Geely unveils latest hybrid tech

China's Geely Automobile Holdings has unveiled its cutting-edge Leishen EM-i hybrid technology. The new system, set to power the Galaxy Starship 7 crossover, promises to deliver exceptional fuel economy and extended driving range, potentially shifting the balance of power in the world's largest auto market.

The Leishen EM-i technology developed by Geely is capable of achieving a remarkable fuel consumption of just 2.62 litres per 100 kilometres (62.1 miles), according to media test results. Geely further claims that the combined range, utilising both the gasoline engine and the battery, can reach an impressive 2,390.5 kilometres.

In comparison, BYD's latest-generation plug-in hybrid system, launched in May, touts a fuel consumption of 2.9 litres per 100 km on depleted batteries and a driving range of 2,100 km with a fully charged battery and a full gasoline tank. The first car running on Geely's new hybrid system, the Galaxy Starship 7 crossover, can achieve an even lower fuel consumption of 3 litres per 100 km in real-world road tests, further solidifying Geely's technological edge.

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The race for improved hybrid fuel efficiency has intensified as Geely seeks to close the gap with BYD, the current market leader in China's EV and plug-in hybrid sales. BYD held a dominant 34.6% share of the Chinese market in the first nine months of 2022, far outpacing Geely's 7.4% share. Tesla (TSLA.O) took the third spot with 6.5%.

BYD's recent success has been primarily driven by a surge in plug-in hybrid sales, which jumped 76% to 685,830 vehicles in the third quarter of 2022, according to calculations based on the company's monthly data.

Geely's Leishen hybrid technologies, however, are not limited to the Galaxy Starship 7 alone. The advanced system will also be utilised in vehicles bearing the Renault, Volvo, and Lotus brands, further expanding Geely's reach and challenging BYD's dominance across multiple market segments.

The strategic move by Geely comes as China's automotive industry navigates a challenging economic landscape, where weak consumer demand has weighed on electric vehicle sales growth. By offering a compelling hybrid alternative with improved fuel efficiency and range, Geely aims to capture a larger share of the market and solidify its position as a formidable player in the evolving mobility landscape.

The unveiling of Geely's Leishen EM-i technology underscores the company's commitment to technological innovation and its determination to disrupt the status quo in the Chinese automotive industry. As the competition intensifies, the race for hybrid supremacy is set to redefine the dynamics of the world's largest auto market, with Geely poised to make its mark as a rising challenger to BYD's EV dominance.