Geely plug-in hybrid sets real-world fuel consumption record
Geely Auto has completed a long-distance efficiency run with its STARRAY EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV, securing a Guinness World Records title for lowest fuel consumption on the Sydney–Melbourne Coastal Drive. The drive was carried out in December under real traffic and environmental conditions rather than on a closed test cycle.
For eeNews Europe readers, the announcement offers a case study in how plug-in hybrid architectures are being tuned to reduce the gap between laboratory figures and real-world fuel consumption, with implications for powertrain electronics, control strategies and system integration.
Real-world test highlights PHEV efficiency
The record attempt covered a route selected to mirror everyday long-distance driving between major cities, including highway cruising, urban congestion and elevation changes. Geely reports a verified fuel consumption figure of 3.83 L/100 km under these conditions, a result that contributed to the Guinness World Records recognition for a production plug-in hybrid SUV.
According to the company, the test was designed to address concerns around so-called “performance discounting” in plug-in hybrids, where fuel consumption can rise sharply once the battery is depleted. The STARRAY EM-i uses Geely’s EM-i Super Hybrid Technology, combining a dedicated hybrid engine with an integrated “11-in-1” electric drive system intended to maintain efficiency even at low battery state of charge.
Powertrain architecture and system implications
From an engineering perspective, the record highlights ongoing efforts to optimise hybrid control software, thermal management and power electronics to balance electric and combustion operation more effectively. Geely points to the thermal efficiency of its hybrid engine and tighter integration between inverter, motor and transmission functions as key contributors to the result.
While the company positions the achievement as proof of “true savings” for end users, the broader relevance for European engineers lies in how such architectures could influence future PHEV platform design, particularly as regulators continue to scrutinise real-world emissions and consumption data.
Market rollout and production plans
The STARRAY EM-i, also marketed as the Geely EX5 EM-i in some regions, is already on sale in markets including Poland and Italy. Geely says the model has entered local production in Indonesia, with plans for production in Brazil from next year.
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