Geely to end pure internal-combustion sales 2026

Geely Group said it aims to stop selling purely internal-combustion passenger cars during 2026, according to a May 18 Business Today report that cited Chinese industry coverage. The reported plan does not cover commercial vehicles. The move would leave hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric models as the group’s passenger-car offerings if carried out as described. Business Today said the comment came as Chinese automakers respond to slower momentum in pure battery-electric demand and put more weight on hybrid technology. (zgh.com) ### What exactly is Geely saying it will stop selling? (carnewschina.com) Business Today reported on May 18 that Geely aims to end sales of “purely internal-combustion” passenger cars during 2026, while excluding commercial vehicles. The wording matters because it does not describe a full exit from engines; it describes an end to passenger cars powered only by gasoline or diesel, with hybrids still in scope. Geely Holding’s own January 22, 2026 strategy update did not set out that exact 2026 passenger-car cutoff, but it did show the direction of travel. The company said it wants new energy vehicles to account for more than 75% of sales by 2030, after reporting 2.293 million new-energy-vehicle sales in 2025 and a 56% penetration rate across the group. (businesstoday.in) ### If Geely is dropping pure gasoline passenger cars, why are hybrids central? Geely has spent the past two years expanding its hybrid lineup rather than abandoning combustion technology entirely. CarNewsChina reported Geely’s NordThor EM-i system claimed fuel consumption as low as 2.67 liters per 100 km and a combined range of 2,390 km when it was introduced in late 2024. (businesstoday.in) WardsAuto separately described the EM-i system as Geely’s next-generation plug-in hybrid drivetrain aimed at higher efficiency than domestic rivals. The distinction is important because a hybrid still uses an engine, but not as the sole propulsion source. (zgh.com) Business Today framed Geely’s reported 2026 target as part of a broader shift in China from an earlier race around pure battery EV volumes toward longer-range hybrids and faster-charging architectures. ### Are Changan and Chery making similar moves? Changan has also been pushing a new hybrid platform in 2026. On March 12, CarNewsChina reported the state-owned automaker introduced its “Blue Core Super Engine” hybrid architecture, saying it had invested 2 billion yuan in development and was targeting urban fuel consumption of 2.98 liters per 100 km. (carnewschina.com) The report said Changan planned 2026 overseas rollout milestones including Thailand, Germany, Norway and the UK. Chery used Auto China 2026 and its global partners summit to present the latest version of its Chery Super Hybrid system, according to a Forbes report published April 21. (businesstoday.in) Forbes said the platform uses a 1.5-liter dedicated hybrid engine with 44.5% thermal efficiency and that Chery had been testing it in deserts, sub-zero climates and on European roads. ### Does the Geely plan include trucks and vans? Business Today said the reported 2026 change excludes commercial vehicles. Geely’s commercial-vehicle operations already sit partly under Farizon, a separate unit that remains active in vans, pickups and other work vehicles. (carnewschina.com) CarNewsChina reported on May 19 that Geely had fully taken over Radar, its new-energy pickup brand, while Australian market coverage in April showed Farizon expanding electric van offerings. ### What should readers watch next? Geely’s next public markers are likely to come through model launches, sales mix disclosures and any update to its 2026 product plan. (forbes.com) The company’s January 22 strategy document set 2030 targets for more than 6.5 million global vehicle sales and new-energy penetration above 75%. Changan’s 2026 overseas hybrid rollout and Chery’s European expansion plans are also scheduled to continue this year. (zgh.com) (businesstoday.in)