recirculation	30%
Range extender technology	Electronic variable intake timing
Architecture focus	Electric driving with range extension

If you’re planning to buy a vehicle in the UAE, check out our guide on Buying Your First Car in the UAE to understand what you need to sort out before visiting a showroom

How Far Can The Li L9 Travel On Electric Power

A substantial 72.7kWh battery pack provides the L9 with its pure-electric capability. This battery is fitted as standard across the entire model lineup. From a full charge, Li Auto claims a pure-electric range of 350km on the WLTC test cycle. 

Meanwhile, when longer trips are required, the petrol-powered range extender comes into play, pushing the total combined range to a claimed 1,370km (WLTC). This effectively removes the need to plan long journeys around charging station availability. 

Battery And Range	Li L9
Battery	72.7kWh
Battery technology	5C Supercharging Battery
Pure-electric range	350km WLTC
Combined range	1,370km WLTC
Fuel consumption	6.6L/100km
Battery availability	Standard across the lineup

What Makes The Li L9 Powertrain Practical For Long Drives

The headline range is the main enabler for long-distance travel, but the powertrain offers other practical features. The battery uses 5C supercharging technology. In simple terms, this allows the battery to accept a much higher rate of charge, leading to faster charging times. 

The actual performance, however, is dependent on access to compatible high-power public charging infrastructure. It's a useful piece of future-proofing for when such chargers become more common.

Also Read: Li Auto L9 Launched in UAE: Price, 563hp EREV, 420km Range and Features