Geely has launched the Galaxy Xingyao 6 EF in China, introducing a methanol plug-in hybrid sedan designed to provide an alternative to battery-electric and conventional hybrid vehicles. Unveiled at an event in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Tuesday, the company describes it as the world’s first production methanol hybrid family car.
The sedan can operate using methanol, gasoline or electricity, with methanol and gasoline able to be mixed in any proportion within the same fuel tank. Geely is positioning the model for markets and driving conditions where cold-weather performance, refueling convenience and long-distance capability are important.
Pricing and Driving Range
The Galaxy Xingyao 6 EF is available in three variants. Limited-time launch prices range from 76,800 yuan ($11,440) to 96,800 yuan, compared with official guide prices of 86,800 yuan to 106,800 yuan. The EF designation stands for E-fuel.
The entry-level version has a CLTC-rated electric driving range of 130 km (81 miles), while the other two variants offer up to 230 km.
Geely said the sedan’s combined driving range reaches approximately 1,250 km with a full methanol tank and fully charged battery. Using gasoline instead, the claimed combined range increases to 1,880 km.
Methanol Hybrid Powertrain and Cold-Weather Performance
The vehicle uses a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-liter methanol engine, an electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery. Geely said the methanol engine achieves thermal efficiency of 48.15%, which it describes as the highest among mass-produced methanol engines worldwide.
The powertrain incorporates 350-bar high-pressure direct injection and high-energy ignition technology. According to Geely, these systems allow the engine to start at temperatures approaching -40°C (-40°F), addressing operating requirements in particularly cold regions.
A methanol concentration sensor monitors the fuel mixture in real time. The engine control unit then adjusts fuel injection and ignition parameters according to the methanol-to-gasoline ratio.
Geely also highlighted refueling convenience, with the company stating that filling the tank takes approximately three minutes.
Platform, Dimensions and Interior
The Galaxy Xingyao 6 EF is built on Geely’s GEA (Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture). The sedan measures 4,806 mm in length, 1,886 mm in width and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,756 mm.
Inside, the vehicle features the Flyme Auto 2 infotainment system, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The trunk provides 609 liters of storage capacity.
Geely Expands Methanol Vehicle Ecosystem
The launch forms part of Geely’s broader investment in methanol-powered vehicles and related infrastructure. The company said it has conducted research and development in methanol technology since 2005, covering areas including fuel production, storage, transportation, refueling and vehicle applications.
The Xingyao 6 EF has already entered commercial fleet operations. Geely Holding Group Chairman Eric Li said in October that more than 6,000 units had been deployed for ride-hailing services, taxis and official use.
The supporting refueling network is also expanding. Victor Yang, senior vice president of Geely Holding, said at the same conference that China had established more than 1,400 methanol refueling stations of various types.
With the Galaxy Xingyao 6 EF, Geely is extending its alternative-fuel strategy into the passenger car market, combining electric driving capability with a methanol-compatible engine and conventional gasoline flexibility.