China’s Geely Begins Rollout of 30 “New-Energy” Models

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. has introduced the first two of 30 “new-energy” vehicles (NEVs) the company expects to launch in China between now and 2020.

The electrification push is part of the company’s “Geely Intelligent Power” strategy to surpass the government’s mandated sales mix of at least 20% NEVs by 2025, according to Chairman Li Shufu. Geely expects NEVs to generate 90% of its sales by 2020.

Like other Chinese carmakers, Geely is rushing to add electrified models before 2022. That is the year when China will complete a three-year phase-out of its 1994 requirement that foreign manufacturers must partner with local producers and cannot own more than 50% of such ventures.

Last month Geely debuted the Borui GE, a B-segment sporty sedan, in mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Both iterations use a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The mild-hybrid setup generates 177 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, including 13 hp contributed by a 48-volt, belt-driven starter-generator to improve acceleration.

The Borui GE’s plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 257 hp and 313 lb-ft of torque. Its 11.3-kWh lithium ion battery can propel the car for 60 km (37 miles) on electricity alone.

Geely is preparing to launch an all-electric version of its Emgrand GS midsize crossover, the Emgrand GSE, with a starting price of 119,800 yuan ($18,600). The car’s 42-kWh lithium-ion battery will deliver a range of 460 km (286 miles) per charge, according to the company.

The standard Emgrand GS, which was introduced two years ago, is offered with a choice between two 4-cylinder engines: a 1.3-liter, 130-hp turbo and 1.8-liter, 133-hp naturally aspirated unit. Each engine is available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The piston-powered Emgrand GS starts at about 78,000 yuan ($12,100).

Under the “Blue Geely Initiative” announced in 2015, the company aims to reduce the cost of its hybrid vehicles to equal that of traditional piston-powered cars by 2020.