The Voyah Free 1.5 (694 Hp) 4WD Extended Range is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) produced by the Chinese automotive manufacturer Voyah, a brand under Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Introduced in January 2021 and continuing production through August 2023, this variant represents the high-performance flagship of the Free lineup. It’s positioned as a luxury SUV, aiming to compete with established European and American brands in the premium electric vehicle segment. The Free is notable for its extended range capabilities, combining a relatively small internal combustion engine with a substantial battery pack and dual electric motors for all-wheel drive. The model was primarily aimed at the Chinese domestic market, with limited export availability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Voyah |
| Model | Free |
| Generation | Free |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 (694 Hp) 4WD Extended Range |
| Start of production | January, 2021 |
| End of production | August, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (US mpg) | 28.3 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (UK mpg) | 34 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (km/l) | 12 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.2 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 33 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| All-electric range | 140 km (86.99 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption | 20.2 kWh/100 km |
| Average Energy consumption (US) | 32.51 kWh/100 mi |
| Average Energy consumption (MPGe) | 104 MPGe |
| Average Energy consumption (km/kWh) | 5 km/kWh |
| Average Energy consumption (mi/kWh) | 3.1 mi/kWh |
| Electric motor power (each) | 347 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque (each) | 520 Nm (383.53 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Front & Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Asynchronous |
| System power | 694 Hp |
| System torque | 1040 Nm (767.06 lb.-ft.) |
| Internal combustion engine Power | 109 Hp |
| Power per litre | 72.8 Hp/l |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | SFG15TR |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Kerb Weight | 2290 kg (5048.59 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2665 kg (5875.32 lbs.) |
| Max load | 375 kg (826.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 560 l (19.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1320 l (46.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Length | 4905 mm (193.11 in.) |
| Width | 1950 mm (76.77 in.) |
| Height | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm (116.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1654 mm (65.12 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1647 mm (64.84 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 163 mm (6.42 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Approach angle | 18° |
| Departure angle | 25° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives generator, dual electric motors |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 1 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/45 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 20 |
INTRODUCTION
The Voyah Free 1.5 (694 Hp) 4WD Extended Range, launched in 2021, is a significant model within Voyah’s initial lineup. Built on the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) platform, it combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine primarily used as a generator with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and a 33 kWh battery pack. This configuration allows for a substantial all-electric range of 140 km (87 miles) and a total range exceeding 600 km (373 miles). The Free aims to provide a premium driving experience with strong performance and advanced technology, targeting consumers seeking a luxurious and environmentally conscious SUV. It represents Voyah’s ambition to establish itself as a key player in the rapidly growing Chinese new energy vehicle market.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Voyah Free 1.5 is a 1.5-liter, inline-four cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, designated SFG15TR. This engine produces 109 horsepower and serves primarily as a generator to recharge the battery pack, rather than directly powering the wheels. It features direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger for improved efficiency and power output. The engine is paired with a single-speed automatic transmission. The primary propulsion comes from two asynchronous electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear – each delivering 347 horsepower and 520 Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque. The combined system output reaches a formidable 694 horsepower and 1040 Nm (767 lb-ft) of torque. The 33 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides the energy storage for the electric motors, enabling extended all-electric driving. The vehicle utilizes a sophisticated energy management system to optimize the use of both the gasoline engine and the electric motors, maximizing efficiency and range.
Driving Characteristics
The Voyah Free 1.5 delivers impressive performance, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 4.3 seconds. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. In all-electric mode, the vehicle offers a smooth, quiet, and responsive driving experience. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine seamlessly kicks in to provide power to the generator, maintaining a consistent level of performance. The single-speed automatic transmission provides linear acceleration, although it lacks the gear changes found in traditional automatic transmissions. The vehicle’s substantial weight (2290 kg / 5048.59 lbs) is noticeable, but the powerful electric motors and sophisticated suspension system mitigate this effect. Compared to lower-powered Free variants, the 1.5 offers a significantly more engaging and dynamic driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Voyah Free 1.5 (694 Hp) 4WD Extended Range is typically equipped with a high level of standard features, reflecting its premium positioning. These include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Optional extras may include a premium sound system, a head-up display, and advanced parking assist features. Interior trim levels often feature unique color schemes and materials to differentiate the 1.5 variant from other models in the Free lineup.
Chassis & Braking
The Voyah Free utilizes a double wishbone suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, offering strong stopping power. The vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard safety features. The steering system is an electric power-assisted rack and pinion setup, providing precise and responsive steering feel. The vehicle’s relatively low ride height (163 mm / 6.42 in) contributes to its stable handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Voyah Free 1.5 (694 Hp) 4WD Extended Range has been generally well-received by automotive critics in China, praised for its strong performance, luxurious interior, and advanced technology. Its extended range and all-electric capabilities are also seen as significant advantages. Compared to other trims in the Free lineup, the 1.5 offers a substantial performance upgrade, but at a higher price point. Fuel economy is rated at 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg), which is competitive for a vehicle of its size and performance. Reliability data is still emerging, but early reports suggest that the powertrain is generally reliable.
Legacy
The Voyah Free 1.5 (694 Hp) 4WD Extended Range represents a significant step forward for Voyah as a brand, demonstrating its ability to develop and produce high-performance electric vehicles. While long-term reliability data is still being collected, the vehicle’s robust powertrain and advanced technology suggest that it will hold its value well in the used car market. The Free 1.5 has helped to establish Voyah as a credible competitor in the Chinese new energy vehicle market and has paved the way for the company’s future expansion plans.
