Best Chinese Cars with REEV Technology: Forthing Leads the Pack 2026

Best Chinese Cars with REEV Technology: Forthing Leads the Pack 2026

Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology has become one of the most significant trends in the Chinese automotive industry in 2026, offering a bridge between pure electric vehicles and traditional combustion engines. REEVs use an electric motor to drive the wheels at all times, with a small combustion engine acting solely as a generator to recharge the battery when needed. This architecture delivers the smooth, quiet, and responsive driving experience of an EV for daily commuting, while eliminating the range anxiety that still deters many UAE buyers from going fully electric. Forthing has positioned itself at the forefront of this technology with two compelling REEV models: the Friday REEV SUV and the S7 REEV sedan, both offering 1,100 kilometres of combined range. In this guide, we examine how Forthing's REEV technology works, why it is particularly well-suited to the UAE market, and how it compares to other electrification approaches offered by Chinese brands.

Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications, Cartea UAE market data, and industry sales reports.

Model Overview

The table below provides a quick-reference summary of every vehicle covered in this guide, including pricing, body style, and key powertrain specifications. Use it to compare models at a glance before diving into the detailed sections that follow.

Forthing Friday REEV

Price: 109,900 AED | Body Style: REEV SUV | Powertrain: 200km EV / 1100km combined

The Forthing Friday REEV is the brand's flagship range-extended SUV, priced at 109,900 AED and offering an impressive 200 kilometres of pure electric driving range. This means that for the vast majority of UAE residents whose daily commute is under 80 kilometres round-trip, the Friday REEV can operate as a pure electric vehicle on a day-to-day basis, with the combustion engine only activating on longer weekend trips or inter-emirate journeys. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces a combined 326 horsepower, delivering confident acceleration and sure-footed traction on sandy or wet surfaces.

When the battery's charge drops below a threshold, the 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender engine starts seamlessly and begins generating electricity to power the motors and recharge the battery. This transition is virtually imperceptible to the driver, with no vibration or noise intrusion into the cabin. The combined range of 1,100 kilometres means you can drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back four times without refuelling or recharging, or tackle the Dubai to Salalah road trip with minimal stops. The Friday REEV also supports DC fast charging at 60 kW, allowing the battery to be topped up from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes when you do have access to a charger. Inside, the cabin features a large vertical touchscreen, head-up display, wireless charging, and quilted leather seats, making it one of the most well-equipped Chinese SUVs in the UAE at this price point.

Key Highlights:

• 200 km pure electric range for zero-emission daily commuting
• 1,100 km combined range eliminating range anxiety
• Dual-motor AWD with 326 hp for confident all-weather performance
• 60 kW DC fast charging support (30-80% in 30 minutes)
• Seamless range extender activation with no cabin intrusion
• Premium cabin with vertical touchscreen, HUD, and quilted leather

Best For: UAE drivers who want electric commuting with unlimited long-distance capability and no dependence on charging infrastructure.

Forthing S7 REEV

Price: 109,900 AED | Body Style: REEV Sedan | Powertrain: 165km EV / 1100km combined

The Forthing S7 REEV brings the same range-extender technology to the sedan segment at an identical 109,900 AED price point. With 165 kilometres of pure electric range and a combined range of 1,100 kilometres, the S7 REEV is tailored for professionals and executives who cover significant inter-emirate distances but still want the efficiency and refinement of electric driving around the city. The sedan body style offers superior aerodynamics, contributing to a slightly different driving character from the Friday REEV with a lower centre of gravity and more planted cornering dynamics.

The S7 REEV's interior is a showcase of Chinese automotive technology, featuring a 15.6-inch rotating central touchscreen that can switch between portrait and landscape orientations depending on the content being viewed. The augmented-reality head-up display projects navigation directions and speed information onto the windscreen, keeping the driver's eyes on the road. The seats are both ventilated and heated, and the driver's seat offers eight-way electric adjustment with a memory function. Safety is comprehensive, with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert all included as standard. The range extender operates on the same principle as the Friday REEV, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine generating electricity to extend the driving range to 1,100 kilometres. For sedan buyers who are not ready to commit to a pure EV, the S7 REEV offers the perfect compromise between electric efficiency and long-distance flexibility.

Key Highlights:

• 165 km pure electric range with 1,100 km combined range
• 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen with portrait and landscape modes
• Augmented-reality head-up display for safer driving
• Ventilated and heated seats with 8-way electric adjustment
• Comprehensive ADAS suite including AEB and lane-keeping assist
• Sleek fastback sedan design with premium European aesthetics

Best For: Professionals and executives who want a refined, technology-rich sedan with electric efficiency and unlimited range.

BYD Song Plus

Price: 124,900 AED | Body Style: PHEV SUV | Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid

For comparison, the BYD Song Plus is one of the most popular plug-in hybrid SUVs in the Chinese market, priced at 124,900 AED in the UAE. Unlike the Forthing REEV models, the Song Plus uses a traditional PHEV architecture where both the combustion engine and electric motor can drive the wheels directly. This means that at higher speeds, the combustion engine takes over, which can result in a different driving feel compared to the always-electric REEV approach. The Song Plus offers approximately 100 kilometres of pure electric range and a combined range of over 1,000 kilometres.

