Hybrid News

Geely has revealed several concepts at the Beijing motor show, as well as crucial details on its upcoming Toyota Prado-rivalling hybrid off-road SUV.The brand’s major reveals were for two prototypes previewing the company’s future direction for passenger cars and tech.The Galaxy Light concept, a large luxury sedan, was shown with key design elements (dubbed “ripple aesthetics”) which Geely says will roll out across its range in the future.While the sedan format may be waning in popularity across the globe, elements of this flagship concept, including its imposing “waterfall” grille, high beltline, “blade” style headlight fittings, and completely new interior design direction will inform future Geely production cars.Importantly, the interior also features an array of physical buttons to go with its somewhat toned-down screens, in what Geely says is a move to be more “human-centric.”Geely says a significant part of the Galaxy Light concept was inspired by the Hangzhou West Lake, an iconic destination in its home province of Zhejiang, leaning into an unapologetically “Eastern aesthetic".The brand also said that the key elements of its new design language are specifically to “make no distinction between ICE, hybrid, or EVs,” suggesting that Geely products will unify in design in the future regardless of powertrain.Geely has also teased an upcoming boxy off-roader in much the same vein as the Denza B5. Teased in concept form at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show, the upcoming Geely Battleship 700 as it’s known in China wasn’t shown in production form at Beijing.Instead, the brand showed off its new off-road platform which will underpin this, as well as other off-road vehicles into the future.The new platform has several key elements. Firstly it places a large battery pack between the front and rear axles and frame rails, leaving no room for a mechanical propshaft connection. This means the platform will work more like the Denza B5 or BYD Shark 6 than GWM’s Tank 500 or Cannon Alpha.Geely says this design also helps strike a balance between off-road capability and urban comfort, thanks to this layout maximising cabin and cargo space, as well as having crash safety benefits.In addition, the platform is equipped with a combustion engine mated to a hybrid transmission driving the front axle, with dual electric motors driving the rear axle. Geely says this system can support up to 1000 horsepower (745kW) and features “AI-driven” torque distribution. Off-road pundits disappointed with the Shark 6’s off-road systems will be pleased to know the concept was also equipped with a rear differential lock.Finally, the brand also revealed its EVA Cab, a purpose-built fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicle. Taking the form-factor of a people mover, Geely says this concept is an “industry first purpose-built robotaxi prototype.”To support a theoretical fleet of EVA Cabs, Geely said it would continue to invest in a technological ecosystem, which includes a Geely-owned and operated satellite constellation, a “world-first full-stack AI model for the automotive industry” and a new onboard AI assistant, which will also debut on Zeekr’s range of passenger cars in the near future.Other curious from Geely’s stand included its new i-HEV plugless hybrid system, which will debut on the updated Preface sedan and Monjaro mid-size SUV.This system, claimed to be one of the most efficient engines in the world with a 48.4 per cent thermal efficiency, can be paired with either a 1.5- or 2.0-litre engine with or without turbocharging. The hybrid transmission these engines are paired with use new-generation electric motors which can provide up to 230kW of power and up to 80 per cent electric drive.The brand says it has certified fuel consumption as low as 2.22L/100km in test conditions, but will use less than 4L/100km in the Preface sedan, and less than 5L/100km in the Monjaro SUV.Expect to learn more about Geely’s roll-out plans in Australia for these technologies, with the brand gearing up for an expansive model roll-out for the rest of 2026 and throughout 2027.

