Geely unveils Xingyao 6 EF: World's first mass-produced methanol hybrid sedan with up to 1,880km range

Geely Auto Group has unveiled a new methanol hybrid powertrain in Shenyang, China, on 3 November 2026, alongside the launch of the Xingyao 6 EF. The company describes it as the world's first mass-produced methanol hybrid passenger car, combining methanol, petrol and electric power.

The new powertrain boasts a thermal efficiency of 48.15% and is designed to support reliable cold starts in temperatures approaching -40°C, offering another alternative in the development of new energy vehicles.

The Xingyao 6 EF's key feature is its flexible fuel system, which allows methanol and petrol to be used in varying proportions in the same fuel tank, alongside electric power. The system automatically adjusts the engine's fuel injection and ignition settings according to the fuel blend.

At the heart of the system is Geely's new methanol hybrid engine, which achieves a claimed thermal efficiency of 48.15% — the highest among mass-produced methanol engines worldwide, according to the company.

The engine uses 350-bar high-pressure direct injection and a high-power ignition system. A methanol concentration sensor detects the fuel blend in real time, allowing the engine control unit to adjust injection and ignition parameters to maintain stable operation.

Geely also says the system can start reliably in temperatures approaching -40°C, addressing one of the key challenges of using methanol fuel in colder climates.

Driving range

Under China's CLTC test cycle, the Xingyao 6 EF offers an all-electric range of up to 230km, making it suitable for everyday urban commuting.

Geely quotes the following range figures:

• Methanol tank and battery fully charged: approximately 1,250km combined range
• Petrol tank and battery fully charged: approximately 1,880km combined range
• All-electric range: up to 230km (CLTC)

These are manufacturer-reported figures, and actual range will vary depending on driving style, weather and operating conditions.

GEA platform

The Xingyao 6 EF is built on Geely's GEA Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture. It measures approximately 4,800mm in length and has a 2,756mm wheelbase, positioning it as a family-oriented hybrid sedan.

Inside, the car features Geely's Flyme Auto intelligent cockpit system. Its body structure uses 71.6% high-strength steel, which helps improve structural rigidity and safety.

Geely continues to develop methanol fuel technology

Geely's work on methanol technology dates back to 2005. Since then, the company has been developing an industrial chain covering methanol production, storage, transportation, refuelling infrastructure and vehicle applications.

Besides methanol hybrids, Geely continues to invest in battery electric, hybrid and hydrogen powertrain technologies. Its aim is to offer a wider range of energy solutions to meet the needs of different markets.

Source: Geely Auto Group official news centre

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