Xiaomi has revealed new details about the range extender technology used in its Pengcheng series of electric vehicles. The system is developed in close cooperation with Dong’an Power and is paired with Shell’s highest industry standard custom motor oil, aiming for longer maintenance intervals and greater efficiency.
Range Extender Maintenance and Design
The range extender in the Pengcheng vehicles has a specific maintenance cycle that Xiaomi clarified. The key point is that the “3 years” or “30,000 kilometres” service intervals apply solely to the range extender unit—not the whole vehicle. The first interval clock starts ticking after the initial official maintenance.
The 3-year timeframe reflects the gradual decline in the motor oil’s performance over time, regardless of how the vehicle is primarily driven. Meanwhile, the 30,000 km marker counts only the distance for which the range extender actively contributes to the driving.
This maintenance schedule is consistent across all trims of the Pengcheng series, with no exceptions between versions.
Customized Components and Premium Oil
The range extender itself is a result of a deep collaboration between Xiaomi and Dong’an Power, who optimized 57 components. Among these, seven core parts account for almost half the total cost, and they have been specially designed to reduce mechanical wear and extend service life.
For lubrication, Xiaomi has partnered with Shell to supply a fully synthetic, custom API SQ 0W-16 motor oil. This oil features low volatility to minimize consumption and maintain stable lubrication over long periods. It also offers exceptional viscosity performance, helping the range extender remain efficient even under frequent start-stop conditions.
The engine oil includes carefully formulated antioxidant additives and a strong detergent system. These properties together support the extended maintenance intervals by protecting and cleaning the internal parts more effectively than standard oils.
Smart Monitoring System Enhances Maintenance
The Pengcheng series incorporates an intelligent health monitoring system that tracks oil condition dynamically based on the driver’s habits and the operating environment. Users can check the oil’s health via the car’s onboard system or the Xiaomi Car app.
When oil changes become necessary, the system proactively notifies the driver with a maintenance alert. This approach helps ensure that the range extender and vehicle maintain their reliability without unnecessary early servicing.
Standard Maintenance for Other Vehicle Systems
Besides the range extender, Xiaomi advises routine checks for air conditioning filters, brake fluid, chassis inspection, and electric system testing. These follow normal official maintenance schedules and will be detailed in the vehicle’s user manual and software interfaces when the series formally launches.
Overall, Xiaomi’s approach with the Pengcheng series highlights a focus on advanced engineering collaboration and premium consumables to extend service life and enhance user convenience.
Source: ithome.com