Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group unveils hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric city buses

Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group’s (GCV) subsidiary brand, Yuan Cheng, launched two new zero-emission buses at a ceremony in Beijing: the F12 hydrogen fuel cell bus and C11 battery-electric bus.

The F12 is Geely’s first commercial vehicle which utilizes hydrogen fuel cell technology and after a 10-minute refueling can run more than 500 km (311 miles). The C11 battery-electric bus is made for a variety of operational scenarios such as city commuting, tourism, and public transportation. Along with a high passenger capacity, the two new models also have the advantages of being quiet and economical.

Yuan Cheng F12 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus

As a provider of public transportation solutions, Yuan Cheng provides a full range of pure electric, range-extended, hydrogen, and methanol smart buses between 6 and 12 meters long. Along with a wide variety of products designed to meet different operational needs, Yuan Cheng also provides training, after-sales service, parts, charging services, financial services, and other comprehensive services as part of Geely’s future smart three-dimensional travel ecology.

F12 fuel cell bus. The new hydrogen-powered F12 city bus was developed by GCV in response to China’s national new energy policy and as part of Geely’s continuing R&D into fuel cell technologies.

In real world operational tests, the F12 fuel cell bus had an energy consumption rate of 7.5 kg of hydrogen per 100 km. A full tank is enough for all-day operation. Through extreme environmental test such as extreme heat, cold, and high altitude, hydrogen fuel cell technology has been proven to be very adaptive.

In addition to its advantages of zero emissions and low energy consumption, the F12 also comes with attractive design, comfortable interior, and multiple smart functions. The model is available in both 12-meter and 10.5-meter versions. The F12 bus comes with real time remote monitoring, road condition warning, remote fault diagnostic, and other intelligent features to assist companies in scheduling and fleet management.

C11 battery-electric bus. Utilizing Geely Holding Group’s experience in design, R&D, and supply chain management for passenger vehicles, GCV was able to develop the C11 pure electric bus to meet the diverse needs of different users. The electric bus utilizes Geely’s advanced lightweight technologies, perfectly meeting the operational needs of urban commuting, tourism, and chartered buses.

Yuan Cheng C11 Electric Bus

The C11 fully utilizes Geely’s suite of intelligent technologies such as AEBS Automatic Emergency Brakes, ESP Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Rearview Mirror, AutoHold Automatic Parking Brake, EPB Electronic Parking Brake, DMS Driver Fatigue Management System, etc. In terms of intelligent safety, the AEBS Automatic Emergency Brakes on the C11 help drivers monitor the road and keep pedestrians safe. Together with LDW Lane Departure Warning, these features help reduce traffic accidents by 80%.

Optimizing battery energy consumption, the C11 is equipped with an IECS Intelligent Energy Control System which improves the energy efficiency of the vehicle by 16%.

Geely commercial buses are produced in two plants in Nanchong, Sichuan and in Jinzhong, Shanxi, which can meet the production needs of products in Northern and Southern China.

Development strategy. The newly unveiled F12 hydrogen fuel cell bus and C11 electric city bus expand GCVs product lineup into the public transportation market. The unveiling and launch of these two new products represents GCV’s commitment to green mobility. At the same time, it demonstrates Geely’s leadership and strength in R&D, design, manufacturing, and resource integration.

Geely Bo Rui is First Look at Volvo Mild Hybrid Tech

Volvo’s parent company, Geely, really stepped up its game in China with the launch of the all-new Geely Bo Rui GE. The Bo Rui (pronounced “bow-ray”) does more than represent a new chapter for Geely, however. It also represents a new chapter for Volvo, since it’s one of the first vehicles to make use of Volvo’s all-new PHEV and MHEV technology.

That’s because the new Bo Rui is built using the same CMA architecture found in the award-winning Volvo XC40. That’s significant for us here in the US, too, because it’s our first glimpse at the brand-wide electrification that’s set to happen from 2019 on.

The MHEV– or, Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle— makes use of a 48-volt belt-driven starter generator (BSG) that is linked to a small battery mounted in the rear. Along with a 1.5 liter turbocharged 3-cylinder serving up 177 HP, this system delivers a maximum output of 190 HP and 220 TQ. That’s good enough for a 0-60 sprint in the mid 8-second range and a tick better than 40 MPG.

