- Geely launched its next-generation i-HEV hybrid technology, featuring a record-breaking engine thermal efficiency of 48.41%.
- The system delivers a maximum electric drive power of 230 kilowatts, 1.72 times higher than similar technologies used in traditional HEVs.
Geely has unveiled its next-generation i-HEV hybrid technology, marking a crucial step in the Chinese automaker's transition toward new energy.
Unlike the hybrid systems used in regular new energy vehicles (NEVs), Geely's latest technology targets the traditional hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) segment, a category not classified as NEVs in China.
Equipped with the Xingrui AI Cloud Power 2.0 large model, the system's dedicated hybrid engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 48.41%, setting a new record for mass-produced engines, Geely said on Monday.
The new technology will first be rolled out in flagship models of the "China Star" series, including the Xingrui and Xingyue L, bringing the Xingrui i-HEV's WLTC fuel consumption down to 3.98 liters per 100 kilometers.
The system's maximum electric drive power reaches 230 kilowatts, which is 1.72 times higher than similar technologies found in traditional HEVs, according to the company.
This delivers improved fuel economy, reducing engine operating time by 27% compared to conventional HEV models.
Beyond fuel efficiency, the next-generation i-HEV technology is built on the GEEA 3.0 electronic and electrical architecture and features an AI digital chassis.
The new smart cabin system integrates the DeepSeek large model and supports Huawei smartphone connectivity, significantly enhancing the vehicle's intelligence and overall driving experience.
Over the past few years, driven by the rapid expansion of China's NEV industry, domestic automakers have made swift advancements in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) technologies.
Because HEVs are not classified as NEVs in China, they do not benefit from the same level of policy support. As a result, the segment has often been overlooked by domestic players, leaving it largely dominated by Japanese automakers.
Geely's technological upgrade demonstrates competitive advantages over traditional Japanese rivals in terms of motor power, smart features, and fuel efficiency.
As the company prepares to roll out its high-efficiency HEV lineup in 2026, Japanese automakers are likely to face more pressure in this market segment.
