‘Efficiency Meets Intelligence’: Geely Auto Australia to debut EM-i tech with upcoming Starray EM-i SUV

SYDNEY, 6 August, 2025 – As part of its ongoing commitment to bring accessible, premium and highly efficient new-energy vehicles to the local market, Geely Auto Australia will debut its all-new E-Motive Intelligence Super Hybrid technology, or EM-i, as the confirmed powertrain for its next model, the Starray EM-i midsize SUV.

The EM-i system marks the inception of Geely Auto hybrid vehicles in the local market. The Starray EM-i was developed with the EM-i powertrain from the outset, offering drivers a native hybrid architecture experience.

• Featuring E-DHT drive system and hybrid dedicated petrol engine by Horse Powertrain
• Engine thermal efficiency of up to 46.5%, ahead of competitors
• Up to 98.02% motor efficiency and 98.8% transmission efficiency
• 2 regenerative charging modes via petrol engine; Intelligent and Forced
• Seamless performance, regardless of battery state-of-charge
• Geely EM-i debuts in the Starray EM-i midsize SUV, arriving early Q4 2025

Mr Lei Li, CEO of Geely Auto Australia, said: “Geely’s mission has always been to deliver cutting-edge technology and innovative products designed to benefit local customers; the introduction of EM-i technology in the upcoming Starray EM-i makes good on this promise, combining the best of electric and fuel power for greater efficiency”.

“The Starray EM-i paves the way forward for innovative mobility in Australia, providing an exceptional EV-like driving experience with the flexibility of zero emissions driving and extensive range”.

EM-i technology explained

Geely’s EM-i plug-in hybrid system consists of a hybrid dedicated petrol engine that works in collaboration with Geely’s new E-DHT (Electric Hybrid Dedicated Transmission) 11-in-1 electric drive system. This drive system incorporates critical drive functions including the following:

Two electric motors - Featuring the first industry application of flat wire coils, resulting in a compact motor size and lowering energy loss via electrical resistance

• 1. P3 mainly providing propulsion
• 2. P1 primarily generating charge for the battery

• Vehicle Control Unit
• Transmission Control Unit
• Geely Traction Control System (G-TCS)
• P1 Motor Controller
• P3 Motor Controller
• Continuous Variable Voltage Module
• Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
• Transmission system
• Thermal Management System (TMS)

Unlike some hybrid configurations in the market today, Geely’s combustion heart is a dedicated engine specifically designed for hybrid application. The petrol engine powering the Starray EM-i was developed by Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Geely Group and Renault Group dedicated to pioneering innovative, low-emission powertrain technologies.

The purpose-built hybrid petrol engine featured in Geely’s EM-i system achieves thermal efficiency of up to 46.5%, well ahead of similar systems in the mass vehicle market. The electric motor is also a cut above, achieving up to 98.02% efficiency while providing a bona fide EV experience for the average Australian commute with range to spare. Additionally, the transmission achieves up to 98.8% efficiency, rounding the trifecta of technological optimisations which produce an ultra-efficient system that gives drivers the most out of every tank.

Geely’s EM-i hybrid setup can operate in three driving modes - Pure, Hybrid, and Power:

• Pure – A pure electric driving experience, with the electric motor able to recharge the onboard battery via regenerative braking.
• Hybrid – The electric motor and combustion engine work together in harmony, with the battery able to be charged via regenerative braking or through the petrol engine.
• Power – The electric motor and engine both deliver power to the driven wheels.

Additionally, the EM-i system offers 2 modes of battery regeneration via the petrol engine; Intelligent and Forced, allowing drivers to recharge the high-voltage battery without needing to plug in.

• Intelligent Charge Saving Mode – Prioritises fuel economy
• Forced Charge Saving Mode – Prioritises charging speed

Geely’s EM-i system has been designed and engineered so that either the electric motor or the petrol engine can physically send drive to the wheels. In the case of the upcoming Starray EM-i SUV model, all power, regardless of where it comes from, is sent to the front wheels exclusively.

Supporting the combustion and electric drive units is a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack housed by the same durability tested casing technology found in the Geely EX5.

With these elements working together as one, the new EM-i system can confidently deliver the same seamless performance regardless of the battery’s state-of-charge, providing smooth and efficient driving at all times. This means that if an owner decides not to plug in the car to charge the battery, the performance of the vehicle will be minimally impacted.

Powering the new Starray EM-i SUV: EM-i's first global application

Australia will be the among the first Geely global markets to offer EM-i technology to customers in the form of the Starray EM-i SUV.

Set to launch in Australia early in the fourth quarter of 2025, the Starray EM-i is set to deliver an impressive combined range of up to 943km (WLTP), a pure electric range of up to 83km (WLTP), and a frugal combined fuel consumption of just 2.4L/100km (WLTP).

Further information on specification, variant grades and pricing will be available closer to the vehicle’s local launch.

To keep up to date with Geely Auto’s plans in Australia, you can view more information via www.geely.com.au and the brand’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China and was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary unit of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). The Group manages several leading brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. Geely Auto Group is also the global strategic partner of Malaysian national automaker PROTON.

The Group employs more than 50,000 people and operates 12 plants and five global R&D centres in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Gothenburg, Coventry and Frankfurt. The Group also boasts four global design studios in Shanghai, Gothenburg, Milan, and Coventry, respectively with over 1000 members of staff in total. Geely Automobile Holdings, a subsidiary company holding controlling stakes in Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr, has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2005. In 2023, the brands under Geely Auto Group management sold over 1.68 million units, with new energy vehicle sales increasing 48.3% and exports growing 38%.

The controlling shareholder in Geely Auto is Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), which is also the parent company of Volvo Car Group, Geely Commercial Vehicles Group, Geely New Technology Group and Mitime Group. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is committed to vigorously pushing the development of world-renowned automotive and mobility technology brands, providing high-quality products in multiple market segments to meet different levels of customer demands.