China's Geely has brought a plug-in hybrid with impressive electric range to Europe
Chinese brand Lynk Co, part of Geely, is launching the 08 model, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) capable of travelling up to 200 km on electric power on the WLTP cycle, on the European market. This is a record among all plug-in hybrids officially introduced in Europe.
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According to representatives of the brand, the novelty is designed for buyers who are not yet ready to switch to purely electric traction, but want to minimise the use of the internal combustion engine. At the same time, the presence of an internal combustion engine as part of the powertrain provides "insurance" in case of long journeys.
Lynk Co hopes the 08 will help improve market performance. According to Data Force, sales of the brand's electric vehicles fell 33 per cent between January and April 2025. However, demand for midsize crossovers in Europe continues to grow, and the company expects to capitalise on this trend.
The 08 is built on the CMA Evo modular platform, familiar from the Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40. The powertrain includes a 1.5-litre petrol motor (137bhp) and a 211bhp electric motor. The key element is a large battery with a capacity of 39.6 kWh, which provides an impressive range on electric power. It supports fast constant current charging: from 10 to 80 per cent in 33 minutes.
The Lynk Co 08 will be offered in two configurations. The base Core is priced at €53,995, while the top-of-the-range More is priced at €56,995. The latter features 21-inch wheels, Harman Kardon audio system and Matrix headlights. Sales will start in July.
The presence of a hybrid powertrain allows Lynk Co 08 to avoid increased EU duties on Chinese-made all-electric cars.
Source: Autonews
