The Chinese electric vehicle company combines a 93 kW methanol engine with an electric motor to create a powerful new hybrid.

Published 08/02/2026 as 00:17 Updated 08/02/2026 as 00:18

A Chinese electric vehicle company Geely announced the expansion of its Galaxy Starshine 6 line with a new methanol-powered plug-in hybrid, according to a document from MIIT, combining a 1,5-liter engine, LFP battery, and fast charging, thus broadening technological alternatives in the Chinese market.

Expansion of the Galaxy Starshine 6 line with hybrid methanol technology.

A Chinese electric vehicle company In a recent document submitted to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Geely presented plans to expand its Galaxy Starshine 6 line with a methanol-powered plug-in hybrid system.

The project integrates a 1,5-liter methanol engine into a electric motor[1] and to a lithium iron phosphate battery.

The proposal maintains the sedan's positioning in the conventional family car segment and adds a fuel option to the existing portfolio.

The system was designed to increase efficiency and autonomy in urban and highway use, with the possibility of rapid refueling with methanol.

Combination of a 1,5-liter methanol engine with an LFP battery.

The regulatory document indicates that the Galaxy Starshine 6 methanol plug-in hybrid will use a 1,5-liter engine with up to 93 kW of power, coupled with an LFP battery. The same battery chemical composition is already present in the current Starshine 6 line of plug-in hybrids. No official figures have been released regarding the system's total power output, all-electric range, or fuel efficiency.

This data remains missing from the available records, leaving aspects of the final performance still undefined, according to a report by CarNewsChina.

Preserved dimensions and focus on the powertrain.

According to the documentation, the methanol plug-in hybrid maintains the dimensions of the standard Galaxy Starshine 6. The sedan measures 189,3 inches in length, 74,2 inches in width, and 58,7 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 108,5 inches.

Maintaining the measures indicates that the Chinese electric vehicle company The adjustments focused on the powertrain, preserving the vehicle's external profile. The strategy maintains the model's identity while introducing hybrid methanol technology without apparent structural changes.

History of testing with methanol and alternative fuels

Hybrid tests using methanol reinforce Geely's focus on alternative fuels.

For more than a decade, the automaker has been developing methanol-based vehicle technologies as part of its research into unconventional fuels. In 2022, the company tested the Emgrand Hybrid Methanol system at temperatures as low as -40?C, demonstrating the system's viability under extreme conditions. This initiative was part of broader research efforts focused on hybrid applications with methanol.

Technological strategy and presence at auto shows

In addition to the tests, the Chinese electric vehicle company The company showcased methanol and hydrogen technologies at major auto shows.

The presentations highlighted how methanol propulsion systems fit into the automaker's long-term strategy. These demonstrations reinforced the approach of technological diversification, focusing on energy transition and sustainable mobility, without immediately replacing systems already established in the Chinese market.

Context of the Starshine 6 line launched in 2025

Launched in China in 2025, the Galaxy Starshine 6 entered the market as a plug-in hybrid sedan. Current models utilize the EM 2.0 hybrid system, which combines an 82 kW 1,5-liter naturally aspirated engine with a 120 kW electric motor.

There are two LFP battery options, with estimated ranges in fully electric mode, according to the CLTC cycle, of 60 km and 125 km.

This configuration offers flexibility for daily use and longer trips.

New engine option and expanded portfolio.

The document submitted to MIIT indicates that the methanol plug-in hybrid will join the Starshine 6 lineup as an additional powertrain option.

The measure expands the range of hybrid systems in the Chinese electric vehicle company, adding to the already available plug-in gasoline and electric versions.

With this, Geely is now offering Chinese consumers a fuel alternative that coexists with the model's other technological solutions, keeping the Starshine 6 competitive in an increasingly competitive and technically diverse hybrid market.

References

1. ^ electric motor (en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br)