In the automotive world, even EV champions are finding new ways to improve on conventional engines. Omoda & Jaecoo – one of the Chery Group brands known in Europe for its electric vehicle push – unveiled a bold new project at the 2025 International User Summit that aims to redefine sustainability: an internal combustion engine with an astonishing 48 percent thermal efficiency, a feat that few manufacturers have come close to achieving.
While electrification remains a key element of the group’s long-term strategy, Omoda & Jaecoo is also investing heavily in improving combustion engines, confident that hybrid vehicles will remain the most practical path to reducing global energy consumption for years to come.
Reaching 48 percent thermal efficiency represents a significant technological leap compared to the current industry average of 38 to 45 percent. In practice, every percentage point gained translates into an approximately 2.5% reduction in fuel consumption. Beyond efficiency, high thermal performance also plays a direct role in reducing CO2 emissions – making it a decisive factor in 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, three-link hyperboloid mechanisms, 35% exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and advanced thermal insulation coatings. Together, these technologies reduce heat loss and enhance the efficiency of the combustion cycle – paving the way for a new generation of highly efficient hybrid engines.
Photography: Omoda and Jaco
At the summit, Omoda & Jaecoo also highlighted the real-world results achieved with their current SHS (Super Hybrid System). The system combines a 1.5 TDGI engine running on the Miller cycle with two electric motors and a DHT intelligent transmission, achieving a thermal efficiency of up to 44.5 percent and fuel consumption as low as 6 liters per 100 kilometres.
The SHS automatically adjusts driving modes to optimize performance and efficiency based on speed and load conditions. Its hybrid battery pack is designed for durability – resistant to heat, shock and water immersion – and features an advanced safety system that cuts off power in just 2 milliseconds in the event of a collision.
The Omoda & Jaecoo system also offers an all-electric range of 56 miles (90 km) and includes a V2L (Vehicle to Load) function capable of powering external devices up to 3.3 kilowatts.
