Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in India, but range anxiety remains one of the biggest concerns for buyers. Chery could have an interesting solution to this problem with its premium Exeed brand.
The company has reportedly filed an Indian patent for the Exeed ET8 REEV, a Range Extender Electric Vehicle that combines an electric drivetrain with a petrol engine acting as a generator.
If the model eventually comes to India, its claimed combined range of more than 1,300 km could make it an interesting alternative to conventional EVs and plug-in hybrids.
What Is the Range of the Exeed ET8 REEV?
The biggest attraction of the ET8 REEV is its potential range.
According to reports, the SUV could travel around 200 km using battery power alone. With a fully charged battery and a full fuel tank, its combined range could exceed 1,300 km.
For Indian buyers, this could address one of the biggest concerns associated with switching to an EV: finding a charging station during long-distance journeys.
Instead of depending entirely on public charging infrastructure, the vehicle could use its petrol-powered generator to keep the battery charged when required.
How Does REEV Technology Work?
A Range Extender Electric Vehicle is different from a conventional hybrid.
The ET8 REEV is expected to use an approximately 40kWh LFP battery and an electric motor that drives the wheels.
It could also feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine connected to a generator.
The important difference is that the petrol engine does not directly drive the wheels. Instead, it generates electricity, which can be used to charge the battery and supply energy to the electric motor.
In simple terms:
Petrol engine → Generator → Battery → Electric motor → Wheels
This means the driving experience remains primarily electric while the petrol engine acts as a range extender.
Why Could This Technology Work Well in India?
India has a rapidly expanding EV charging network, but charging infrastructure is still not as convenient or widespread as the traditional fuel network in many areas.
An REEV can potentially offer the best of both worlds.
For daily commuting, drivers could use the battery and potentially cover most trips without using petrol. For long-distance travel, the range extender could reduce dependence on charging stations.
This could make the technology particularly attractive to buyers who want an electric driving experience but are not ready to completely give up the convenience of petrol.
The SUV Has a Premium Design
The ET8 REEV is also expected to make a strong impression visually.
The SUV features a boxy and muscular design, giving it a substantial road presence. Its styling reportedly shares similarities with the fully electric Exeed ET9.
One distinctive element is the rear-hinged rear-door design, which gives the SUV a more premium and unconventional appearance.
The ET8 and ET9 were unveiled internationally during Exeed Brand Day in China in December 2025.
Is Chery Really Coming to India?
The patent filing is an important development, but it does not automatically mean that the ET8 REEV will be launched in India.
Chery has been filing patents for several models in the country, indicating that it is exploring the Indian market seriously.
Reports have also linked Chery's potential India entry with a partnership involving JSW Motors. Several models from the company's portfolio are reportedly being evaluated or tested for the Indian market.
However, there has been no official confirmation of an ET8 REEV launch date.
Could It Launch in 2026?
At present, a 2026 launch appears unlikely based on the information available.
The patent filing is better viewed as an indication of Chery's interest in the Indian market rather than confirmation of an imminent launch.
If Chery does bring the Exeed brand to India, the ET8 REEV could become one of its most interesting offerings because of its combination of electric driving, a petrol-powered range extender and a potentially very high combined range.
Could 1,300 Km Change the EV Game?
A claimed range of more than 1,300 km does not mean the vehicle can travel 1,300 km purely on electricity. The figure would represent the combined range using both the battery and fuel-powered range extender.
Nevertheless, the concept could be significant for India.
The ET8 REEV could offer buyers the quiet and responsive driving experience of an EV while providing the long-distance flexibility of a petrol-powered vehicle.
If Chery eventually launches the model at a competitive price, its range-extender technology could offer a new approach to solving one of the biggest barriers to wider EV adoption in India: range anxiety.
