Efficiency meets intelligence: Geely Auto UK reveals powertrain specifications of new Starray EM-i Super Hybrid PHEV SUV

• Geely Auto UK’s second model to launch will be the new Starray EM-i Super Hybrid PHEV SUV
• Super Hybrid designed and engineered from the ground up as a PHEV to bring range, performance and outstanding technology to every drive
• Two different Lithium Iron Phosphate battery packs will be offered: 18.4kWh and 29.8kWh, delivering electric-only range of up to 51 miles and 84 miles (WLTP)^*1 respectively
• Fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions from 2.4L/100km and 54g/km (WLTP)^*2 (18.4kWh), and 1.4L/100km and 32g/km (29.8kWh)
• The powertrain combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine and compact electric motor for a combined output of 193kW / 262Nm, enabling acceleration from 0-62mph in only 8.0 seconds
• Fast-charging capability (30kW DC for 18.4kWh) enables 30-80% top-ups in as little as 20 minutes, or just 16 minutes for the 29.8kWh (60kW DC)^*3
• A 7kW AC home wallbox will charge the battery from 25-100% in as little as 3 hours (18.4kWh) or 4.6 hours (29.8kWh)^*4    

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, 22 January 2026: Ahead of its upcoming launch next month, Geely Auto UK is revealing the full details of the powertrain for the Starray EM-i Super Hybrid PHEV SUV.

Offering up to 84 miles of electric-only range (WLTP) and 60kW DC fast charging together with the convenience and flexibility of a refined petrol engine, the new addition will join the electric Geely EX5 as the brand continues its ambitious expansion within the UK market.

The Starray EM-i is a born Super Hybrid and was explicitly designed and engineered from the ground up as a PHEV to bring range, performance and outstanding technology to every drive.

Developed using the same state-of-the-art GEA intelligent new energy vehicle architecture as its stablemate, the Starray EM-i Super Hybrid PHEV is also a five-seat, family-focused SUV designed to offer customers the combined benefits of two power sources. To further broaden customer choice, the Starray EM-i PHEV offers two different Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery sizes: the larger 29.8kWh pack delivers range of up to 84 miles (WLTP), while the smaller 18.4kWh pack provides up to 51 miles (WLTP).

Michael Yang, General Manager of Geely Auto UK, said: “When we launched our brand in the UK we said that we would deliver technologically focused, smart and attainable New Energy Vehicle mobility, while at the same time striving to offer excellent customer service. We’re doing exactly that, and after making our debut with an electric SUV and more than doubling our number of dealerships, we are now confidently building on that success by introducing a state-of-the-art super hybrid – the Starray EM-i.

“Capable of travelling up to 84 miles on a single charge, and offering fast-charging capability, the Starray EM-i will appeal to those customers who want the benefits of electric driving but who may not yet be ready for an EV. And, of course, it will offer a rich specification featuring a full range of technology – at an attainable price.

"Following in the footsteps of the Geely EX5 launched last year, and ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry when it comes to looking after our customers, the new Starray EM-i will come with an eight year or 125,000 miles warranty for both the vehicle and the battery.”

Refined and powerful: the plug-in hybrid system
Harnessing the world-class engineering resources and technologies within the global Geely Group, the Starray EM-i features a sophisticated super hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a powerful electric motor, compact automatic transmission, and choice of two Lithium Iron Phosphate battery packs.

The petrol engine develops 73kW and 125Nm torque, and was designed from the outset to deliver outstanding fuel economy. Features that contribute to this include inherently low levels of friction, a high tumble ratio combustion process, an electronically-controlled water pump, and variable displacement oil pump.

The engine is matched to a powerful, compact electric motor that generates 160kW and 262Nm. Using ‘flat pin’ copper windings instead of the conventional ‘hair pin’ type supports better space utilisation and reduced energy losses, enabling the motor to be smaller and more efficient.

The Lithium Iron Phosphate battery packs benefit from a cell chemistry that is designed to achieve improved cost-efficiency because it does not feature rare and expensive materials such as Nickel or Cobalt, and also offers impressive robustness and durability. With safety in mind, the packs were developed using more than 100 extreme tests, including crash tests, 2-metre drop tests, immersion in salt water, and being subjected to 700°C temperatures.

Driving the front wheels through a 1DHT transmission, the plug-in hybrid system delivers a combined maximum output of 193kW and 262Nm, enabling acceleration from 0-62mph in only 8.0 seconds. The 18.4kWh battery models return fuel consumption and emissions figures from only 2.4L/100km and 54g/km CO2 and just 1.4L/100km and 32g/km CO2 for 29.8kWh models1,2.

Fully optimised for UK roads
Geely Auto UK worked with the Lotus engineering team, utilising the firm’s expertise in chassis and dynamics assessment, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Starray EM-i, and the vehicle has undergone subjective and objective assessments by the Lotus engineering team of dynamics experts on UK roads, the Lotus test track, and a state-of-the-art multi-post rig.

Fast charging: engineered for everyday life
Should customers need to top-up the battery on longer trips, 30kW DC fast charging enables those with the 18.4kwh battery to be replenished from 30-80% in just 20 minutes, or only as little as 16 minutes for the larger 29.8kWh battery, which benefit from 60kW DC capability3,4. The battery pack’s thermal management system is designed to ensure that charging speeds remain high even in very hot or very cold weather conditions.

 Using a 7kW AC wallbox, such as the dual-branded smart home chargers from Geely Auto UK’s partner Andersen EV, 25-100% takes only 3 hours for 18.4kWh models, and 4.6 hours for 29.8kWh models. The Andersen EV unit features a stylish slimline design, comes with a seven-year warranty, and is made in the UK.

Sustainability designed for the future: Geely in the UK
Geely Auto UK is building a long-term, customer-focused presence with real momentum behind it. The retailer network, which began with 25 dealerships just six weeks ago and has already more than doubled in number, has been designed to deliver strong levels of customer service and convenience and aftersales care. Following the recent successful launch of the Geely EX5 SUV, the Starray EM-i PHEV will go on sale in the UK next month priced from £29,990 OTR.

Notes:
^{*1, 2} The stated range, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Actual figures may vary depending on driving style, road conditions, vehicle load, use of climate control and other factors. Figures are provided for comparison purposes only and may not reflect real-world driving results.

^{*3, 4} Based on charging under optimal conditions. Actual charging times may vary depending on various factors including, but not limited to, the battery age, condition, temperature, and existing charge, facility used, and duration of charge.