Dongfeng Motor has unveiled its new Mach 1.5T hybrid gasoline engine, achieving a peak thermal efficiency of 48.09% and earning the “Energy Efficiency Star” certification. This marks the first time a hybrid gasoline engine in China has exceeded 48% efficiency.

Thermal efficiency indicates how effectively an engine converts fuel into mechanical work, with higher values reflecting greater performance.

The Mach 1.5T incorporates an advanced combustion method, a high-compression ratio above 15.5, a high-energy ignition system, and a 500-bar fuel-injection system.

Hybrid-specific features—such as a variable-geometry turbocharger, valve-seat-free design, and electric variable valve timing—have been optimized to maintain smooth airflow across all engine speeds.

Additional innovations, including an integrated electric-motor oil pump and thermal-spray cylinder coatings, minimize mechanical losses and allow the engine to operate efficiently over more than half of its operating range.

According to Dongfeng, the engine enhances fuel efficiency and power delivery in both urban and highway driving, providing roughly a 10% increase in range under similar fuel conditions. With its 48.09% thermal efficiency, the Mach 1.5T outperforms Toyota’s hybrid Atkinson-cycle engines (around 40–41%) and recent Chinese hybrids from BYD (46–46.5%), establishing a new global benchmark for production-ready hybrid gasoline engines.