The Roewe D6, an electric vehicle produced by the Chinese automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor Corporation, has achieved a new Guinness World Record for energy efficiency ahead of its official market launch in China. According to a report by AzerNews, the vehicle demonstrated impressive energy consumption figures during a rugged test drive along the Qinghai–Tibet Highway.
The test journey spanned five days, starting from Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region and concluding in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. Throughout this challenging route, which averages an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, the Roewe D6 consumed only 9.125 kilowatt-hours of electricity per 100 kilometers. This remarkable statistic highlights the vehicle’s efficiency under extreme driving conditions, as it navigated a terrain known for its elevational challenges.
The route included the ascent of the Tangula Pass, which rises to 5,231 meters, and traversed various mountainous areas, such as the Kunlun Mountains. The test also encountered severe weather conditions, including snowstorms and temperatures plummeting to -12°C, further testing the capabilities of the electric vehicle.
The Roewe D6 is equipped with a single electric motor that delivers 129 horsepower, combined with a 42.8 kWh battery that allows for a driving range of 450 kilometers. An alternative variant of the D6 offers a more powerful 143-horsepower motor and a 53.9 kWh battery, achieving an extended range of up to 520 kilometers.
The Roewe brand has a history of setting records; the Roewe D7, its plug-in hybrid model, was previously recognised by Guinness for having the longest driving range of any plug-in hybrid, having covered 2,208 kilometers on a single trip in 2024.
In the context of the growing electric vehicle market in China, the China Passenger Car Association reported that Roewe sold 197,948 vehicles in 2024, solidifying its position as a significant player in the sector.
The Qinghai–Tibet Highway, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” is recognised as one of the most difficult routes for vehicles, whether combustion or electric. Achieving a fuel efficiency record in such challenging conditions underscores not only the technological advancements in electric vehicles but also signals their evolving role in diverse driving environments once dominated by traditional gasoline vehicles.
