China's Hongqi brand has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance driven by a plug-in hybrid production car without refueling or recharging, according to Chinese outlet Kuaikeji. The new Hongqi H7 covered 2,916.171 kilometers (about 1,812 miles) on a full tank and a full battery, with zero refueling or charging stops.
The record attempt began on September 2 and was certified on September 7. The car started in Shangri-La, Yunnan province, and passed through Chuxiong, Wenshan, Nanning, Yangjiang and Shenzhen before finishing in Huizhou, Guangdong province — a route spanning three provinces in southern China. The vehicle faced high temperatures, rain, continuous climbs and urban congestion, all while remaining in stock production condition.
Notably, the actual distance far exceeded the official claimed range. The two-wheel-drive version of the Hongqi H7 has a CLTC combined range of 1,954 km (about 1,214 miles), meaning the record run achieved nearly 150% of that figure. CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) is generally 15-20% more optimistic than the WLTP standard, so the equivalent WLTP range would be roughly 1,660-1,660 km (est.).
Pricing and specs
The new Hongqi H7 opened for pre-sale on August 13, with a Chinese guide price of 181,800 to 221,800 yuan (about $25,600 to $31,200), before taxes and incentives. It is a mid-to-large plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan, measuring 5,060 mm long, 1,910 mm wide and 1,480 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,970 mm. It fills the gap between the Hongqi H6 and H9 in the brand's lineup.
All versions are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with Hongqi's Honghu hybrid system. The engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 45.21% and runs on regular 92-octane gasoline. The two-wheel-drive version has a CLTC pure-electric range of 240 km (about 149 miles) and a combined range of 1,954 km, with a WLTC fuel consumption of 4.4 liters per 100 km when the battery is depleted. The four-wheel-drive version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and offers a pure-electric range of 210 km (about 130 miles).
The record underscores the growing capability of Chinese plug-in hybrids, which combine electric driving for daily commutes with long-range capability for highway travel. Hongqi, a brand under China's FAW Group, has been expanding its lineup to compete in the premium segment, and the H7's record could boost its appeal among buyers seeking both efficiency and endurance.
