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# How Hyundai plans to beat its Chinese rivals
- URL: https://torquecafe.com/how-hyundai-plans-to-beat-its-chinese-rivals/
- Published: 2025-11-03T19:00:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-04T06:43:57.000Z
- Description: As plug-in hybrids become increasingly popular, Hyundai is hoping new technology can give it the edge.
- Author: Stephen Ottley
- Tags: News, 4x4 & Adventure, Electric

If you can’t join ‘em, beat ‘em.

That’s Hyundai Australia’s approach to the influx of plug-in hybrids (often called Super Hybrids) from Chinese car makers, with the South Korean brand looking to introduce a different form of hybrid technology.

While Hyundai has plug-in hybrid variants of the Tucson and Santa Fe in other markets, the local arm has decided not to offer them and instead has teased an alternative.

![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Palisade-Hybrid-Pre-Production_05.jpg)

Hyundai is believed to be working on a range-extender hybrid

“We can’t really get into it right now, but we do have an option that’s coming out,” admitted Hyundai Australia CEO, Don Romano. “It’s not necessarily a plug-in, but it is going to be a different type of hybrid, that’s all I can say. So if we didn’t have another option that we felt was even better, we’d probably have more plug-in hybrids coming. But right now, no. You’ll see another technology.”

That ‘secret’ technology is believed to be a range-extended hybrid, which is something Hyundai has been known to be working on for years. Reports last year indicated Hyundai is developing something similar to Nissan’s e-Power system, where an electric motor drives the wheels but is supported by a petrol engine.

Using this type of set-up, Hyundai is reportedly aiming for up to 200km of electric-only driving range, likely with a battery producing around 40kWh, but with the petrol engine capable of adding another 700km of range if needed.

![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Hyundai-Ute_1.jpg)

Hyundai’s planned ute will likely feature the new technology

It’s unclear when Hyundai plans to bring this new range-extender to market, but a prime candidate for it appears to be its much talked-about new ute. The brand has been teasing it will do something different to ensure its ute stands out in a crowded market, and a range-extender powertrain would certainly do that.

Its SUV range would also seem likely candidates for a fuel-saving powertrain like a range-extender, with the Santa Fe and Palisade other likely options to benefit when this new tech reaches production.

Hyundai has been a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market, but its range of battery-powered models are amongst its slowest sellers in the Australian market. As consumers remain concerned around EV costs, infrastructure and range, an alternative like a range-extender would expand Hyundai’s reach will helping to benefit from EV knowledge already gained.