The Chinese electric vehicle, Roewe D6, has set a new Guinness World Record for energy efficiency, making headlines ahead of its official release in China, according to Azernews.
During a rigorous test drive along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the Roewe D6 achieved an impressive energy consumption rate of just 9.125 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers—a remarkable feat for an electric vehicle, especially under such extreme conditions.
The five-day journey began in Lhasa, Tibet, and ended in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. The route, which averages an altitude of around 4,000 meters above sea level, put the vehicle to the ultimate test. Along the way, the D6 crossed the Tangula Pass (5,231 meters), navigated the Kunlun Mountains, endured snowstorms, and withstood temperatures as low as -12°C.
The Roewe D6 is powered by a 129-horsepower electric motor paired with a 42.8 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 450 kilometers. A larger variant is also available with a 143-horsepower motor and a 53.9 kWh battery, offering an extended range of up to 520 kilometers.
This record is not the first for the Roewe brand, owned by SAIC Motor Corporation. In 2024, the Roewe D7 sedan earned a Guinness World Record for the longest driving range for a plug-in hybrid, covering 2,208 kilometers on a single trip.
Roewe’s success is also reflected in its sales numbers: the company sold 197,948 vehicles in 2024, cementing its position as a major player in China’s rapidly expanding EV market.
The Qinghai-Tibet Highway, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” is known for its harsh conditions, making it one of the most challenging routes for any vehicle. The Roewe D6’s achievement here goes beyond just a technical milestone; it highlights the growing capability of electric vehicles to tackle extreme terrains and climates—territory once reserved for rugged, gasoline-powered SUVs.
