The reborn Ebro plugs in with the PHEV versions of the s700 and s800

The resurrected EBRO takes a step forward in its push to establish itself in Spain with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its first two models, the S700 and S800, two large SUVs. Both models will feature a 1.5 TGDI DHE engine, a Super Electric Hybrid DHT transmission, and a battery specifically designed for hybrid vehicles. They are coming to market with prices starting at €41,990 for the S700 and €46,990 for the S800.

This system combines a 143 hp combustion engine and a 204 hp electric motor. This translates into fuel consumption figures of 0.8 l/100 km on the WLTP combined cycle and 6 l/100 km with a fully discharged battery in the case of the s700 PHEV; and 0.7 l/100 km on the combined cycle and 6 l/100 km for the EBRO s800 PHEV. In pure electric mode, it offers a range of up to 90 kilometers and more than 1,100 kilometers with a fully charged fuel tank.

The Ebro plug-in hybrids are capable of charging with direct current at a power of up to 40 kW, allowing the battery to go from 30% to 80% of its capacity in just 19 minutes; if you choose to charge with alternating current, they are capable of reaching 6.6 kW, taking the charging time to 3 hours and 15 minutes. They also offer the V2L bidirectional charging function, allowing them to power external devices with up to 3.3 kW of power. The battery is equipped with a three-layer armor with anti-collision, fire-prevention, and waterproofing features.

Inside, the high-resolution screen located on the dashboard (integrated with the instrumentation in the case of the s700 and separate in the s800) stands out, allowing you to manage multiple functions such as the infotainment system, the navigation system, connectivity, driving assistants, climate control, ambient lighting or the 540º HD vision camera.

In the safety section, it includes 24 driving assistance systems (which work with information collected by 17 cameras and sensors distributed throughout the vehicle) or the up to 9 airbags that the S800 comes standard with and the 8 that the S700 comes with.

Externally, the Ebro PHEV models maintain the same proportions as the gasoline models, with lengths exceeding 5.5 meters and a width of 1.86 meters. The front end features the octagonal grille characteristic of the EBRO family, but in the case of the plug-in hybrid, it is covered (with a mesh design specific to this version) to reduce airflow and, therefore, improve aerodynamic efficiency in the wind, thus improving fuel consumption. The headlights integrate LED daytime running lights.

The hybrid system enables the s700 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 8.2 seconds (9 seconds for the s800 PHEV) and a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). This technology prioritizes electric operation, and in most conditions, the vehicle is primarily propelled by the electric motor. Energy management varies between HEV, EV, and EV+ depending on driving circumstances and needs.

On the road, both models perform impeccably on all types of terrain, as we were able to see on the roads of the Huesca foothills. Being large models, they are in their comfort zone on highways, but contrary to what might seem, they demonstrate great agility on twisty roads. This is further aided by the fact that under high acceleration demands, the EBRO s700 and s800 PHEV operate in parallel hybrid mode: the internal combustion engine and the electric motor work together to propel the vehicle. At constant, high speeds on the highway, the internal combustion engine is responsible for delivering power to the front wheels.