In a development that may redraw the map of the global engine industry, the Chinese company Geely unveiled a completely new generation of its i-HEV (Intelligent Energy) hybrid systems, in a move that reflects the move of Chinese companies from price competition to consolidating technical superiority.
The announcement was not just a passing update, but rather attracted attention by achieving a low fuel consumption of 2.22 liters/100 km, with a thermal efficiency of 48.4%, which are records documented by the Guinness Book of World Records.
The company is presenting this system not as a traditional hybrid engine, but rather as an integrated smart energy platform, relying on artificial intelligence algorithms to manage the harmony between the thermal and electric engines, which contributed to raising efficiency by more than 10% compared to the previous generation.
This remarkable progress reflects China’s rapid technical rise, and places traditional car companies in the West facing a new challenge that forces them to rethink their future strategies.
Electric performance with a sporting spirit
Contrary to the traditional image of economy cars, Geely’s i-HEV proves that efficiency does not mean sacrificing performance. The electric motor delivers a power of up to 230 kW (about 308 horsepower), giving the car a clear sporty character.
This superiority is reflected in rapid acceleration and immediate response, as the car accelerates from 0 to 30 km/h in just 1.84 seconds, making it ideal for movement within cities and quick maneuvers.
The company enhances this equation through what it calls the “lean battery philosophy,” by using small batteries with a capacity ranging between 1 and 2 kilowatt-hours, which reduces the total weight, reduces costs and resource consumption, without affecting driving pleasure or efficiency.
From laboratories to the roads
Geely is preparing to transfer this technical revolution from test platforms to showrooms during the year 2026, as the company has confirmed that its advanced system will form the beating heart of its most prominent pioneering models.
Power lovers will enjoy the Monjaro with an economical consumption rate of 4.75 litres/100 km, while the Previs will set new standards with efficiency of up to 3.98 litres/100 km.
The ambitions do not stop here, as this technology will be generalized to include Emgrand models and the Boyue family (which includes “City Ray”), with great flexibility that allows the system to be applied to diesel and gasoline engines with capacities of 1.5 and 2.0 liters, ensuring a smart choice for all categories of drivers.
All-round luxury
Geely not only dazzled the world by updating the “beating heart” of the car, but also reshaped the concept of luxury inside the cabin of the 2026 models, transforming it into an integrated technological platform.
This vision is embodied in the Flyme Auto entertainment system, which provides a seamless user experience with comprehensive support for connecting smartphones via advanced technologies such as Huawei HiCar.
To ensure the highest levels of concentration and comfort, the cabin is equipped with dual ultra-clear screens supported by a head-up display (HUD) that displays essential data in front of the driver.
Geely did not neglect the aspect of sensual luxury. The seats come with ventilation and massage features, complemented by modern exterior colors and rims, giving the car a dominant presence that combines elegance and intelligence.
The launch of the i-HEV system reflects a strategic shift. While the world has moved entirely towards electric cars, Geely and its successors, companies such as Chery and Changan, are reconsidering traditional hybrid systems (which do not require external charging).
Why now?
The sudden rise of conventional hybrid systems (HEV) is due to a combination of economic and realistic factors. They offer consumption efficiency close to that of electric cars, but at a much lower production cost, which makes them an attractive economic option. It also represents an ideal realistic solution for areas that still lack a broad infrastructure for fast charging stations.
In parallel, Chinese policies are witnessing a shift towards “technical neutrality”, as they have begun to reduce incentives directed to electric cars alone, giving hybrid systems a golden opportunity to compete fairly and prove their worth as a first choice for the consumer looking for savings and performance without the complications of charging.