GWM is breaking ranks with most of the car industry with a new family of diesel-powered four-cylinder hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).Expected to be deployed across the company’s range of SUVs and commercial vehicles starting from next year, these engines will give the Chinese brand a different selling point in a hybrid electrification market that is almost completely petrol-engine aligned.Confirmed by GWM Chief Technology Officer, Nicole Wu, at last week’s China Auto Show in Beijing, the diesel hybrids reflect the brand’s desire to offer the right engine for as many buyers as possible.“We are developing diesel hybrids,” she told the Australian media."(We are developing) multiple powertrain systems, to provide high-efficiency engines, combined with transmission and motors, including diesel, petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid."It is very complicated, so we invest a lot in this area."Asked how these could meet increasingly-restrictive global emissions regulations, Wu said that GWM has a number of innovations under development, but stopped short of revealing what they are.“For the emissions such as NOx (nitrogen oxide) we have technical solutions,” she revealed.“We have both hybrid or plug-in hybrid diesels (coming)… (Consumers will be able to) choose what you want.”China inevitably will be the first market to gain these diesel hybrids, starting from early next year, with the rest of the world planned to follow suit as required after that.“Maybe the first quarter of 2027,” Wu revealed. “That really depends on the real situation in each market.”Other details are scant, but it is understood that the hybrid and PHEV diesels will be available in all engine capacity configurations, including GWM’s coming big 3.0-litre four-cylinder unit, as well as the existing 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre sizes.Additionally, they will be used in both the longitudinal-engined, four-wheel-drive body-on-frame applications such as the Cannon Alpha ute and its Tank 500 and smaller Tank 300 siblings, as well as transverse-engined two-wheel-drive vehicles across the GWM range.More specifically, it is likely that the longitudinal diesel utes and 4WDs will come in either the company’s new EV-first Hi4-Z extended-range EV tech and more off-road focussed Hi4-T PHEV flagship, while the transverse models will come in a simpler hybrid-diesel format.According to GWM Chief Engineer and Technical Director at GWM Vehicle Integration Centre, Adam Thomson, hybrid technologies are largely interchangeable regardless of fuel type, meaning that petrol and diesel-based hybrid tech can be shared if necessary.“Emission treatment systems on a diesel engine, built for a conventional car and a hybrid car, are similar,” he explained. “The solution to the emissions issue is actually the same one.”Watch this space as we’ll let you know more soon.

Jaecoo, Chery’s premium sub-brand, has announced the arrival of a much-anticipated seven-seat version of its J8 large SUV, which will also feature a plug-in hybrid set-up for the first time. There is no news yet on the pricing for this latest J8 variant, but expect it to be above the $54,990 (drive-away) price tag attached to the all-wheel drive five-seater petrol model currently on sale.The J8 will go into direct competition with the closely-related Chery Tiggo 8 all-wheel drive PHEV and the BYD Sealion 8, which both sit around $50K-$60K bracket.There are limited details available on the new J8, but it will use the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up found on the Omoda 9, which is on sale in Australia. The Omoda 9’s three electric motor set-up produces 395kW, so expect a similar figure on the J8 PHEV.Jaecoo has also confirmed the car will have an all-wheel drive system. This will be the first electrified J8 model, with the only other two models being front-wheel and all-wheel drive petrol units.Competing in the large SUV segment, the J8 is approaching one year on the Aussie market, but trails the likes of the Tiggo 8 and the Sealion 8 on sales charts.It has sold less than 200 units this year, compared to the Sealion 8’s more than 1500 and the Tiggo 8’s more than 1000. The brand has decided to bring across a seven-seater J8 due to popular demand for a full-size family car in the lineup. The J8’s announcement comes with the brand continuing to expand its range Down Under, following the well-received J5 EV at the start of 2026, and the soon-launching petrol variant of that car. It is expected the J8 PHEV will launch in Australia in the third quarter of 2026, along with a hybrid version of the J5. 

More than a quarter of a century since the Land Rover Freelander was pensioned off, the SUV nameplate has returned with the Freelander 8, a rugged SUV developed by both Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).The first of six SUVs to be launched in the next five years as part of the Anglo-Sino partnership, the new Freelander 8 has already been confirmed for right-hand-drive markets, opening the door to Australian sales.Sold under the new Freelander sub-brand, Freelander 8 sales will initially begin in China as soon as late this year, before export sales kick off later.Created to be an all-electric mid-to-large six-seat SUV rival for the Toyota Kluger, the Freelander 8 comes with powerful 800-volt electrics for ultra-fast DC charging.Later on, the Freelander 8 will adopt both a range-extender hybrid (REEV), as well as the plug-in hybrids more commonly found in Europe.Freelander has confirmed that the REEV will bag CATL's latest Freevoy battery, which is capable of 6C charging, that translates into rapid DC peak charging speeds of 360kW.Ensuring it is as capable as any other Land Rover, the Freelander 8 features an electronic limited-slip differential, which is combined with a virtual central locking differential, plus a height-adjustable dual-chamber air suspension.Following on from the well-received Freelander Concept 97, the 8 borrows plenty visual cues from both the old Freelander and current Defender.While the Freelander 8 was styled by the British 4x4 brand, plenty of its advanced new tech has been sourced from its Chinese partner, including its curved screen that stretches from pillar-to-pillar.A large central floating infotainment is present, as well as a limited number of physical switches and a large rotary dial.Coming with a 2+2+2 seating configuration, the second row gets a pair of zero-gravity seats for a limo-like level of comfort.Fresh tech includes extra-bright 8000-pixel projection headlamps, and Huawei's latest-gen 896-LiDAR that helps the Freelander SUV support the tech giant's new Qiankun ADS 4.1 driver assistance system, which provides Level 2+ driverless tech.The same advanced autonomous driving aids are also thought to help boost the Freelander 8's capability off-road, offering up to nine terrain modes.When it lands in Europe, the Freelander 8 has been engineered to achieve the full five stars for protection in EuroNCAP crash tests, which bodes well for a decent showing in future evaluations by ANCAP.Built at a Chery-Land Rover plant in Changshu, close to Shanghai, the Freelander does without both Chery or Land Rover badging and will operate as an independent brand that is completely separate from Chery, Exeed, Omoda, Jaecoo, Lepas, Luxeed or the iCaur (iCar).It's not yet known, when launched in markets like Europe or Australia, if the Freelander will be rebadged and sold through Land Rover dealers.

