17:50 19-04-2026

Geely unveils i-HEV hybrid system with 2.2 L/100 km claim

Chinese carmaker Geely is stepping up its hybrid game with a new generation of electrified technology. The company has unveiled its i-HEV Intelligent Energy system, which it says can deliver fuel consumption of roughly 2.2 L/100 km in a car about the size of an Audi A6.

The technology will make its debut in the Geely Emgrand sedan, which is about 4.8 metres long. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a claimed record thermal efficiency of 48.41 per cent, working alongside a powerful electric component. Total system output is said to reach 308 hp, comfortably above most conventional hybrids.

According to the manufacturer, the car returned 2.22 L/100 km in real-world testing on Hainan Island. For comparison, even established benchmarks such as the Toyota Prius post higher figures in similar tests.

The key feature of the system is its use of a centralised architecture with AI elements. This smart control unit is designed to optimise the operation of the engine, battery and other systems in real time, improving overall efficiency.

Crucially, the new technology will not be limited to a single model. It is expected to appear shortly on other 2026 vehicles within the Geely ecosystem, including crossovers and possibly models from Volvo and Lynk & Co. With emissions rules tightening and fuel prices rising, developments like this could shift the balance in the car market.

Geely is making a serious play for leadership in hybrid technology. If those figures hold up in everyday use, Japanese manufacturers will have a genuine rival on their hands. The battle ahead is no longer only about emissions, but about efficiency as well.