Articles tagged with "hybrid-technology"
Speculation Runs High About Toyota Corolla EV Ahead Of Japanese Mobility Show - CleanTechnica
The article discusses growing speculation about Toyota unveiling a Corolla electric vehicle (EV) concept at the upcoming Japanese Mobility Show in Tokyo on October 29. Although Toyota has not officially confirmed details, a short teaser video hints at a futuristic Corolla EV design featuring a distinctive light bar, sharp LED headlights, and a charging port on the left front fender. The concept’s styling reportedly resembles the current Prius, suggesting a modern yet practical design potentially close to production readiness. Observers note the presence of conventional features like side mirrors and door handles, which support the idea that the concept could transition smoothly into a production model. Toyota’s current Corolla, introduced in 2020, is expected to be replaced around 2027, and the company may offer the next-generation Corolla in multiple powertrain options, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. Given the Corolla’s status as Toyota’s volume leader, a sudden shift exclusively to battery electric seems unlikely, but a diversified lineup could appeal to a broad customer
energyelectric-vehiclesToyota-Corolla-EVhybrid-technologybattery-electric-vehiclesautomotive-innovationclean-energyBYD’s new hybrid EV sets efficiency benchmark with 1,243-mile range
China’s BYD has introduced the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that sets a new industry benchmark with a total driving range of approximately 1,243 miles on a single tank of fuel and full battery charge. The vehicle is powered by BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 99 horsepower with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 161 horsepower. This powertrain enables the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds, balancing urban efficiency and highway performance. Inside, the Seal 05 DM-i features a modern cabin with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen running BYD’s DiLink infotainment platform, and a functional design focused on driver convenience. Sales of the model have been strong, with 13,495 units sold in August 2025 and a total of 49,821 units
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-technologyBYDautomotive-innovationplug-in-hybridenergy-efficiencyPhotos: Vittori unveils AI-assisted hypercar with 1,100 horsepower
Vittori, a new performance brand founded by entrepreneur Carlos Cruz, has unveiled its debut hypercar, the Turbio, at The Concours Club in Miami. Limited to just 50 units, the Turbio combines Italian craftsmanship with American ambition, featuring a proprietary hybrid powertrain that pairs a 6.8-liter V12 engine with a front-axle electric motor to deliver a combined 1,100 horsepower. The car incorporates AI-assisted design, additive manufacturing, and race-inspired engineering, with advanced aerodynamics including an adaptive rear wing that optimizes drag and downforce for enhanced stability and cornering. The Turbio’s interior emphasizes driver engagement through tactile controls and mechanical switches, diverging from the touchscreen-heavy cabins common in modern supercars. The vehicle’s design was developed in collaboration with Pininfarina, the renowned Italian design house known for its legacy of automotive excellence and innovation. Vittori aims to create a hypercar that blends performance, beauty, and control without compromise, positioning
energyhybrid-technologyAI-assisted-designadditive-manufacturingautomotive-engineeringaerodynamicselectric-motorLivin’ & Drivin’ with the Cannon Alpha PHEV Ute - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica reviews the Great Wall Motors Cannon Alpha PHEV ute, which entered the Australian plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) ute market three months prior and has shown promising sales, with PHEV variants making up 45% of total Cannon Alpha sales. The author sought feedback from real ute drivers, including Damien Hamilton, who has driven the Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra Model for over 10,000 km. Damien, an experienced driver with a history of various vehicles and extensive daily commuting and towing, praises the Cannon Alpha as the best vehicle he has owned, highlighting its smooth transmission, comfortable ride, strong power and efficiency, versatile drive modes, impressive 4WD capabilities, and high build quality. He also appreciates features like massage and cooled seats, a split tailgate, advanced interior trim, and useful storage options. Damien lists numerous positives such as excellent towing performance, EV range, user-friendly app connectivity, and practical design elements like pre-drilled
energyPHEVelectric-vehicleshybrid-technologyautomotiveGreat-Wall-Motorssustainable-transportationNew Chinese Voyah hybrid EV with 490 kW motor to offer higher range