If you need a large family SUV, but lust after a more rugged and flexible dual-cab ute, the Chery Tiggo V that's just been unwrapped at the Beijing motor show might be the answer.Created to be "one vehicle for all scenarios", the Chery Tiggo V follows on from the T1TP show car that made its debut last year, with the concept updated for production for the Beijing motor show.Unlike the Chery Himla dual-cab ute it shares its looks with, the Tiggo V is based on a car-like monocoque but many buyers are expected to fall for the swappable rear canopy that can either be removed completely or swapped out for one of six different configurations, including a camper.Most will buy it because of its six or seven seats but if you're moving home or need more space Chery says you can switch out the station wagon rear end for a cargo van topper that allows the Tiggo V to haul 600 litres of luggage, with four anchor points and up to four partitions available to secure heavy loads.There's no word on the SUV-cum-ute's payload, but its car-based roots suggest in ute form, it won't come anywhere close to being able to carry up to 1000kg, the likes of proper utes such as the Ford Ranger can haul.The rear structure, meanwhile, is easy to remove thanks to its quick-release mechanism, although there's no indication how heavy each of the rear bodies are, nor whether or not some of the heavier toppers, like the optional camper will be, with the latter potentially a dealer-fit only.When converted to ute form, a variable partition behind the second sliding row of seats ensures the cabin is protected from the elements in the exposed bed.Measuring in at more than 5000mm long, the Tiggo V has a 2800mm wheelbase that provides plenty of legroom within, with space available for up to seven.A more luxurious six-seater is also available with a 2+2+2 configuration.Under the bonnet the Tiggo V is tipped to come with a development of Chery's Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines an ultra-efficient 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, an 18.5kWh battery and a dedicated hybrid transmission.Two variants will be available: the DHT160 that produces 160kW and 275Nm of torque and a higher-output DHT230 that produces 260kW and 330Nm of torque.Both versions should have an all-electric range of between 90-100km.A regular 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol will also be offered in some markets.Claimed to come with genuine off-road capability, the Tiggo V offers up to 220mm of ground clearance that enables the PHEV version to wade up to 700mm, while the combustion version can drive through water at depths of up to 650mm.Primed to enter production for Chinese buyers later this year, the transforming Chery Tiggo V has yet to be confirmed for Australia. Instead, the Chinese brand has announced the flagship SUV/ute that will sit above the Tiggo 5, 7,8 and 9, remains under consideration for Australia.

