Currently, the C₄F₇N/CO₂ hybrid gas is regarded as one of the most promising SF₆ substitutes. In order to explore the arc quenching capabilities of the C₄F₇N/CO₂ gas mixture, a set of arc energy balance equations is developed in accordance with the arc energy balance theory to determine the change law of overpressure within the arc-quenching pipe with time. In the paper, COMSOL Multiphysics software is used to establish a two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic model of the arc quenching structure of the pressure-explosive gas flow lightning gap, and the arc quenching characteristics of the different ratios of C₄F₇N/CO₂ gas mixtures in the pipeline are simulated and analyzed in the condition that the amplitude of the lightning current is 4 kA under the action of the impulse arc. Based on the above method, the change laws of conductivity, velocity and pressure are analyzed in the model by combining the arc energy balance theory. When compared to the theoretical results, it can be shown that 20%C₄F₇N/80%CO₂ extinguishes arcs more effectively than 10%C₄F₇N/90%CO₂ or 5%C₄F₇N/95%CO₂ does, while the arc quenching time is in line with the specifications for air blowing to extinguish arcs.