Skyworth HT-i

The Skyworth HT-i is a mid-size plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) SUV developed by Skyworth Auto. Serving as a flagship model in Skyworth Auto's strategic shift towards the new energy vehicle sector, the HT-i leverages hybrid technology supplied by FinDreams Powertrain (a BYD subsidiary). Designed to penetrate the mid-size family SUV segment with its "long range and low fuel consumption" proposition, the vehicle positions "healthy mobility" and an "intelligent cabin space" as its core product differentiators.

Model Overview

Positioned as a mid-size SUV, the Skyworth HT-i's primary selling point lies in its high-efficiency plug-in hybrid architecture, engineered to address consumer demand for a balance between electric driving range and running economy.

Market positioning: Family mid-size PHEV SUV, long-distance commuter, smart mobile cabin space.

Design & Dimensions: The SUV measures 4,720 mm in length, 1,908 mm in width, and 1,701 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. The exterior styling carries over the brand design language seen on the Skyworth EV6, featuring a minimalist semi-closed front grille and full-width LED taillights to deliver a contemporary look and distinct brand identity. 

Key strengths: Powered by the HT-i hybrid system, the SUV delivers an all-electric range of 200 km and a combined cruising range exceeding 1,200 km, catering to long-distance inter-state travel demands within its segment.

Development History

The introduction of the Skyworth HT-i marked a pivotal milestone in Skyworth Auto's renewed push into the passenger car market.

R&D origins (2022): Following its corporate restructuring from "Tianmei Auto", Skyworth Auto chose to integrate proven hybrid technology to swiftly bolster its model line-up. In April 2022, order books for the Skyworth HT-i officially opened, signalling the brand's formal entry into the PHEV market.

Model revisions (2023–2025): In 2023, the updated HT-i II debuted with key enhancements to the SkyLink infotainment interface and cabin NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) insulation. The subsequent 2025 Zhiqing Edition improved its value-for-money quotient through significant price adjustments, aiming to defend its market share amid China's intense new energy vehicle price war. 

Current outlook (2026): Entering 2026, Skyworth Auto has shifted its broader strategic focus heavily towards export markets. In the domestic market, the HT-i series remains a foundational pillar for the brand, supported by ongoing financing packages and retail incentives to drive sales.

Market Performance 

Market positioning: In the domestic market, the Skyworth HT-i occupies a niche segment, relying largely on the brand presence of Skyworth’s consumer electronics ecosystem and cross-promotional home appliance marketing synergies.

Owner feedback: Owners generally commend its generous cabin room and impressive pure electric range, with the 200 km EV range standing out as a notable highlight in its class. Nevertheless, market feedback indicates that, compared to leading mainstream brands, there remains room for improvement in after-sales service network coverage, infotainment software refinement, and overall build quality consistency.

Core Technologies

Powertrain setup: Powered by the HT-i hybrid powertrain co-developed with FinDreams Powertrain, it features a 1.5-litre Xiaoyun high-efficiency petrol engine boasting a thermal efficiency of up to 43.04%. The system supports series, parallel, and direct engine drive modes, substantially optimising fuel economy across various driving conditions.

Range & Efficiency: Available with 21.68 kWh and 32.76 kWh battery options (as well as a 36.13 kWh pack on selected variants), delivering an all-electric range of up to 200 km. Charge-depleted fuel consumption is rated at around 5.3 L/100 km, enabling a total combined cruising range of over 1,267 km. 

Digital cockpit: Fitted with the SkyLink smart connectivity suite, the system enables seamless integration with the Skyworth home appliance ecosystem, offering voice command recognition, vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality, and multi-screen sharing capabilities. 

Chassis & Safety: Built with a "16-ring" high-rigidity cage structure utilising 1,500 MPa hot-formed boron steel, the chassis is engineered to satisfy multiple regional crash safety standards, underscoring the importance of structural integrity for family vehicle safety. 

Future Plans

As of 2026, Skyworth Auto continues to advance its "overseas-first" export strategy. For the HT-i series, the marque plans to introduce higher-level advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in forthcoming product revisions to bolster its competitiveness in global markets. Concurrently, Skyworth is actively integrating in-cabin health monitoring systems into its smart cockpit, establishing a distinctive edge over conventional new energy vehicle rivals.