For those of you who are looking to buy a new car but aren’t looking at an EV yet, we’ve put together a list of our top-five popular cars that run on the cheapest kind of petrol.Yep, there’s a lot of pressure right now to buy an electric car and avoid high petrol prices.But if you’re not ready for an EV and want to stick to petrol, there’s a way to still save money: buying a car which doesn’t need more expensive premium fuel.Premium fuel such as 95 RON or 98 RON is always more expensive than 91 RON, but with petrol prices so high right now any saving is good.At the time of writing, 91 RON was averaging 200c/litre, while 98 RON was 223c/litre. Filling up a 60L tank with 91 RON is currently $120 while 98 RON will set you back $133.80. So currently there’s about a $14 difference between 91 RON and 98 RON for an average-sized fuel tank. If you’re filling up once a week, that’s about $730 a year.For all we know, prices could go up more and depending on the situation and where our fuel is sourced from, so the gap between higher- and lower-grade fuels could expand.Yes, there’s 95 RON, but that is still more expensive than 91 RON.So, we’ve handpicked five of Australia's best-selling cars that don’t need premium unleaded and instead can run on a minimum of 91 RON. Hyundai’s Kona is a small SUV that comes in three variants – a pure petrol, a series-parallel hybrid and a fully electric. You’ll be happy to know both the pure petrol and hybrid petrol cars only need 91 RON.Fuel efficiency in the hybrid is excellent at 3.9L/100km over a combination of different driving conditions.The hybrid is offered across the entire range, which is great to see.The entry price into the Kona range is $33,700 plus on-road costs.GWM’s Haval Jolion is another small SUV, which is a little larger than the Hyundai Kona, but it also comes in pure petrol and series-parallel hybrid, both of which needing just 91 RON.The hybrid's combined fuel consumption is 5.1L/100km.It’s fantastic to see that the hybrid is offered right across the Jolion range.The entry grade in the Jolion range costs $26,990 drive-away.One of the original mid-size SUVs, the Nissan X-Trail in this latest generation is a superb family car that is offered in petrol and series hybrid variants.Now the pure petrol versions need only 91 RON. Nissan says the hybrids need a minimum of 91 RON, but 95 RON is recommended.Of course, you should follow the manufacturers advice here to ensure your X-Trail lives a long and happy life, but it’s good to know that 91 RON will do if you’re in a pickle.The other good news is that you really don’t need to step up to the more expensive hybrid to save fuel.The hybrid is fuel efficient at 6.0L/100km, but the regular petrol will use 6.1-6.5L/100km depending on the grade.  The entry grade of the Nissan X-Trail range lists for $38,140 plus on-road costs.The Mitsubishi Outlander is another mid-size SUV icon and comes in two variants – a pure petrol and a plug-in series-parallel hybrid (PHEV).Nissan says both the pure petrol version and PHEV need only 91 RON, which is a nice surprise.Fuel consumption in the PHEV is outrageously good at 1.5L/100km in combined driving conditions, but seriously you’ll have to charge it regularly to get this – and I mean every day.The combined consumption of the regular pure petrol Outlander ranges from 7.5-8.1L/100km depending on the grade.The entry grade in the Outlander range starts at a list price of $39,990 plus on-road costs.Chery’s little Tiggo 4 SUV is the smallest car in our selection (about a match-stick shorter than the Kona) and comes in both pure petrol and series-parallel hybrid form.The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, however, isn’t as fuel efficient as you might think in this not-so-big SUV. The combined fuel consumption according to Chery is 7.4L/100km. But the hybrid variant is much better with 5.4L/100km .The entry price into the Tiggo 4 range is $23,990 drive-away. 

The results of the fuel crisis are starting to show as sales of electrified vehicles in Australia have officially overtaken petrol and diesel vehicles, respectively.In March 2026 a total of 42,007 electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids were sold, according to sales data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).A total of 34,694 new petrol vehicles and 28,364 new diesel vehicles were sold over the same period.Electrified vehicles accounted for 38.6 per cent of total new vehicle sales in March 2026, whereas petrol and diesel new vehicles accounted for 31.9 per cent and 26.1 per cent, respectively.This isn’t the first time this has happened. It occurred initially in the month of December 2025, marking a significant shift in how electrified vehicles have become the norm.At this stage it’s unclear if this trend will continue, but sales for EVs are up 114.4 per cent year-to-date, PHEVs are up 40.3 per cent year-to-date and hybrids down 0.1 per cent year-to-date.The arrival of the new hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 this month is likely to further boost electrified vehicle sales, though.Sales of petrol vehicles are down 17.9 per cent year-to-date and diesel vehicles are down 4.8 per cent year-to-date.Virtually every carmaker is bringing in more electrified vehicle options in order to negate potential fines imposed by the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).In terms of year-to-date sales, electrified vehicles are still only just lagging behind petrol vehicle sales. A total of 100,564 electrified new vehicles and 101,147 petrol new vehicles were sold until the end of March 2026.This is well above the 79,766 diesel new vehicles sold year-to-date.Once April new vehicle sales figures are released this could be the tipping point for electrified vehicles. For now, watch this space.

