Methanol meets mainstream: Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 hybrid packs 93 kW engine
A methanol plug-in hybrid version of the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 has appeared in China’s latest Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filing. The model combines a 1.5-litre methanol engine with an electric motor and a lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack, expanding the powertrain options available in the Starshine 6 lineup.
According to the filing, the methanol plug-in hybrid system is built around a 1.5-litre engine with a maximum output of 93 kW. The vehicle uses a lithium-iron phosphate battery, consistent with the battery chemistry used in the model’s existing plug-in hybrid variants. No official data on system output, electric range, or fuel consumption was disclosed in the regulatory documents.
The filing confirms that the methanol plug-in hybrid version retains the same body dimensions as the standard Starshine 6. The sedan measures 4,806 mm in length, 1,886 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,756 mm. These figures are identical to the existing plug-in hybrid version previously reported by CarNewsChina.
Design details indicate that the methanol plug-in hybrid version shares the exterior architecture of the current Starshine 6. The front fascia features a horizontal grille layout with an optional vertical grille design, while the side profile uses conventional mechanical door handles and wheel options in 16-inch and 17-inch sizes. The rear features a full-width taillight.
Geely has been developing methanol-powered vehicle technology for more than a decade as part of its alternative-fuel research program. In 2022, Geely tested the Methanol Hybrid Emgrand in extreme cold conditions down to −40°C, positioning it as a demonstration model for methanol hybrid applications. The company has also presented a broader portfolio of methanol and hydrogen technologies at auto shows, linking methanol powertrains to its long-term energy transition strategy.
The Starshine 6 was launched in China in 2025 as a plug-in hybrid sedan positioned in the mainstream family sedan segment. Existing versions use Geely’s EM 2.0 hybrid system, combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 82 kW with an electric motor rated at 120 kW. Two lithium-iron phosphate battery options are available, providing CLTC pure-electric ranges of 60 km and 125 km.
Prices for the Starshine 6 range from 74,800 to 105,800 yuan (10,300 to 14,600 USD). The model competes with plug-in hybrid sedans such as the BYD Qin L and BYD Seal 06 DM-i in China’s mainstream sedan market.
The MIIT filing indicates that the methanol plug-in hybrid version will become an additional powertrain variant within the Starshine 6 lineup.
