Changan, Geely, and Chery to Roll Out Next-Gen HEV Tech by April 2026

In the first four months of 2026, Changan, Geely, and Chery successively launched their next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technologies. On March 30, Changan unveiled its “Blue Whale SuperPower Hybrid”; on April 13, Geely introduced its new “i-HEV SmartDrive Hybrid”; and shortly afterward, Chery revealed its “Kunpeng HEV 2.0” technology at its “New Fuel Night” event. HEVs are energy-saving systems that do not rely on external charging. They use a small-capacity battery and an electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine, reducing its operation in inefficient ranges and thereby lowering fuel consumption. Japanese HEVs primarily follow two technical approaches: Toyota’s THS and Honda’s i-MMD. Toyota’s THS uses a planetary gearset to coordinate power distribution between the motor and engine. For example, the fifth-generation THS, used in the Corolla, features an engine with approximately 41% thermal efficiency and achieves a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 4.0–4.3 L/100 km. Honda’s i-MMD employs a series-parallel architecture supporting pure-electric, pure-engine, and hybrid drive modes. The fourth-generation i-MMD, applied in the Civic, pairs a 2.0L engine with 41% thermal efficiency and a 135 kW drive motor, delivering a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 4.39 L/100 km. Japanese HEVs typically achieve fuel consumption below 5 L/100 km but offer relatively modest performance. Chinese automakers have responded by developing solutions that balance low fuel consumption with strong performance. Although Changan, Geely, and Chery each adopt distinct technical implementations, they all utilize a P1+P3 series-parallel configuration to increase the proportion of electric drive, achieving an “electric-dominant, engine-assist” approach. Their HEV systems commonly achieve fuel consumption in the 2 L/100 km range. Domestic engines now surpass Japanese counterparts in thermal efficiency and incorporate 500-bar ultra-high-pressure direct injection systems to enhance combustion efficiency. Additionally, higher-power motors paired with high-discharge-rate batteries improve dynamic response and short-term power replenishment capability. Overall, this technological direction reflects how advancements in pure-electric platforms are being leveraged to upgrade hybrid systems—shifting them from “engine-dominant, electric-assist” to “electric-dominant, engine-assist.” Despite an overall decline in China’s automotive market in Q1 2026, HEV model sales grew. Industry forecasts predict a significant rise in HEV sales for the full year, along with increased market penetration. Moreover, given insufficient charging infrastructure in certain overseas regions, Chinese HEVs—thanks to their low fuel consumption, strong performance, and intelligent user experience—show strong potential for expanding into international markets.