BYD has revealed two new flagship models at this year’s Beijing motor show.These are the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 SUV and Seal 08 sedan which shouldn’t be confused with the existing Sealion 8 and Seal sedan as they’re completely different vehicles.As reported by AutoHome, the Sealion 08 is available with either two- or three-rows of seating and measures in at 5115mm long, which is 100mm longer than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.It’s understood it will be offered with both pure electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The former will feature BYD’s second-generation version of its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery technology and offer up to 900km of range, according to CLTC testing.Other expected highlights include air suspension and a rear-wheel steering system.The Seal 08 on the other hand is a large sedan that measures in at 5150mm long, 1999mm wide and 1505mm tall, with a 3030mm wheelbase. This makes it larger than a BMW 5 Series sedan.Similarly to the Sealion 08, both EV and PHEV powertrains are on offer. The former also receives a second-generation LFP Blade battery and operates on an 800V electrical architecture, allowing flash charging.The all-wheel drive version is reported to offer over 480kW and have a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than 5.0 seconds.The PHEV version of the Seal 08 on the other hand has a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW with an 200kW electric motor. No total system output has been detailed yet.The electric motor is fed by a 45.36kWh LFP battery pack and will offer over 400km of claimed electric range, according to lenient CLTC testing.Like the Sealion 08, the Seal 08 will offer a rear-wheel steering system that is aimed to reduce the turning circle at low speeds, but increase stability at higher speeds.At this stage it’s unclear whether the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 and Seal 08 will be offered in markets outside of China, or if right-hand drive versions are in the works.BYD only recently launched the Sealion 8 PHEV three-row SUV, as well as the Seal 06 PHEV sedan and wagon in Australia.

China is coming for some of the world’s best off-roaders.GAC, which just launched in Australia, has whipped the covers off its new Yue 7 four-wheel drive.The 4WD was previously teased with the codenamed T75 prototype.It is a plug-in hybrid, which puts it on a collision course with new arrivals such as BYD’s Denza B5, as well as conventional diesel-powered favourites such as the Toyota Prado.Its styling resembles several well known 4WDs, with shades of Land Rover’s Defender, the new Toyota Prado and some newer Chinese options just as the Chery iCaur V27 and Jetour T2.It has a blocky, masculine style with chunky all-terrain tyres, a tailgate-mounted spare tyre as well as roof racks and other off-road accessories.Pixel-like headlights give off strong Hyundai Santa Fe vibes and flared wheel arches add to its muscular appearance.It also shows roof-mounted lidar hardware, which points to advanced safety and self driving features.Only the exterior was showcased at the show, with full details to be revealed closer to its third quarter launch.It is expected to use the same plug-in hybrid set-up as the E8 people mover, which combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor to make 274kW and 630Nm. This is matched to a circa-25kWh battery that can deliver an electric driving range of about 100km.It is believed this 4WD will spawn a ute, which would come to Australia.The ute is due in 2027 and the company’s local CEO Kevin Shu previously said it was likely we’d learn more about it at the Beijing show.

BYD has confirmed domestic pricing and specification details for its updated Sealion 05 compact crossover-style SUV prior to the electrified newcomer’s public debut at this week’s Beijing motor show. Offered in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure-electric (BEV) form, the Sealion 05 measures just over 4.6 metres long (165 mm longer than the BYD Atto 3), close to 1.9m wide and around 1.6m tall.The DM-i PHEV version combines a 74kW 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a single 120kW synchronous permanent magnet electric motor and two battery options - 26.6kWh and 34.3kWh - delivering (CLTC) EV-only ranges of 220km and 305km, respectively.The DM-i’s claimed fuel consumption on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle is 3.1L/100km, the car’s 65-litre fuel tank facilitating an overall range in excess of 2100km (CLTC).Alternately, the pure-electric Sealion 05 EV is available with two motor options; the first being a rear-mounted 200kW unit powered by a 57.6kWh LFP battery delivering a CLTC range of 540km.A higher output version of the motor is fitted to upper grades, sending 240kW to the rear wheels with a 68.6kWh battery good for a 630km range.BYD’s new ‘flash charging’ tech is onboard, generating a 10 to 97 percent top-up in just nine minutes.Standard feature highlights include a built-in fridge and an 8.8-inch instrument cluster joined by a 12.8-inch central media screen on lower grades and a 15.6-inch ‘floating’ display on premium variants. All versions of the car feature seven airbags with ‘DiPilot 100’ ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) tech at a minimum with optional Lidar-based ‘DiPilot 300’ adding ‘Navigate On Autopilot’ (NOA) functionality as well as ‘DiSus-C’ semi-active suspension with continuous damping control.Boot space on the DM-i hybrid is a generous 650 litres with all seats upright, that number shrinking to 600 litres on the EV, although the latter features a 10-litre front boot.Five versions of the Sealion 05 DM-i are available in the Chinese domestic market, ranging from ¥97,900 (~$20,000) for the entry-level 220 Starter to ¥127,900 (~$26,100) for the 305 Smart Navigator.And three Sealion 05 EV grades range between the 540 Navigator at ¥119,900 (~$24,500) and 630 Smart Navigator flagship at ¥145,900 (~$29,800).  CarsGuide contacted BYD Australia for comment on the Sealion 05’s potential for sale in the local market and a spokesperson said, "We do not have visibility of that vehicle on our product radar."