An extended-range EV (EREV) version of the BAIC BJ40 will debut and open for pre-sales during the Guangzhou Auto Show, which begins on November 15. Known as the BJ40e, it boasts a 155 km all-electric range and a comprehensive range of over 1200 km.
Visually, the car is largely the same as the ICE model of the SUV, the only differences being a charging port on the opposite side of the fuel tank and a new BJ40e badge. There is a slight difference in height, with the new version being 1930 mm or 1964 mm with the roof rack versus 1895 mm for the petrol version. The other dimensions of 4790 mm length, 1940 mm width, and 2760 mm wheelbase remain unchanged.
The BJ40 is a proper body-on-frame off-roader produced by BAIC. The BJ40e uses the Taiji flexible off-road chassis, to which the battery pack is fixed by flexible suspension. This battery installation method plays a buffering role if the car rolls or has an impact.
The BJ40e uses a 40.3 kWh ternary lithium battery. However, the platform is 400V with only 50 kW charging power, meaning a 30-80% SoC charge takes 30 minutes. The long comprehensive range is largely due to a large 82-liter fuel tank rather than any EREV wizardry.
Angle of approach is 38 degrees and the departure angle 37 degrees. The car uses 20-inch wheels with alloys that distinguish the car from the ICE version.
A four-cylinder 1.5T engine with a maximum power of 115 kW. A power generation efficiency of 97.5% is claimed. Furthermore, when driving at high speed, the continuous power generation power is 90kw, meaning that even if the speed reaches 145km/h, it can keep powering the battery.
Being an EREV there is no drive shaft and the BJ40e has dual motors. The dynamic torque distribution speed of the motor is faster than with a traditional ICE setup, with a response time within 60ms. Furthermore, the wheel end torque reaches 9000 Nm, which makes it more suitable for starting out of trouble. Currently, details of the actual electric motors powering the BJ40e seem unavailable.
The BJ40e has an all-terrain drive system with 11 selectable modes.
Inside, the BJ40e has a three-screen layout. This consists of dual 12.8-inch infotainment and passenger screens that blend into one. In addition, there is a 10.25-inch instrument panel for the driver. The car’s systems are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.
Creature comforts include heating, ventilation, and massage functions for the seats. There’s also a heated, electrically adjustable steering wheel
Fuller details of the BJ40e should emerge at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The ICE version of the second-generation BJ40 went on sale in 2023 and is currently only available with a 2.0T petrol engine.
