Geely Auto has made headlines by setting a new Guinness World Record with its Super Hybrid SUV, the mid-size Starray EM-i. The vehicle achieved this feat by traveling from Sydney to Melbourne via the Coastal Drive on a fully charged battery and a single tank of fuel. The record, titled “lowest fuel consumption driving the Sydney–Melbourne Coastal Drive by a plug-in hybrid powered production SUV,” was accomplished over a 1056km route that included stops in Wollongong, Jervis Bay, Narooma, Lakes Entrance, and Yarram.
The Starray EM-i recorded a verified fuel consumption figure of 3.83L/100km. This was measured after completely refilling the SUV’s tank in Frankston with 40.38 liters of fuel. Not only did this set a new world record, but it also surpassed Geely’s own official NEDC fuel consumption figure of 4.4L/100km.
Record Set with a Global-Spec Model
However, there is a notable caveat to this achievement. The test vehicle used to set the record was a global-spec model equipped with a larger hybrid battery than the version currently available in Australia. The record-setting vehicle featured a 29.8kWh battery, whereas the local Starray models are equipped with an 18.4kWh unit.
Geely emphasized that the Coastal Drive between Sydney and Melbourne was “specifically chosen to reflect real-world driving scenarios rather than a closed-circuit test.” The record-breaking attempt was conducted under the “strict supervision” of official Guinness World Records adjudicators, with the route encompassing coastal plains, undulating hills, and urban congestion.
“The primary purpose of this challenge is to demonstrate the practical user benefits of EM-i Super Hybrid technology,” said Don Wan, director of the energy control department from Geely Research Institute. “We selected this route to test the vehicle’s performance in everyday user scenarios. The result proves that Geely Auto’s EM-i Super Hybrid Engine achieves world-record-level energy efficiency.”
Understanding the Geely Starray EM-i
The Geely Starray EM-i is powered by the brand’s efficiency-focused plug-in ‘Super Hybrid’ system, which combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. In Australia, the models use an 18.4kWh LFP battery, which offers a claimed 83km of electric vehicle range based on WLTP testing. The combined driving range is 943km (WLTP) with a full charge and a brimmed 51-liter fuel tank.
CarExpert reached out to Geely Australia to inquire about the local availability of the larger 29kWh battery, as it does not appear to be on sale in any global markets currently. The Starray EM-i was launched in the Australian market in September, with prices starting from $37,490 plus on-road costs. By the end of November, 939 units had been registered in Australia.
Implications and Future Prospects
The announcement comes as automakers worldwide are increasingly focusing on hybrid and electric vehicles to meet stringent emissions regulations and consumer demand for more fuel-efficient cars. Geely’s achievement with the Starray EM-i highlights the potential of hybrid technology in bridging the gap between traditional combustion engines and fully electric vehicles.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the focus on real-world performance and energy efficiency will likely drive further innovations. Geely’s record-setting run may encourage other manufacturers to pursue similar feats, pushing the boundaries of hybrid technology and setting new benchmarks for fuel efficiency.
Looking ahead, the potential introduction of the larger battery in the Australian market could enhance the Starray EM-i’s appeal, offering consumers a more efficient and environmentally friendly option. As Geely continues to expand its global footprint, the success of the Starray EM-i could pave the way for further advancements in hybrid technology.
