On December 8, 2025, Dongfeng Motor officially announced that its independently developed Mach 1.5T hybrid-specific engine has received the "Energy Efficiency Star" certification from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) with a maximum effective thermal efficiency of 48.09%, becoming the world's first hybrid gasoline engine to break the 48% thermal efficiency mark, once again breaking the industry record. Dongfeng Motor stated that whether in urban congestion or highway cruising, the system can intelligently maintain the optimal economic mode, significantly reducing fuel consumption. Compared to the previous generation, it can travel approximately 100 kilometers more per tank of fuel, directly reducing users' fuel expenses and increasing the overall range by approximately 10%, further reducing the frequency of refueling.
This 1.5T hybrid-specific engine achieves a breakthrough in thermal efficiency through several innovative technologies:
Innovative Combustion System: Employing an innovative combustion method combined with a high compression ratio of over 15.5, resulting in more complete fuel combustion;
Optimized Core Components: Equipped with advanced technologies such as a high-energy ignition system, a 500bar high-pressure injection system, hybrid-specific VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharging), valve seatless design, and electric VVT (Variable Valve Timing);
Reduced Mechanical Losses: Significantly reducing mechanical losses through the integration of over 10 technologies, including an electric motor oil pump and cylinder bore thermal spraying.
These technologies enable the engine to achieve a high-efficiency zone exceeding 50%, achieving a balance between low fuel consumption and strong power in all scenarios, including urban congestion and highway cruising, resulting in approximately a 10% increase in range with the same fuel consumption.
The 48.09% thermal efficiency is a milestone in the industry:
New Industry Benchmark: Compared to the thermal efficiency of traditional gasoline engines (around 40%) and mainstream hybrid systems (41-43%), 48.09% represents a qualitative leap;
Technological Leadership: It becomes the world's first certified hybrid gasoline engine to break through 48% thermal efficiency;
User Value: Every 1% increase in thermal efficiency reduces fuel consumption by 0.3L/100km when the vehicle's battery is depleted; 48.09% thermal efficiency will significantly improve fuel economy.
The Dongfeng Motor powertrain R&D team stated that this breakthrough signifies that China's automotive powertrain technology has joined the world's top tier.
Dongfeng Mach Powertrain has continuously made breakthroughs in thermal efficiency improvement:
2023: Achieved engine thermal efficiency of 45.18%;
2024: Breakthrough to 47.06%;
2025: Reached a new industry high of 48.09%. This technology has gained numerous industry recognitions:
Winner of the "China Heart" Top Ten Engines award for four consecutive years;
Received the Special Jury Prize at the China Automotive Industry Awards Ceremony twice;
Praised by CCTV as having "joined the ranks of world-class engines."
Dongfeng Motor stated that this 1.5T hybrid-specific engine with a thermal efficiency of 48.09% will soon be installed in mass-produced models. With the application of this technology, consumers will enjoy lower fuel consumption and longer driving range, promoting the market penetration of hybrid vehicles.
Industry experts analyze that the 48.09% thermal efficiency is not only a technological breakthrough, but will also drive the entire automotive industry towards more efficient and environmentally friendly power systems, providing core technological support for the transformation and upgrading of China's automotive industry.
