Hybrid technology and cooling system innovation: the latest developments from Geely, Changan and IDTechEx
introduction
In recent years, with the increasing awareness of global environmental protection and the continuous advancement of technology, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and related cooling technologies have become an important development direction of the automotive industry. In 2026, the two major domestic automobile manufacturers Geely and Changan will launch new hybrid technologies respectively. At the same time, the international technology analysis organization IDTechEx also predicted the future market trend of cooling systems. This article will conduct a comprehensive analysis of these important developments, with a view to providing the latest technical information for both inside and outside the industry.
Geely releases i-HEV Zhiqing petrol-electric hybrid technology
On May 27, 2026, Geely Automobile, a well-known Chinese automobile brand, announced the official release of i-HEV Zhiqing gasoline-electric hybrid technology and obtained thermal efficiency certification from the automotive research institute. The engine thermal efficiency of this new hybrid system is as high as 48.41%, marking that Chinese companies have reached a new height in the field of hybrid technology. According to Geely officials, i-HEV intelligent technology not only improves the vehicle's fuel economy, but also significantly reduces emissions, providing strong support for green travel.
Changan Automobile’s new plug-in hybrid system
Following Geely, Changan Automobile also unveiled its latest plug-in hybrid system on April 1, 2026. Different from the traditional plug-in design, the system launched by Changan does not require additional plug-in. Through an efficient energy conversion mechanism, it achieves seamless switching between fuel and electricity, greatly improving user convenience and driving experience. This technological innovation not only demonstrates Changan Automobile's strength in power system research and development, but also reflects the positive actions of Chinese car companies in the process of transitioning to low carbon.
Future trends in cooling technology
In terms of cooling solutions for automobiles and other electronic equipment, the international technology analysis organization IDTechEx issued a report on November 27, 2025, stating that two-phase cold plate cooling technology is expected to be widely used from 2026 to 2027. Compared with the currently commonly used single-phase cooling systems, two-phase cold plate cooling technology can more effectively manage the heat generated by high-power density equipment, especially suitable for areas such as electric vehicles and high-performance computing. With the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market, this technology has huge market potential and is expected to have a profound impact on future energy efficiency standards and environmental protection requirements.
Industry Impact and Outlook
The hybrid technology innovations of Geely and Changan not only enhance the competitiveness of their own products, but also have a positive effect on the entire automobile industry. In particular, Geely's i-HEV intelligent engine technology, whose engine thermal efficiency is close to 50%, has reached the international leading level, which will greatly promote the transformation of fuel vehicles into more efficient and environmentally friendly directions. At the same time, IDTechEx's estimates of two-phase cold plate cooling technology provide solutions to the heat dissipation problems of electric vehicles and other equipment with high energy efficiency requirements, indicating that cooling technology will be more widely used and developed in the future.
From the technological progress of Geely and Changan to the market forecast of IDTechEx, we can clearly see that in the context of the low-carbon transformation of the automotive industry, technological innovation has become a key driving force for the industry. With the popularization and application of these new technologies, it is expected that the Chinese automobile market and even the global automobile market will usher in more exciting changes in the next few years.
📰 Reference source
- Geely releases i-HEV Zhiqing petrol-electric hybrid technology, with engine thermal efficiency as high as 48.41%- Autohome (2026-05-27)
- GoPro Reveals GP3: Next-Gen AI Imaging Chip with 2X Power and Game-Changing Low-Light Performance- GoPro (March 3, 2026)
- China’s Changan Bets on Fuel-Powered Cars With New Plug-Free Hybrid SystemCaixin Global Yicai Global (2026-04-01)
- Two-Phase Cold Plate Cooling Will Take Off as Early as 2026-2027- IDTechEx (November 27, 2025)
- Geely Engine Receives Thermal Efficiency Certification_Sina NewsSina.com (April 14, 2026)
FAQ
Geely Auto released its new i-HEV intelligent hybrid power technology in 2026, exactly when was it?
Geely Auto officially launched the i-HEV intelligent hybrid power technology on May 27, 2026.
What is special about the new plug-in hybrid system announced by Changan Automobile?
Changan Automobile's new plug-in hybrid system, announced on April 1, 2026, stands out because it does not require additional charging, achieving seamless switching between fuel and electricity through an efficient energy conversion mechanism, enhancing user convenience and driving experience.
When will the two-phase cold plate cooling technology, predicted by IDTechEx, start to be widely applied?
According to the IDTechEx report, two-phase cold plate cooling technology is expected to be widely adopted from 2026-2027.
What are the advantages of two-phase cold plate cooling technology compared to single-phase cooling systems?
Two-phase cold plate cooling technology can more effectively manage the heat generated by high power density equipment, making it particularly suitable for fields such as electric vehicles and high-performance computing.
What is the impact of Geely and Changan's new hybrid technology on the automotive industry?
Geely and Changan's new hybrid technology has enhanced the competitiveness of their products, promoted the transformation of fuel vehicles towards greater efficiency and environmental friendliness, and at the same time exerted a positive driving force on the development of the entire automotive industry.