SUV sets world record

The Geely Starray EM-I has set a Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel-consumption rate on the Sydney-Melbourne coastal drive by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powered production SUV. 

The challenge vehicle, which had a 29.8kWh battery, finished the 1,056km drive with a verified 3.83l/100km, undercutting the previous NEDC best of 4.4l/100km. 

Built on Geely Auto’s independently developed GEA architecture with EM-i Super Hybrid Technology, the PHEV features a high-efficiency 1.5-litre internal combustion engine paired with an 11-in-1 E-Drive system. 

This combination allows it to switch between pure electric, pure engine and hybrid modes to balance low energy consumption with extended range. 

The EM-i Super Hybrid system achieves energy savings through a dedicated high thermal-efficiency engine, an efficient hybrid-electric drive, intelligent energy-management strategies and ultra-low drag aerodynamic design.

The record-breaking journey from December 9-10 represented a “metropolitan travel route” by taking place along the coastal road between the two cities. It was specifically chosen to reflect real-world driving scenarios rather than a closed-road test. 

Officials note the Geely Starray EM-i navigated complex terrain including coastal plains, undulating hills and urban congestion in early summer heat.

“The primary purpose of this challenge was to demonstrate the practical user benefits of EM-i Super Hybrid technology,” says Dong Wan, director of the energy control department at Geely’s research institute. 

“We selected this route to test the vehicle’s performance in everyday user scenarios. The result proves that Geely Auto's EM-i Super Hybrid Engine achieves world-record energy efficiency.”