The automotive industry has just witnessed a significant technological advancement coming from China. Geely has announced a new hybrid system capable of achieving 48.4% thermal efficiency, a record value for production engines.
An unprecedented technological leap
This new system, called i-HEV, was developed using algorithms based on artificial intelligence, which allow for real-time energy management optimization.
The result is impressive: almost half of the energy from the fuel is converted directly into useful power, something that until now seemed out of reach for conventional engines.
Numbers that challenge the industry
The thermal efficiency of 48.4% has been independently validated by Guinness, which also confirmed a combined consumption of around 105 miles per gallon (approximately 2.2 l/100 km).
This performance can be achieved in engines of:
- 1.5 liters
- 2.0 liters
What does thermal efficiency mean?
Thermal efficiency measures the ability of an engine to convert energy from fuel into useful work.
For context:
- traditional engines: 25% to 35%
- more advanced hybrids: around 42%
- new Geely system: 48.4%
Every percentage point counts
An increase at this level has a direct impact on:
- lower fuel consumption
- greater power
- reduction of emissions
Approaching Formula 1 levels
The most advanced Formula 1 engines exceed 50% thermal efficiency, using extremely sophisticated technology.
With this new system, Geely is approaching that level, something unprecedented for mass-produced vehicles.
Hybrids continue to evolve
This advancement demonstrates that combustion engines, especially when combined with hybrid systems, still have significant room for evolution.
The ability to recover and reuse energy — one of the foundations of hybrid systems — is essential to achieve these levels of efficiency.
A clear signal for the future of the industry
At a time when many point to the end of combustion engines, Geely shows that there is still room for innovation in this field.
Pressure on traditional manufacturers
This type of technological advancement reinforces the position of Chinese manufacturers as emerging leaders, increasing the pressure on traditional brands that are trying to keep up with the pace of innovation.
It should be noted that the Geely brand in Portugal is represented by Caetano Auto.