Automakers rush to meet surging China demand for long-range hybrids

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Chinese automakers and foreign rivals are launching ever more advanced long-range hybrids to meet rising demand in the world's largest auto market. Unlike many other major markets, China treats EVs and hybrids as one "new energy vehicle" sector where brands are competing to give consumers an array of electrified options with longer driving ranges. At the Shanghai auto show this week, for instance, Geely unit Zeekr unveiled the 9X - a large plug-in hybrid SUV that can travel on electric power alone for 400 km (249 miles) before its gasoline engine kicks in.