Geely PHEV sets new world record

GEELY has set a fuel economy record in its new midsize Starray EM-i plug-in petrol/electric SUV on a run down the coast between Sydney and Melbourne.

Scrutinised by the Guinness Book of Records, the drive was completed over 9-10 December on the Princes Highway link between the two state capitals.

The record attempt used a production Starray EM-i (from $37,490) that was equipped with a standard 29.8kWh battery. It finished the 1056km drive with a verified fuel consumption of 3.83-litres per 100km which significantly undercuts the model’s NEDC figure of 4.4L/100km.

The result now stands as a new Guinness Book of Records title for the vehicle type.

It means Geely can promote its Starray EM-i as capable of achieving the “lowest fuel consumption driving the Sydney–Melbourne coastal drive by a plug-in hybrid powered production SUV”.

It also means the intercity run may cost as little as $76 depending on fluctuating premium fuel prices.

“This achievement establishes Geely Auto’s EM-i Super Hybrid Technology as an industry benchmark for energy efficiency and long-range performance,” said Geely in a statement.

The model is built on Geely Auto’s GEA architecture with so-called EM-i Super Hybrid Technology utilising a high-efficiency 1.5-litre naturally aspirated ICE paired with an 11-in-1 E-Drive System.

The combination allows the vehicle to switch seamlessly between pure electric, pure engine, and hybrid modes which Geely says perfectly balances low energy consumption with extended range.

“The EM-i Super Hybrid system achieves extreme energy savings through a dedicated high thermal efficiency engine, an extremely efficient hybrid electric drive, intelligent energy management strategies, and an ultra-low drag aerodynamic design,” added Geely.

The record-breaking drive represents a “metropolitan travel route”, taking place along the iconic coastal route from Sydney to Melbourne that covers a total distance of approximately 1000km.

It was specifically chosen to reflect real-world driving scenarios rather than a closed-road test and was carried out under the strict supervision of official Guinness Book of Records adjudicators.

Geely says in the process, the model navigated complex terrain including coastal plains, undulating hills and urban congestion, all while battling the early summer heat of the Australian coast.

“The primary purpose of this challenge is to demonstrate the practical user benefits of EM-i Super Hybrid technology,” said Geely Research Institute director of energy control department Dong Wan.

“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.”

Geely builds the Starray EM-i for a global audience as high-quality, “intelligent” vehicle that “excels not only in efficiency but also in safety, space, and comfort”.

It says that since the model’s debut, it has garnered strong market reception, achieving a cumulative global sales volume of 114,185 units as of the end of November 2025.

“It has successfully launched in key international markets – including Australia, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, and Indonesia – quickly establishing itself as a mainstay in its segment with the global roll out to continue,” added Mr Wan.

To recap, brands in Geely Auto Group’s stable include Lotus, Farizon, Proton, Smart, London EV, Geely, Geometry C, Lynk &Co, Zeekr, Polestar, and Volvo.