In a bold stride towards electrified mobility, Omoda has announced the launch of its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the C9 SHS, which is scheduled to debut in South Africa this June. The unveiling will occur simultaneously with the Jaecoo J7 SHS, marking a significant milestone for both sister brands under the Chery Group umbrella.
Synchronized Launch, Premium Ambitions
Jaecoo recently confirmed the June arrival of its inaugural plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and now Omoda is following suit. The C9 SHS, based on the premium C9 SUV, will make its first appearance as a range-topping model. This debut also signals Omoda’s entry into the upper-tier segment, with the new PHEV possibly becoming the brand’s first offering to approach or exceed the R1-million price point.
Enter Chery’s Super Hybrid System (SHS)
The C9 SHS and the Jaecoo J7 SHS both feature Chery’s cutting-edge Super Hybrid System (SHS), first unveiled at the Shanghai International Auto Show earlier this year. Approved for the South African market in February, the C9 SHS sets itself apart from its petrol-powered counterpart primarily through its electrified drivetrain and a discreet charging port concealed beneath a second flap on the rear fender.
This model will be available exclusively in the Explore trim, which, in its standard petrol guise, is priced from R885,900.
Powertrain and Performance
The standout transformation lies under the hood: replacing the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the SHS variant adopts the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit used in the J7 SHS. However, the C9 SHS enhances performance with three electric motors instead of one, delivering a combined power output of 440 kW and 915 Nm. Power is distributed to all four wheels via a sophisticated three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
Key Features of the Omoda C9 SHS (Explore Trim)
| Category | Feature |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.5L T-GDI + 3 electric motors, 440kW/915Nm total output |
| Transmission | Three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Battery Capacity | 34.5 kWh |
| Infotainment | Dual 12.3-inch digital displays, 12-speaker Sony audio system |
| Interior Comfort | Heated, ventilated, electric front seats, Nappa leather upholstery |
| Climate & Lighting | Ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof |
| Convenience | Heated steering wheel, dual wireless smartphone chargers |
| Wheels | 20-inch alloy wheels |
| Driver Assistance | Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring |
| Safety Tech | Driver Attention Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert w/ Reverse Braking |
| Cameras | 540-degree surround-view camera system |
What to Expect Next
With the highly anticipated launch just days away, both the Omoda C9 SHS and the Jaecoo J7 SHS are poised to shake up the local PHEV segment. Full pricing and final specifications are expected to be revealed at the launch event.
This joint debut signals a broader commitment from Chery to establish a strong foothold in the electrified premium SUV market. As South African consumers increasingly look for sustainable yet high-performance vehicles, the arrival of the C9 SHS and J7 SHS may very well mark the beginning of a new era in local automotive innovation and choice.
Related article: Omoda C7 PHEV Details Unveiled: Launch Expected Before End of 2025
