What is EM-i

What Is Geely EM-i? A New Era for Geely’s Hybrid Power

Geely has officially rolled out a new hybrid technology called EM-i, short for E-Motive Intelligence, positioning it at the center of its next wave of electrified vehicles. 

This isn’t just a mild hybrid or a stop-gap EV — it’s a full-fledged plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system designed to deliver both strong electric-only driving and extremely efficient extended range. 

Key Features of the EM-i System

• Three Driving Modes The EM-i system supports Pure, Hybrid, and Power modes. Pure offers full EV driving, Hybrid blends electric + petrol, and Power gives combined performance from both power sources.
• Powertrain Specs In its first major application (the Starray EM-i), the system couples a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (73 kW, 125 Nm) with a 160 kW electric motor (262 Nm in some versions).
• Battery & Range It uses an 18.4 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. This enables up to 83 km of pure electric range (WLTP) and a claimed combined driving range of 943 km under WLTP testing.
• Fuel Efficiency The claimed fuel consumption is remarkably low: around 2.4 L/100 km for certain driving conditions.
• Charging and V2L The system supports AC charging (6.6 kW) and DC fast charging (30 kW). It also offers 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, meaning the car can power external devices — like tools or camping gear — from its battery.
• Efficiency & Thermal Performance Geely claims the petrol engine in this hybrid system reaches a thermal efficiency of 46.5%, which is very high for traditional internal combustion engines.

Why EM-i Is a Big Deal

1. Efficient Range Without Compromise The EM-i system lets drivers enjoy meaningful electric-only driving for daily commutes, but also supports very long-range travel thanks to its hybrid design. For drivers worried about “range anxiety” or limited EV infrastructure, this is a very compelling package.
2. Cost-Effective Electrification By using PHEV technology instead of a pure EV, Geely can deliver lower running costs without forcing buyers into a fully electric ownership model. Plus, the V2L feature adds real-world utility.

Bottom Line

Geely EM-i (E-Motive Intelligence) is a smart, modern PHEV system that could bridge the gap between traditional combustion engines and full EVs. With its impressive range, efficient hybrid performance, and real-world utility (including V2L), it's a major piece of Geely’s roadmap for sustainable mobility — and a serious contender in the hybrid SUV space.

If Geely can scale EM-i affordably and reliably, this could be a game-changer for hybrid adoption, especially in markets where charging infrastructure isn’t yet widespread.