MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV claims over 1,100km range: Here's how it works

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV claims over 1,100km of combined range, combining a 20.5kWh battery and 52-litre fuel tank to offer more than 115km of electric driving.The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV has been launched in India with a claimed electric range of more than 115km and a combined range of over 1,100km. The plug-in hybrid SUV combines a petrol engine, electric motor and a relatively large battery to offer electric driving for shorter trips while retaining the ability to travel long distances without frequent charging.The Hector Tomahawk PHEV uses a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor and a 20.5kWh battery pack. The petrol engine produces 102bhp and 125Nm, while the electric motor develops 201bhp and 237Nm. The system uses a dedicated hybrid transmission.How does the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV achieve over 1,100km range?The SUV's claimed range comes from combining its electric and petrol powertrains rather than relying on either one alone. The 20.5kWh battery can power the SUV on electricity alone for more than 115km, according to MG. Once the battery's usable charge is depleted, the petrol engine can take over, allowing the SUV to continue running without needing to stop for charging.The Hector Tomahawk PHEV also gets a 52-litre fuel tank. With a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol, MG claims a combined range of more than 1,100km. However, the final range certification is still awaited. This means the SUV can potentially cover a significant portion of everyday driving in EV mode, while the petrol engine provides additional range for longer journeys.Six ways to use the powertrainThe Hector Tomahawk PHEV has six drive modes that determine how the engine, motor and battery work together. In Pure EV mode, the battery supplies power to the electric motor, allowing the SUV to drive without using the petrol engine. Series Hybrid mode uses the petrol engine as a generator, with the electric motor driving the wheels. This setup is intended to be useful in stop-and-go traffic.In Parallel Hybrid mode, both the engine and electric motor contribute to propulsion. Pure Engine mode sends engine power directly to the wheels, while Engine Drive + Charge mode allows the engine to drive the wheels while also charging the battery.There is also a Regeneration mode, which recovers energy during deceleration and while travelling downhill and sends it back to the battery.20.5kWh battery supports 115km+ EV drivingThe relatively large 20.5kWh battery is central to the Tomahawk PHEV's electric-driving capability. MG claims more than 115km of all-electric range, although the final certified figure is yet to be announced.The battery uses a CCS2 charging connection. A 3.3kW AC charger takes around 7.5 hours to charge it from 10 to 100 per cent, while a 25kW DC fast charger can take the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in around 35 minutes. The SUV supports a maximum DC charging rate of 25kW.For owners who can charge at home regularly, the electric range could cover a substantial part of their daily driving before the petrol engine is needed.Petrol engine provides long-distance flexibilityUnlike a conventional EV, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV does not depend entirely on charging infrastructure for long journeys. Once the battery's charge is low, the 1.5-litre petrol engine can continue to power the vehicle or generate electricity depending on the selected hybrid mode.MG has also focused on efficiency with the Atkinson-cycle engine, which has a claimed thermal efficiency of 43.2 per cent. The dedicated hybrid transmission is claimed to have 98.8 per cent transmission efficiency.The combination is intended to give the Tomahawk PHEV the convenience of electric driving for shorter journeys while retaining the refuelling convenience of a petrol SUV for longer trips.What does the 1,100km claim actually mean?The claimed figure should not be interpreted as 1,100km of electric driving. The SUV's electric-only range is claimed to be more than 115km. The 1,100km-plus figure combines the energy available from a fully charged 20.5kWh battery and a full 52-litre petrol tank.Real-world range will depend on factors such as driving conditions, speed, traffic, temperature, payload and how frequently the battery is charged.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - EndsPublished On: Aug 27, 2026 15:49 IST