Geely Motor Philippines has introduced its latest hybrid powertrain technology to the local market. In response to rising fuel prices and persistent range anxiety among many Filipino motorists, the Chinese brand has launched its EM-I Super Hybrid System.
The Geely EM-I is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology developed from the ground up. The company stated that the EM-I used a clean-sheet approach during its research and development, enabling higher efficiency, improved performance, and better on-road usability compared with conventional hybrid systems.
At the center of the EM-I is a hybrid-specific engine that achieves a thermal efficiency of 46.5%. Geely states that this figure currently leads all mass-produced engines globally, making a new benchmark in powertrain engineering for the brand. The improved combustion process enables the engine to extract more usable energy from the fuel, resulting in lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions compared with traditional hybrid systems.
The EMi-i’s efficiency figures extend beyond the engine itself. Geely claims that when operating in hybrid mode, the EM-I’s integrated 11-in-1 E-DHT system delivers a combined fuel consumption of 2.4 L/100 km under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) cycle. In battery-depleted conditions, fuel consumption is engineered to remain at approximately 4.3 L/100 km, ensuring consistent efficiency across different driving scenarios. When combined with optimized energy management, the platform is designed to deliver a total driving range of more than 1,000 km on a single full tank and charge.
The system’s performance is further supported by an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.288, while its rapid charging capability allows the battery to be recharged from 10% to 30% in about 20 minutes, Geely says. Beyond efficiency, Geely emphasized system resilience and intelligence. The EM-I technology actively manages energy distribution based on real-world driving conditions. It also incorporates redundant backups to maintain high-speed operation even if one power source fails.
Designed for tropical climates, the Geely EM-I Super Hybrid System uses short blade LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery technology tested for resistance against extreme heat and water exposure, including seawater immersion – conditions relevant to Philippine monsoon environments where heat, humidity, and frequent bouts of light and heavy rain occur, especially during the second half of the year.
Among the first models to be fitted with this tropical-ready hybrid powertrain is the upcoming Geely EX5 EM-I, a plug-in hybrid electric SUV known elsewhere as the Geely Galaxy Starship 7, and is slated for its local debut in Q1 of this year.
Autocar’s Take
Geely Motor Philippines’ introduction of the EM-I Super Hybrid System is a technically ambitious step. The emphasis on thermal efficiency, real-world fuel economy, and battery resilience tailored for tropical conditions addresses practical concerns for many Filipino motorists.
While on-paper numbers such as the 46.5% thermal efficiency and over 1,000 km of total range are compelling, validation of these figures will ultimately depend on local deployment, consumer experiences, and verified efficiency testing events such as the DOE (Department of Energy) Fuel Eco Run. Still, the decision to develop a hybrid system on a clean-sheet platform demonstrates a level of engineering commitment that sets this system apart in an increasingly crowded electrified space.
