Skyworth HT-i: The Evolution of Skyworth Auto’s Plug-in Hybrid SUV

The Skyworth HT-i is a compact plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Chinese automaker Skyworth Auto. Introduced for the 2022 model year, the HT-i was developed as the plug-in hybrid counterpart to the fully electric Skyworth EV6. Rather than creating an entirely new vehicle, Skyworth adapted the existing EV6 platform to accommodate a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain, allowing the company to broaden its product lineup while appealing to buyers who preferred the flexibility of both electric and gasoline power.

Although the HT-i remains a relatively young model with a limited production history, it represents an important step in Skyworth Auto’s transition from an electric vehicle startup into a manufacturer offering multiple electrified powertrain options.

Background

Skyworth Auto traces its origins to Skywell, a Chinese automotive company that originally focused on commercial vehicles. The passenger vehicle division entered the sport utility vehicle market with the launch of the Skywell ET5 in 2021. Shortly afterward, the brand adopted the Skyworth name for passenger vehicles sold in China, aligning the automotive division with the better-known Skyworth consumer electronics brand.

The Skyworth EV6 became the company’s first production passenger vehicle under the new branding, while the HT-i followed as the company’s first plug-in hybrid SUV.

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2022: Introduction of the Skyworth HT-i

Production Years:

• 2022–present

The Skyworth HT-i officially entered production during 2022 as a compact crossover SUV based on the same architecture as the battery-electric EV6.

Unlike its electric sibling, the HT-i combined a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The gasoline engine primarily functioned alongside the electric motor to improve driving range while reducing fuel consumption compared to a conventional gasoline-powered SUV.

The vehicle featured modern styling nearly identical to the EV6, with only minor exterior revisions distinguishing the hybrid model. Buyers received a large closed-style front fascia, slim LED lighting, aerodynamic bodywork, and a spacious five-passenger interior emphasizing digital technology.

Inside, the HT-i included:

• A fully digital instrument cluster
• A large central touchscreen infotainment system
• Connected vehicle functions
• Voice control
• Advanced driver assistance features
• Over-the-air software update capability

The overall design reflected the growing trend among Chinese manufacturers toward technology-focused interiors with minimal physical controls.

Trim Levels

Unlike many global manufacturers that offer extensive trim hierarchies, Skyworth has marketed the HT-i with equipment variations that differ depending on the regional market and model year.

Publicly documented trim levels have been limited, and Skyworth has not consistently published internationally standardized trim names. Instead, equipment packages generally vary according to battery size, technology options, and convenience features.

Throughout its production, the HT-i has commonly been offered in configurations featuring:

• Standard Range
• Extended Range
• Premium equipment packages

Available equipment has included:

• LED headlights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Wireless smartphone connectivity
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assistance
• 360-degree camera system
• Powered tailgate
• Multiple wheel designs

Because Skyworth primarily serves the domestic Chinese market, equipment combinations have changed more frequently than officially designated trim names.

2023

The 2023 model year represented the HT-i’s first full year of production.

Rather than introducing a major redesign, Skyworth focused on refining production quality and software improvements. Updates primarily consisted of infotainment enhancements, revised option packages, and incremental improvements to driver assistance technology.

Mechanically, the vehicle remained largely unchanged, continuing to use its plug-in hybrid drivetrain that emphasized electric driving for daily commuting while maintaining the convenience of gasoline refueling for longer trips.

The HT-i continued sharing most body panels, suspension components, and interior architecture with the fully electric EV6.

2024

For 2024, the Skyworth HT-i continued without significant visual changes.

The company concentrated on expanding sales while improving manufacturing efficiency rather than introducing a major facelift.

Equipment availability continued evolving depending on market demand, with additional technology features becoming available on higher-specification models.

The overall design philosophy remained consistent:

• Technology-focused cabin
• Large infotainment display
• Digital instrumentation
• Electrified powertrain
• Comfortable family-oriented interior

2025

The 2025 model year carried over the HT-i’s established formula.

Although Skyworth introduced additional vehicles into its growing lineup, the HT-i remained the company’s primary plug-in hybrid SUV.

No comprehensive redesign had been announced, and the vehicle continued serving buyers seeking an alternative to fully electric vehicles while benefiting from plug-in hybrid efficiency.

Powertrain

The defining feature of the HT-i is its plug-in hybrid system.

The vehicle combines:

• 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine
• Electric motor
• High-voltage lithium-ion battery
• Automatic electrified transmission system

Depending on battery specification and driving conditions, the HT-i can travel a substantial distance using electric power alone before the gasoline engine becomes necessary.

This approach reduces fuel consumption while minimizing range anxiety for owners who may not have convenient charging infrastructure.

Design Philosophy

The HT-i was designed around the growing Chinese demand for intelligent, connected vehicles.

Notable characteristics include:

• Clean, aerodynamic styling
• Minimalist interior design
• Large digital displays
• Extensive software integration
• Connected vehicle services
• Advanced driver assistance systems

Rather than emphasizing high-performance driving, the HT-i focuses on efficiency, comfort, and technology.

Relationship to the Skyworth EV6

The HT-i and EV6 are closely related.

Both vehicles share:

• Body structure
• Chassis
• Interior layout
• Exterior styling
• Suspension design
• Most technology features

The primary distinction is the powertrain. The EV6 is fully electric, while the HT-i combines gasoline and electric propulsion through a plug-in hybrid system.

This shared development strategy allowed Skyworth to reduce engineering costs while expanding its product portfolio.

Market Position

The HT-i competes in China’s highly competitive compact electrified SUV segment.

Its primary competitors include numerous domestic plug-in hybrid SUVs from established Chinese manufacturers, where value, technology, and driving range are key purchasing factors.

Skyworth has attempted to distinguish the HT-i through its technology-oriented interior, competitive pricing, and the recognition associated with the Skyworth consumer electronics brand.

Future Outlook

The future of the Skyworth HT-i will likely depend on the continued growth of plug-in hybrid demand in China and international markets.

As battery technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, Skyworth may eventually shift greater emphasis toward fully electric vehicles. However, plug-in hybrids continue to provide an attractive transitional solution for buyers seeking lower emissions without relying exclusively on battery charging.

Future updates are expected to include improved software, more advanced driver assistance systems, enhanced battery technology, and increased connectivity features. While a comprehensive redesign has not yet been announced, the HT-i remains an important part of Skyworth Auto’s expanding electrified vehicle portfolio.

Although still early in its lifecycle, the Skyworth HT-i illustrates the rapid evolution of China’s automotive industry. By combining modern digital technology with an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, it has helped establish Skyworth as a participant in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for electrified sport utility vehicles.