The Song Plus is powered by BYD's 1.5-litre Xiaoyun engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 235 horsepower. The interior features a rotating touchscreen similar to the S7 REEV, and build quality is generally excellent. However, at 124,900 AED, the Song Plus costs 15,000 AED more than either Forthing REEV model while offering less pure electric range. The PHEV architecture also means that the combustion engine's noise and vibration are more noticeable during hard acceleration or high-speed driving, as the engine is directly connected to the drivetrain rather than acting purely as a generator. For buyers who prioritise the smooth, EV-like driving experience, the Forthing REEV approach has a clear advantage, while the Song Plus may appeal to those who prefer the familiarity of a conventional hybrid system.

Key Highlights:

• 100 km pure electric range, 1,000+ km combined range
• 1.5L Xiaoyun engine with combined 235 hp output
• PHEV architecture with direct engine drive at high speeds
• Rotating touchscreen infotainment system
• Proven BYD Blade Battery technology
• Strong brand recognition and dealer network in the UAE

Best For: Buyers who prefer a conventional PHEV approach with direct engine drive and are willing to pay a premium for BYD's brand reputation.

REEV vs PHEV Technology Comparison

The table below compares the Forthing REEV models with the BYD Song Plus PHEV, highlighting the key technical differences between range-extender and plug-in hybrid architectures. REEVs drive the wheels exclusively with electric motors, while PHEVs can drive the wheels with both the engine and motor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between REEV and PHEV technology?

A REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) uses an electric motor to drive the wheels at all times, with the combustion engine acting solely as a generator to recharge the battery. This means the driving experience is always electric, with smooth, silent, and instant torque delivery. A PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), by contrast, allows both the combustion engine and electric motor to drive the wheels directly, meaning the engine can take over at higher speeds. REEVs offer a more consistent EV-like driving experience and typically support DC fast charging, while PHEVs may feel more like a conventional car when the engine is engaged.

Why is REEV technology particularly suitable for the UAE market?

REEV technology is ideal for the UAE because it addresses two key challenges: the long distances between emirates and the still-developing public charging infrastructure. With 200 km of electric range, the Forthing Friday REEV can handle daily commutes purely on electricity, while the 1,100 km combined range means you can drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or even to Oman without worrying about finding a charger. The ability to refuel at any petrol station provides ultimate flexibility, making REEVs a practical bridge technology until the UAE's EV charging network matures.

How much can I save on fuel with a Forthing REEV compared to a petrol car?

If your daily commute is under 200 km round-trip for the Friday REEV or 165 km for the S7 REEV, you can drive entirely on electricity, reducing your fuel costs to near zero for daily use. Assuming electricity costs of approximately 0.23 AED per kWh and a consumption rate of 18 kWh/100 km, the per-kilometre cost is roughly 0.41 AED, compared to approximately 0.50 AED per kilometre for a typical petrol SUV at current UAE fuel prices. Over a year of driving 20,000 km, this translates to savings of approximately 1,800 AED annually, with even greater savings possible if you charge at home during off-peak hours.

Do Forthing REEV models support DC fast charging?

Yes, both the Forthing Friday REEV and S7 REEV support DC fast charging at up to 60 kW. This means you can charge the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes at a compatible DC fast charger. This is a significant advantage over traditional PHEVs like the BYD Song Plus, which typically only support slower AC charging. The ability to fast-charge means that when you do have access to charging infrastructure, you can quickly top up the battery for extended electric-only driving.

Which Forthing REEV model should I choose: the Friday REEV or the S7 REEV?

The choice comes down to body style and driving preferences. The Friday REEV is an SUV with dual-motor all-wheel drive, 326 horsepower, and 200 km of electric range, making it ideal for families, adventure seekers, and those who value the higher driving position and cargo capacity of an SUV. The S7 REEV is a sedan with rear-wheel drive, 165 km of electric range, and a more aerodynamic design, making it better suited to professionals who prefer the refinement, handling, and lower running costs of a sedan. Both are priced identically at 109,900 AED, so the decision is purely about which body style and driving character suits your lifestyle.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

REEV technology represents one of the most pragmatic approaches to electrification for the UAE market in 2026, and Forthing has positioned itself as a leader in this space with both the Friday REEV and S7 REEV. By offering 200 km and 165 km of pure electric range respectively, both models allow the majority of UAE drivers to commute on electricity alone, while the 1,100 km combined range ensures that longer journeys between emirates or to neighbouring countries are never constrained by charging infrastructure. The fact that both models are priced at just 109,900 AED makes them exceptionally competitive against both pure EVs and traditional PHEVs.

Compared to the BYD Song Plus PHEV at 124,900 AED, the Forthing REEV models offer more electric range, DC fast charging capability, and a consistently electric driving experience at a lower price point. The REEV architecture's key advantage is that the combustion engine never directly drives the wheels, meaning the driving feel is always smooth, quiet, and responsive, regardless of whether the battery is charged or the range extender is active. This is a significant quality-of-life benefit that becomes apparent the more you drive the vehicle.

As the UAE continues to invest in EV charging infrastructure and electricity remains significantly cheaper than petrol, the economic case for REEVs will only strengthen over time. Forthing's REEV models offer the best of both worlds today: the efficiency and refinement of electric driving for daily use, combined with the range and refuelling flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys. For UAE buyers who are intrigued by electric vehicles but are not yet ready to commit to a pure EV, the Forthing Friday REEV and S7 REEV are the most compelling options on the market, and they earn our strongest recommendation as the best Chinese cars with REEV technology in 2026.