Chinese automotive giant Geely is preparing to expand its Galaxy Starshine 6 family with a new methanol-powered plug-in hybrid version, according to recent filings with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Methanol replaces the gasoline engine
The new model combines a 1.5-liter methanol engine with an electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. This aims to offer a more flexible powertrain solution, an alternative to traditional gasoline or fully electric options. The system seeks to provide higher efficiency and longer range for both urban and long-distance driving, while also offering the advantage of rapid refueling with methanol.
According to the MIIT application, the Galaxy Starshine 6 will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid system based on a 1.5-liter methanol engine capable of producing 93 kW of power. This system is paired with the LFP battery chemistry currently used in the existing plug-in hybrid versions of the Starshine 6. However, official documents do not yet include total system power, pure electric range, or fuel consumption data. Therefore, clear information about the hybrid system's real-world performance is not available.
The filing also indicates that the methanol hybrid version will have the same dimensions as the standard Galaxy Starshine 6. The car will be 4.81 meters long, 1.88 meters wide, 1.49 meters high, and have a wheelbase of 2.76 meters.
Sustainability targeted with methanol
Geely has been working on methanol-fueled vehicle technologies for over a decade. In 2022, the company tested its Methanol Hybrid Emgrand model in extreme cold conditions as low as -40°C, aiming to prove the durability of this technology. Additionally, Geely showcases various methanol and hydrogen-based solutions at auto shows, emphasizing the significant role of methanol technology in its long-term energy transition and sustainable transportation strategy.
Introduced in China in 2025, the Galaxy Starshine 6 was initially positioned as a plug-in hybrid family sedan. Current versions use Geely's EM 2.0 hybrid system, which combines an 82 kW 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with a 120 kW electric motor. Customers can choose between two different LFP battery options, offering a pure electric range of approximately 60 km and 125 km according to CLTC standards.
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