Thermal efficiency has become a key indicator of automotive technological innovation
introduction
As the world pays increasing attention to energy conservation and emission reduction, technological innovation in the automotive industry is also accelerating. Thermal efficiency, as one of the important indicators to measure engine performance, has attracted the attention of many automobile manufacturers in recent years. This article will explore several recent innovations in thermal efficiency and their impact on the industry.
Geely releases i-HEV Zhiqing petrol-electric hybrid technology, with engine thermal efficiency reaching a new high
On May 27, 2026, Geely Automobile announced a major technological breakthrough-i-HEV Zhiqing petrol-electric hybrid technology. The engine thermal efficiency of this technology reaches an astonishing 48.41%, once again refreshing the industry standard. This technology can not only improve fuel economy while ensuring vehicle power performance, but also significantly reduce emissions and contribute to environmental protection.
Technical Highlights
- Intelligent control system: i-HEV technology adopts an advanced intelligent control system that can automatically adjust the working modes of the engine and electric motor according to driving conditions and needs to achieve optimal energy efficiency.
- Thermal management technology: This technology also includes innovative thermal management solutions that improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy loss by optimizing the fuel combustion process.
- Environmental protection: The realization of high thermal efficiency is of great significance to environmental protection, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable development goals.
Changan Automobile’s new plug-in hybrid system once again focuses on the fuel vehicle market
On April 1, 2026, according to Yicai Global, the well-known Chinese automobile manufacturer Changan Automobile launched a new plug-in hybrid system. The system also made a lot of technical improvements in improving thermal efficiency, demonstrating Changan Automobile's continued investment and development in the fuel vehicle market.
The launch of this system demonstrates Changan Automobile's precise grasp of the future direction of the automobile market. Globally, although the electric vehicle market is growing rapidly, fuel vehicles still occupy a large market share. Therefore, how to improve the environmental protection of fuel vehicles while maintaining their performance has become the focus of major automobile manufacturers.
Development of battery cooling technology drives thermal efficiency improvement
In the field of electric vehicles, innovation in battery cooling technology is also crucial to improving the thermal efficiency of the vehicle. On November 27, 2025, IDTechEx released a report stating that two-phase cold plate cooling technology may usher in an explosion as early as 2026-2027. This advanced cooling technology manages battery temperature more effectively to ensure the battery is operating at optimal operating conditions, thereby improving overall vehicle energy efficiency.
Analysis and Outlook
From the launch of Geely's i-HEV technology to Changan's new hybrid system to IDTechEx's report on battery cooling technology, we can clearly see that improving thermal efficiency has become a new driving force for the development of the automotive industry. Whether it is a traditional fuel vehicle or a new energy vehicle, improving thermal efficiency can effectively reduce energy consumption and reduce environmental pollution. This is not only an urgent need to deal with global climate change, but also a key factor in future competition in the automobile market.
In the future, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, it is expected that more innovative technologies will be used to improve the thermal efficiency of automobiles. This will not only be a game-changer for the automotive industry, but will also have a profound impact on the entire energy consumption model. For consumers, this will mean lower car costs and a more environmentally friendly way to travel.
in conclusion
The improvement of thermal efficiency is a highlight in the development of automotive technology and will have a positive impact on environmental protection, energy utilization and consumer choice. The technological innovations of Geely and Changan indicate that Chinese automobile companies are gradually strengthening their leading position in this field. As more technologies mature and are applied, the future automotive industry will become more green and efficient, entering a new stage of sustainable development.
📰 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 System- Yicai Global (April 1, 2026)
- 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
Why has thermal efficiency become so important in the automotive industry?
As global attention to energy conservation and emissions reduction continues to grow, thermal efficiency, as one of the key indicators for measuring engine performance, is receiving increasing emphasis from many automobile manufacturers, because it not only improves fuel economy but also significantly reduces emissions, supporting environmental protection and sustainable development goals.
What is the thermal efficiency of Geely Auto's i-HEV intelligent hybrid electric vehicle technology?
The engine thermal efficiency of Geely Auto's released i-HEV intelligent hybrid technology has reached 48.41%, setting a new industry standard.
What are the technical features of Changan Automobile's new plug-in hybrid system?
Changan Automobile has introduced a new non-plug-in hybrid system that has made significant technical improvements in enhancing thermal efficiency, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation in boosting the competitiveness of the gasoline vehicle market.
How does the innovation in battery cooling technology affect the thermal efficiency of electric vehicles?
The development of battery cooling technology, particularly the innovation in two-phase cold plate cooling, can more effectively manage battery temperatures, ensuring that batteries operate in their optimal state, thus improving the overall thermal efficiency of electric vehicles.
What are the benefits for consumers in improving vehicle thermal efficiency?
Improving the thermal efficiency of vehicles not only means reducing operating costs, such as fuel or electricity consumption, but also decreasing exhaust emissions, providing consumers with a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.