The Voyah Passion L, a premium plug-in hybrid sedan from Dongfeng Motor Corporation’s upscale Voyah brand, is set to debut later in 2025. This model represents Voyah’s expansion into the high-end sedan market, complementing its existing electric SUVs and MPVs. The Passion L features a powerful hybrid system with front and rear motors producing a combined output of 657 hp (490 kW), enabling a top speed of 124 mph. It also boasts a larger battery pack than the standard Passion, offering a projected pure electric range exceeding 186 miles. Dimensionally, the Passion L is slightly larger and more spacious than the original Passion, with modest increases in length, width, and wheelbase. The Voyah Passion lineup currently includes both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric (BEV) variants. The PHEV uses a 43 kWh lithium battery providing an estimated 163 miles of electric range and a total range of up to 783 miles
energyelectric-vehiclehybrid-technologybattery-technologyadvanced-driver-assistance-systemLiDARHuaweiPhotos: Corvette ZR1X becomes fastest American car ever at Nürburgring track
Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1X has set a new record as the fastest American car at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing the demanding 12.9-mile circuit in 6:49.275. This lap time narrowly surpasses the previous record held by Ford’s Mustang GTD by 2.8 seconds. Notably, Chevrolet achieved this feat with three different Corvette models—the hybrid-powered ZR1X, the 1,064-horsepower ZR1, and the naturally aspirated Z06—each driven by experienced General Motors engineers rather than professional racers. The engineers’ extensive Nürburgring experience, gained through years of vehicle testing, underscored Chevrolet’s confidence in its in-house talent and engineering prowess. The Corvette ZR1X combines a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor to deliver all-wheel-drive hybrid performance, while the ZR1 and Z06 offer formidable powertrains without hybrid assistance
energyhybrid-technologyautomotive-engineeringelectric-motorhigh-performance-vehiclescarbon-fiber-materialsracing-technologyChina's Zeekr unveils SUV with 621-mile range, 70 kWh battery powerhouse
China’s Zeekr has introduced the 9X hybrid SUV, a high-performance plug-in hybrid vehicle built on its new SEA-S modular platform (Haohan-S in China). The 9X combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with three silicon carbide electric motors, producing a combined output of 1,030 kW. This powertrain enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mph, with consistent performance regardless of battery charge level. The vehicle features a notably large 70 kWh battery—the largest ever in a PHEV passenger car—supporting rapid 6C charging on a 900V system, allowing a recharge from 20% to 80% in about 9 minutes. The 9X offers an electric-only range of approximately 236 miles (CLTC standard) and a combined driving range exceeding 620 miles. Zeekr highlights the efficiency of
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-technologybattery-technologysilicon-carbide-motorsfast-chargingautomotive-innovationNew hybrid EV by China's Geely, Mercedes offers 1,000-mile range
The Smart #5 EHD is the first plug-in hybrid SUV from Smart, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and China’s Geely. It features a 40 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery from CATL paired with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 161 horsepower. The hybrid system primarily uses the gasoline engine as a generator, enabling an estimated total driving range of nearly 1,000 miles (995 miles by Chinese standards, approximately 620 miles in real-world conditions). The vehicle offers about 155 miles of pure electric range and fuel efficiency around 53 miles per gallon. It also supports fast charging, replenishing its battery in under 15 minutes, and includes advanced driver-assistance features suggested by a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. Currently, the Smart #5 is available in all-electric versions with multiple trims offering rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options, horsepower ranging from 335 to 460, and ranges between 354 and 461 miles depending on battery size and
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-technologylithium-iron-phosphate-batteryCATLplug-in-hybridfuel-efficiencyAre Extended-Range EVs a Game Changer or a Dead-End Technology? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines the role of extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in the evolving electric vehicle (EV) market, questioning whether they represent a breakthrough technology or a dead-end. EREVs combine a battery with a combustion engine that acts solely as a generator once the battery is depleted, differing from plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) where both engine and motor can drive the wheels. Despite recent growth in China—where EREV sales surged 79% in 2024 to about 1.2 million units, supported by government incentives—the technology remains niche in Europe, with only two models available. However, the touted benefits of EREVs, such as long total driving ranges and low CO₂ emissions, are misleading because much of the range relies on the combustion engine. Real-world data show these vehicles consume fuel at rates comparable to conventional petrol SUVs once the battery is drained. The article highlights that EREVs share the same fundamental shortcomings as PHEVs:
energyelectric-vehiclesextended-range-EVshybrid-technologybattery-rangeclean-transportationautomotive-innovationFord Plans To Bring Affordable EVs To Market - CleanTechnica
At a July 2025 conference in Seattle, Ford's chief sustainability officer Bob Holycross highlighted the company's goal to offer more affordable electric vehicles (EVs), noting that the base Mustang Mach-E starts at $37,995. However, this price primarily applies to Ford employees and select partners through the A/X/Z Plan, which is not available to the general public. Despite some marketing suggesting broader availability of these prices, the program is limited, reflecting ongoing challenges in communicating EV affordability amid complex pricing and incentive structures. The broader EV market shows promising trends, with Bloomberg reporting a 7.4% decline in average EV transaction prices since early 2023, though EVs still cost about $11,000 more than comparable gasoline vehicles on average. Ford aims to address affordability by expanding hybrid options and developing extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) that use gasoline engines to recharge batteries, a technology popular in China for its long combined range. Holycross emphasized the importance of focusing on "zero
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-affordabilityFordbattery-electric-vehicleshybrid-technologysustainable-transportationChina's new hybrid EV offers 621-mile range, reaches 0-100 in 3.1 secs
China’s Geely, through its subsidiary brand Zeekr, is set to launch the Zeekr 9X plug-in hybrid crossover in the Chinese market in Q3 2024. This flagship 6-seater SUV boasts impressive specifications including 1,381 horsepower, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.1 seconds, and a combined driving range exceeding 621 miles (1,000 km). Built on the SEA-S modular architecture, the 9X represents a significant advancement in Geely’s electrification strategy, targeting buyers seeking a spacious family SUV with high-performance plug-in hybrid capabilities. It aims to compete with premium models like BYD’s Yangwang U8 and other full-size crossovers from global brands. A standout feature of the Zeekr 9X is its 70 kWh CATL Freevoy battery, one of the largest battery packs in any passenger plug-in hybrid vehicle, surpassing competitors such as the Yangwang U8’s
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-technologybattery-technologyhigh-strength-steelsilicon-carbide-motorsautomotive-materialsAn Electric Solar & Sail-Powered Catamaran — The MODX 70 - CleanTechnica
The MODX 70 is a fully electric catamaran that distinguishes itself from many so-called "eco" vessels, which often rely on diesel engines and hybrid systems despite marketing themselves as environmentally friendly. Unlike these hybrids, the MODX 70 operates solely on electric power combined with sail propulsion, eliminating the use of fossil fuels. It features 70m² of advanced NME3 solar panels capable of generating up to 15 kWp, covering about 35% of its energy needs, and a 250 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery bank for safe, long-lasting energy storage. The vessel is powered by four electric motors delivering a total of 40 kW and can cruise 110 nautical miles at 5 knots on battery power alone. When sailing with adequate sunlight and battery storage, its range is effectively unlimited, with speeds varying from approximately 10 to 18 knots depending on wind conditions. Additionally, the MODX 70 includes a variable-pitch propeller system
energysolar-powerelectric-motorsbatterieshybrid-technologysustainable-transportationrenewable-energyPhilippines Gets the Sealion 5 DM-i Ahead of the Rest of the World - CleanTechnica
The Philippines has become the first country outside China to officially launch the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i, a highly anticipated plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Initially released in China in September 2024, the Sealion 5 DM-i sold nearly 15,000 units in its first three months and totaled over 41,000 units sold by May 2025. BYD Philippines, led by CEO Bob Palanca, views this launch as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the country’s growing New Energy Vehicle market, targeting young urban drivers and first-time EV buyers with a subcompact SUV that balances efficiency, power, and modern design. The Sealion 5 DM-i features BYD’s Super DM-i dual-mode intelligent hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with an electric motor to prioritize electric driving. It delivers 197 PS and 300 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8
energyelectric-vehiclehybrid-technologylithium-iron-phosphate-batteryBYD-Sealion-5-DM-iplug-in-hybridnew-energy-vehicle1,250-hp US hypercar beast hits 60 mph faster than most can blink
