Geely pairs 93 kW methanol engine with electric motor in new hybrid EV
Chinese automotive giant Geely is expanding its Galaxy Starshine 6 lineup with a new methanol plug-in hybrid, according to China's latest Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filing. The model combines a 1.5-liter methanol engine with an electric motor and a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, offering a versatile alternative to conventional gasoline or fully electric options. The hybrid system is designed to deliver improved efficiency and an extended driving range for both city and highway use, while allowing quick refueling with methanol.
The move highlights Geely's commitment to diversifying its powertrains and advancing alternative fuel technology for mainstream vehicles[1] in China.
Pairing methanol engine with LFP battery
The company's latest filing reveals that the Galaxy Starshine 6 will feature a methanol plug-in hybrid system built around a 1.5-liter engine producing up to 93 kW. The setup is paired with a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, matching the chemistry already used in the Starshine 6's existing plug-in hybrid models. So far, the regulatory documents do not provide official figures for total system output, electric-only range, or fuel efficiency, leaving details about the hybrid's real-world performance largely unknown, CarNewsChina writes[2].
The filing also shows that the methanol plug-in hybrid keeps the same dimensions as the standard Galaxy Starshine 6. The sedan measures 189.3 inches long, 74.2 inches wide, and 58.7 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 108.5 inches. This indicates that Geely[3] has focused on upgrading the powertrain without altering the exterior size or proportions, keeping the vehicle's familiar profile while introducing methanol hybrid technology.
Methanol hybrid testing highlights Geely's alternative fuel focus
For over a decade, Geely has been advancing methanol-powered vehicle technology as part of its alternative-fuel research efforts.
In 2022, the company tested the Methanol Hybrid Emgrand in extreme cold down to -40?F, showcasing it as a proof-of-concept for methanol hybrid applications. Beyond testing, Geely has also displayed a wider range of methanol and hydrogen[4] technologies at major auto shows, highlighting how methanol powertrains fit into its long-term strategy for energy transition and sustainable mobility.
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Introduced in China in 2025, the Galaxy Starshine 6 entered the mainstream family sedan segment as a plug-in hybrid. Current models feature Geely's EM 2.0 hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine delivering 82 kW with an electric motor rated at 120.
Buyers can choose between two LFP battery options, offering estimated CLTC all-electric ranges of 37 miles and 78 miles.
The combination provides flexibility for daily commuting and longer trips, while keeping the vehicle competitive in China's increasingly crowded plug-in hybrid market.
Furthermore, the MIIT filing reveals that the methanol plug-in hybrid will join the Starshine 6 lineup as an additional powertrain option - expanding Geely's range of hybrid choices[5], offering consumers an alternative fuel option alongside existing gasoline and electric plug-in systems.