Is the Geely Icon a Hybrid Car?

[MacRhett]

Geely Icon is a hybrid car. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cars: Advantages of Hybrid Cars: One of the biggest advantages of hybrid cars compared to fuel-powered cars is that they are cleaner and have higher fuel efficiency. Under the same fuel consumption, hybrid cars can travel longer distances than fuel-powered cars. Hybrid cars can enjoy national subsidy programs (such as in Europe and the United States), and have lower or even exempt taxes during use. Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars: Since hybrid cars use two or more power sources, in order to fit both power systems into the engine compartment, smaller engines with reduced volume and power are inevitably used. For example, the currently common mode is motor + three-cylinder engine, which has inferior continuous power output performance compared to traditional fuel-powered cars, especially struggling under high-speed conditions. Hybrid cars generally cost 50% more than fuel-powered cars, making the purchase cost too high for those who are not financially well-off. Although the usage cost is lower, it takes at least 3 years to break even with fuel-powered cars.

[DelNoah]

As a car enthusiast who frequently researches new models, I've checked the specifications of the Geely Icon. While it does have a 1.5T mild hybrid version, this 48V system isn't technically a full hybrid—it's more like adding a small motor to assist the engine. It saves a bit of fuel during startup, but the actual driving fuel consumption remains around 7 liters. I've driven a friend's top-tier version, and while the car's design is futuristic, its powertrain structure is quite similar to a conventional fuel-powered vehicle—it can't be charged or run purely on electricity. If you're serious about buying a hybrid, you might want to consider the Geely Emgrand L Thor version, which is a proper plug-in hybrid.

[VonVivian]

While working on cars, I've encountered several Geely Icons and noticed many owners mistakenly believe that mild hybrids qualify as new energy vehicles. In reality, lifting the hood reveals the same traditional combustion engine setup. The BSG motor is merely belt-connected to the engine, with battery capacity lasting only tens of seconds for auto start-stop. Last time, a new car's malfunction indicator lit up at just 20,000 km due to this 48V system error. For genuine energy efficiency, BYD's DM-i would be a better choice—the fuel-saving performance of mild hybrid systems often falls short of expectations.

[VanAiden]

Just test drove the entire Geely Icon lineup, and the salesperson clearly stated that these are fuel-powered models. The mild hybrid version does save a bit more fuel than the pure fuel version, but the principle is just storing braking energy into a small battery. The battery is only as big as the glove box, and the motor's 12kw power isn't even enough to drive the wheels. At the same price point, you can consider the Lynk & Co 06 EM-P, which is a true hybrid capable of pure electric driving for over a hundred kilometers.

[LaCassidy]

Recently helped my cousin compare cars. The Icon's mild hybrid version mainly assists the engine to save effort, saving about 0.5L of fuel in urban areas, but performs no differently from regular cars on highways. Don't consider it if you need a green license plate—this car isn't even listed in the new energy catalog. Better check out the Changan UNI-Z, whose hybrid system is much more mature.

[MacVivienne]

Having attended Geely's Technology Open Day, the engineers mentioned that the mild hybrid system is primarily designed to meet China's National VI emission standards. The cost of the ICON's system is 8,000 yuan more expensive than the fuel version, but the savings on fuel won't cover the difference even after five years. The key point is that the three-electric system is completely different from plug-in hybrids, and the battery type is lead-acid. If you're looking for a hybrid with advanced technology, it's recommended to wait for Geely's upcoming Thor hybrid models.