General Motors has unveiled the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, a groundbreaking hybrid hypercar that delivers an astonishing 1,250 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds, rivaling elite European track-focused cars like the Bugatti Bolide. The ZR1X features a hand-assembled 5.5-liter LT7 flat-plane V8 engine producing 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque—the most powerful V8 ever made by an American automaker—augmented by a front-axle electric motor adding 186 hp and 145 lb-ft. This all-wheel-drive system, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a compact 1.9-kWh battery recharged via regenerative braking, enables the car to complete the quarter-mile in under 9 seconds at speeds over 150 mph. Built from the ground up with the ZR1X in mind, the mid-engine Corvette platform balances extreme
energyhybrid-technologyelectric-motorregenerative-brakinghigh-performance-batteryautomotive-engineeringelectric-vehiclesMcLaren unveils 662-horsepower hypercar model for 2027 Le Mans
McLaren has unveiled a 662-horsepower hypercar prototype set to compete in the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the British automaker’s return to the iconic race 30 years after its dominant 1995 victory with the McLaren F1 GTR. The new car will race in the LMDh class, competing against manufacturers like Cadillac and BMW, and will feature a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis supplied by Dallara, shared with other LMDh competitors. Power will come from a hybrid-assisted twin-turbo V6 engine, capped at 662 hp in accordance with class regulations, though detailed specifications remain undisclosed. In addition to its racing ambitions, McLaren is launching Project: Endurance, an exclusive program allowing customers to purchase a road-legal version of the hypercar with minimal modifications from the race car. Buyers will gain access to a two-year track experience at premier circuits and behind-the-scenes involvement in the car’s development leading up
energyhybrid-technologyautomotive-materialscarbon-fiber-chassismotorsport-engineeringLe-Mans-hypercarMcLarenChinese carmaker's EV boasts 1,300-mile range, 47% thermal efficiency
Chinese automaker Geely has introduced the Galaxy A7 EM-i, a mid-size plug-in hybrid sedan featuring the new Leishen AI Hybrid 2.0 system. Set to launch in China in Q3 2025, the vehicle boasts an exceptional driving range of over 1,305 miles, achieved through a combination of a highly efficient 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and electric motor. The hybrid powertrain attains a class-leading thermal efficiency of 47.26% and delivers fuel consumption of 94 MPG in battery-depleted mode. The A7 EM-i offers two battery options, providing electric-only ranges of 34 or 75 miles, and targets affordability with a price range of approximately $14,000 to $18,200, positioning it against competitors like the BYD Qin L and Wuling Starlight. Geely has integrated advanced AI algorithms into the hybrid system to extend battery life by 15% via precise current management, alongside the Flyme
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-technologyAI-in-automotivebattery-managementthermal-efficiencysmart-energy-managementZeekr hybrid EV with twin electric motors charges 20% to 80% in 9 mins
The Zeekr 9X, a flagship plug-in hybrid SUV from Geely-owned Zeekr, is set to launch in China in Q3 2025. Positioned as a premium full-size SUV, the 9X features a 900V electrical system combined with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and dual electric motors delivering all-wheel-drive performance. Its powertrain includes a front motor producing 290 kW and a rear motor with 370 kW, supported by a high-performance 6C Qilin ternary NMC battery from CATL, offering an electric range of approximately 236 miles. Notably, the 900V system enables ultra-fast charging from 20% to 80% in just 9 minutes. The vehicle also incorporates ergonomic and safety innovations such as a steering column-mounted electronic gear selector with an integrated driver monitoring system and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor for advanced driver assistance. The Zeekr 9X is equipped with the G-Pilot H9 advanced driving assistance system, powered by dual Nvidia Drive Thor chips delivering a combined 1,400 TOPS, surpassing Tesla’s AI 4 chip. This system includes 13 cameras, three millimeter-wave radars, and multiple LiDAR units to enable high-level autonomous driving capabilities. The SUV also features a dual-chamber air suspension with continuous damping control, allowing ride height adjustment up to 110 mm and a maximum ground clearance of 288 mm, enhancing both comfort and off-road performance. With a bold design inspired by the Zeekr 009 minivan and distinctive lighting elements, the 9X aims to compete with luxury SUVs like the YangWang U8. Zeekr, launched in 2021 as Geely Group’s premium new energy vehicle brand, has rapidly grown its market presence with six models and strong sales, reaching 71,640 vehicles sold in the first five months of 2025. The 9X represents the brand’s strategic move into the high-end SUV segment, combining cutting-edge technology, performance, and luxury features to challenge established competitors in China’s evolving EV market.
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-technologybattery-technologyfast-chargingautomotive-materialsadvanced-driver-assistance-systemsNew Jeep Compass Comes In Three Versions — Hybrid, PHEV, & Electric
electric-vehicleshybrid-technologyPHEVbattery-technologysustainable-manufacturingenergy-efficiencyelectrification