Geely bets on methanol hybrids

Geely Automobile (0175) plans to launch two hybrid electric vehicle models that use environmentally friendly methanol as fuel this year, betting on the next mainstream renewable energy in the competitive market.

The two models to come this year are Geely's new generation of "alcohol-hydrogen electric hybrid" sedans and sport utility vehicles, Geely's methanol vehicle business center general manager Lu Yukai said yesterday.

The new EVs allow methanol and gasoline to be flexibly mixed in the same fuel tank, said Lu.

Geely also plans to increase its number of methanol filling stations across China to 40,000, a substantial increase from 519 as of the end of 2024.

Methanol can be an alternative biofuel to conventional transportation fuels as it has lower production costs and can help cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 percent.

Staff reporter