In the automotive world, even champions of electrification are finding new ways to improve traditional engines. Omoda & Jaecoo—a Chery Group brand known in Europe for its EV push—unveiled a bold new project at the 2025 International User Summit aimed at redefining sustainability: An internal combustion engine with an impressive 48-percent thermal efficiency, a milestone that few manufacturers are close to achieving.
While electrification remains central to the Group’s long-term strategy, Omoda & Jaecoo is also investing heavily in optimizing combustion engines, confident that hybrids will remain the most practical path to reducing global energy consumption for years to come.
Reaching 48 percent thermal efficiency marks a significant technological leap over the current industry average of 38 to 45 percent. In practical terms, each percentage point gained translates to roughly a 2.5 percent reduction in fuel consumption. Beyond efficiency, higher thermal performance also plays a direct role in cutting CO2 emissions—making it a critical factor in both economic and environmental impact.
Chery Group’s R&D team is developing a range of radical innovations, including an ultra-high compression ratio of 26:1, triple-link hyperbolic mechanisms, 35% exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and advanced thermal insulation coatings. Together, these technologies reduce thermal losses and enhance the efficiency of the combustion cycle — paving the way for a new generation of high-efficiency hybrid engines.
Photo by: Omoda & Jaecoo
At the summit, Omoda & Jaecoo also highlighted real-world results achieved with their current SHS (Super Hybrid System). The system combines a 1.5 TDGI engine operating on the Miller cycle with two electric motors and an intelligent DHT transmission, reaching a thermal efficiency of 44.5 percent and fuel consumption as low as 6 liters per 100 kilometers.
The SHS automatically adjusts driving modes to optimize performance and efficiency based on speed and load conditions. Its hybrid battery pack is built for durability—resistant to heat, shocks, and water immersion—and features an advanced safety system that cuts power within just 2 milliseconds in the event of a collision.
Omoda & Jaecoo’s system also offers 56 miles (90 kilometers) of all-electric range and includes a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function capable of powering external devices up to 3.3 kilowatts.
4
