Geely says its new i-HEV hybrid tech beats Toyota

Geely says its incoming i-HEV hybrid powertrain can outperform Toyota hybrids, as the challenger brand works to roll the technology into several Australia-bound models.

Speaking with carsales, Geely Auto International vice president Alex Gu said the conglomerate’s new hybrid system was developed to fix two traditional hybrid weaknesses: modest performance and limited intelligence.

“This i-HEV is different to Toyota HEV, because it is a more intelligent [hybrid system],” he stated.

While Chinese brands have typically focussed on costlier plug-in hybrid (PHEV) systems, Geely’s new i-HEV system challenges Toyota’s dominance in the plugless hybrid space.

Unlike the EM-i system used in the Starray SUV, i-HEV is a ‘self-charging’ closed-loop hybrid for buyers who prefer not to plug-in.

The i-HEV system will become the entry to a three-tier hybrid lineup at Geely, encompassing an efficient plugless hybrid, long-range PHEV (EM-i), and high-output performance PHEV (EM-P).

Hardware underpinning i-HEV centres on a petrol engine with a claimed 48.4 percent thermal efficiency (which is very good) thanks to Miller-cycle combustion, 500-bar injection, and friction-reduction measures.

The compression ratio is understood to be a high 15.5:1.

The system uses a P1 generator motor and P3 drive motor, meaning the petrol engine can generate electricity while the traction motor drives the wheels. Maximum power output from the electric drive is 230kW.

“Customers say HEV fuel consumption is good, but the acceleration is not that good…the Geely i-HEV will optimise this weak point,” insisted Geely Auto International vice president Alex Gu.

Early information points to i-HEV primarily being a front-wheel drive hybrid system though AWD could become available later via a rear-mounted e-motor.

The headline stat is a 2.22L/100km consumption figure recorded by an Emgrand i-HEV in a fuel efficiency run.

While that result is not an official fuel economy claim, the efficiency points to a possible official consumption in the order of 3.0L/100km in some models.

If this bears fruit, the i-HEV will undercut many Toyota hybrids when it comes to fuel efficiency. For comparison, the Emgrand-sized Toyota Camry hybrid officially uses 4.0L/100km.

Still, the proven durability and real-world consistency of hybrids like the RAV4 and Corolla won’t be easily toppled.

The first i-HEV models named for China include the Starray, which is already on sale in Australia with a standard EM-i PHEV system, hinting that a cheaper i-HEV grade could be added to that car locally.

Other Geely models set to nab the i-HEV system include the Monjaro SUV and Emgrand sedan that have been confirmed for Australia in 2027.

For Geely, i-HEV is an important part of expanding the company’s hybrid tech offer. By jettisoning big PHEV batteries, the i-HEV should allow Geely to add cheaper hybrid-powered models to its Australian range.

Beyond price, Geely executives have contended that the tech can take on Toyota in key parts of the market. It’s a bold claim.

Real-world Australian fuel economy figures and sustained performance testing will be needed to verify claims that i-HEV solves key pain points and the opportunity to do so will likely arrive in 2027.

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