The Japanese edition of Nikkei admitted: Chery, Geely and Changan achieved a record thermal efficiency of hybrid engines — up to 48.57%. This exceeds the best indicators of Japanese manufacturers and means a new stage in the global automotive industry.
On June 26, 2026, the authoritative Japanese business publication Nikkei published an article in which it recognized that Chinese automakers are rapidly catching up — and in a number of indicators have already overtaken — Japan in internal combustion engine technologies, especially in the field of hybrid powertrains.
Record thermal efficiency
Thermal efficiency characterizes the efficiency of converting the thermal energy of the fuel into mechanical work. The higher this indicator, the more economical and cleaner the engine works. Traditional gasoline engines reach 38–45%, Japanese hybrids — up to 45%.
Chinese manufacturers have surpassed these figures:
- Chery — hybrid system "Kunpeng Tianqing" for the new Tiggo 9: 48.57% — an absolute world record among production cars. Achieved thanks to the double curve of the triple lever with an expansion ratio of 26:1, developed using AI simulation.
- Geely — i-HEV system on the Xingyue L (Monjaro) model: 48.41% with a compression ratio of 15.5:1, a Miller cycle and real-time AI energy flow control, taking into account altitude, humidity and temperature.
- Changan is the Bluecore Super Engine: the world's first series-produced direct injection system at 500 bar, providing the finest spraying and instant response.
Dual strategy
As Chinese brands ramp up sales of electric vehicles around the world, they are simultaneously refining ice technologies for markets with limited charging infrastructure. In 2025, Chery sold 2.8 million cars (70% with a gasoline engine) and exported 1.34 million units — more than any other Chinese automaker.
Importance to the market
According to GlobalData forecasts, hybrids will retain 15% of the global market until 2038. The combination of ultra-efficient engines and AI control makes Chinese cars increasingly competitive in this segment — including in Russia and the CIS countries, where charging infrastructure is unevenly developed.
Source: CarNewsChina.com
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