Artificial Intelligence goes beyond entertainment and is even applied to hybrid sets to optimize fuel economy
The Beijing Motor Show 2026 opened up the technological abyss between Western, Japanese and Korean automakers — the so-called “traditional” ones — and Chinese manufacturers. Technologies seen as disruptive, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), have already been incorporated into the development of new models and the management of energy and fuel consumption.
SEE ALSO:
The Geely Group, for example, recently presented the i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid hybrid set, a technology that integrates combustion and electric propulsion systems. The system utilizes the GEEA 3.0 electronic architecture and the Xingrui AI Cloud Power 2.0 data processing model, incorporating artificial intelligence-based digital chassis algorithms.
The development of the engine was carried out under the “Joule Project” system, resulting in a thermal efficiency of 48.41%. According to the manufacturer, the fuel consumption index is 12% lower than the current average for the segment.
In road tests, the Emgrand model equipped with i-HEV technology recorded consumption of 45.05 km/l. The number was ratified by the Guinness World Record as the lowest consumption for a hybrid vehicle (HEV).
The powertrain provides a power of 313 hp. The system allows exclusively electric traction at speeds of up to 66 km/h. The technical configuration prioritizes the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels through electronic management of the engine’s torque.
Geely’s i-HEV intelligent hybrid technology is set to be fully integrated across the Geely Auto lineup. In 2026, the manufacturer plans to successively launch 4 to 5 all-new intelligent hybrid models.
At the Beijing Motor Show, Geely Auto unveiled the world’s first Native Off-road Architecture for New Energy (NEV) vehicles — the first NEV platform developed exclusively for this purpose. According to the brand, “the new architecture is the result of 40 years of research and technical expertise and a global strategic vision”.
Powered by Geely’s comprehensive AI ecosystem, it features capabilities such as AI-driven intelligent torque distribution, intelligent all-terrain modes, one-touch intelligent vehicle regeneration, and AI-assisted active body tuning.
Safety for off-road riding is ensured through features such as a recessed battery design and a six-layer protective structure at its base. It also has a 50:50 front and rear axle load distribution.
In addition, a design that physically separates the fuel, electrical, and cooling systems eliminates fire hazards associated with mixing fluids and high-voltage components to enable a high level of safety assurance. Additionally, this architecture offers ample space to accommodate larger batteries and fuel tanks.
More than 1,000 hp of power
In terms of off-road performance, the vehicles developed in the architecture come with a high-power P3 engine at the front and dual independent P4 motors at the rear wheels. This configuration offers a combined power of over 1,000 hp and an acceleration time of 0 to 100 km/h in the range of 4 seconds, a performance comparable to luxury vehicles that cost millions.
The three-motor system works in tandem with the vehicle’s comprehensive sensing system to enable AI-driven intelligent torque distribution to each wheel. The rear differential lock and the two rear motors can be engaged automatically and quickly, allowing the vehicle to easily overcome more complex off-road situations.
In addition, features such as an integrated chassis with body-on-frame, double-wishbone suspension at the front and rear, and a dedicated off-road thermal management system guarantee, according to Geely, “superior transpositionability and excellent driving dynamics”.
