Geely: Engine Thermal Efficiency of NordThor AI Hybrid Electric Engine Tech to Break 50% by 2030

An Conghui revealed that the next phase of NordThor AI Hybrid Electric Engine technology will focus on two core challenges: new fuels and advanced combustion technologies. The goal is to push engine thermal efficiency beyond 50%.

Thermal efficiency for mass-produced hybrid engines currently hovers between 43% and 45%, making the 50% mark a widely recognized technical bottleneck for the industry.

Significantly, technical thinking within the industry is shifting.

Several internal combustion experts point out that while peak thermal efficiency is important, the true measure of vehicle efficiency in hybrid architectures has shifted. It now depends on the integrated system efficiency—how well the electric motor, electronic control, battery, and engine work together. As electrification deepens, optimizing the powertrain becomes a more complex, multi-dimensional challenge.

Geely's 50% target represents a significant strategic reserve in hybrid technology. Yet the real competition ahead will hinge on how effectively this high-efficiency engine can be coupled with the electric drive system for smarter, more efficient energy management.