In both the Geely and upcoming Volvo MHEVs, the BSG also plays a part in the stop-start system, energy recovery when braking, and while coasting to charge up the battery. Keep in mind, though, it’s just a “mild” hybrid, so the car relies on its gas engine, using the electric motor as a “power booster” when needed to simulate a larger engine.

We’ll cover that mild hybrid system in more depth later on, however. For now, I’m just going to sit back and admire the new Geely Bo Rui GE for all its pretty lines, innovative interior, and sexy, sexy headlights. What about you guys? Do you think the Bo Rui is as good-looking as I do? Check out the photo gallery and video I’ve presented here, then let us know in the comments section.

Geely Bo Rui GE Mild Hybrid | Design Video

Sources | Images: Geely, Paul Tan, via Volvo Blog Brasil.

VIA MOTORS ENTERS JOINT VENTURE W/ VOLVO, GEELY

Founded by industry “favorite” Bob Lutz, electric truck-builder Via had big plans. Back in 2015, the company had plans to sell 50,000 new vehicles by 2018– which, I mean, just didn’t happen. As recently as August of last year, in fact, Via was still talking about putting an electric pick up on the road “within two years“. But, before you write Via off completely, consider the following: they just got a massive cash boost from Volvo’s parent company, Geely.

In the near term, Via will get access to Volvo’s advanced Drive-e engines and hybrid batteries, bringing their new trucks that much closer to series production. Geely and Volvo, in exchange, will gain access to Via’s real asset- its proprietary control software designed specifically for commercial vehicle use.

Which- I mean, I guess that’s something?

Geely seems to think it is, anyway. You can check out the official Geely/Via Motors press release, below, then let us know what you think of Lutz’ latest news (and Geely’s judgement) in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

22 January, 2018 – Orem, Utah — In line with Geely’s corporate global vision of producing the safest, most environmentally-friendly and most energy-efficient “New Energy Commercial Vehicles,” VIA Motors International, Inc., a leader of electric and hybrid drive systems offering a range of extended range (eREV) and EV commercial vehicles, today announces that it has completed an exclusive agreement with China based Zhejiang Geely New Energy Vehicle Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Commercial Vehicle Group.
The parties have agreed to co-develop a medium duty extended range electric truck, which incorporates VIA’s industry leading proprietary vehicle software and systems control technology, for launch in China and the Americas in 2019.
Mr. Nathan Yu Ning, Zhejiang Geely Holding Vice President of International Business and Executive Advisor to the Board said “Geely selected VIA Motors due to the company’s advanced commercial vehicle software and control systems technology, specifically developed to meet the demanding duty cycle and performance requirements of commercial vehicles”.
“I believe that range extended hybrid drive systems are a leading technology for the next 5-10 years and the co-developed truck will utilize proven technology such as a Volvo engine for the range extender. VIA Motors provides technology plus an engineering and management team that can support GCV to accelerate to be global leading commercial vehicle company and assist the introduction of GCV Trucks into North and Latin America through our newly formed joint venture,” continued Mr. Yu.
“VIA Motors is honored to partner with Geely Commercial Vehicles. This agreement allows VIA to execute our strategy with the launch of an expanded portfolio of advanced drive systems and vehicles,” commented Peter Guile, CEO of VIA Motors. “We are excited to be working with our new global partners to electrify the future of the world’s working vehicles,” he continued.
“Geely is the ideal strategic partner for VIA Motors, as the fastest growing global vehicle company, with a demonstrated commitment to the electrification of their portfolio of award winning vehicles.” commented Bob Lutz, Chairman of VIA Motors and former Vice-Chairman of GM. “The alliance between Geely and VIA Motors combines technology, access to their industry leading suppliers, and a mutual entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to accelerating the global adoption of extended range electric commercial vehicles.” further commented Mr.Lutz.

Source | Images: Geely, Via Motors.

Volvo Parent Company, Geely, Buys Lotus

Li Shufu, the Chinese billionaire who purchased Volvo from Ford and oversaw the company’s successful resurgence seems to have acquired a taste for turning around car brands. I say that because he’s just acquired another storied, troubled, European car brand to turn back from the brink of extinction: Lotus.

That’s the same Lotus whose versatile chassis launched both Tesla Motors and Detroit Electric (to name just two). The same Lotus, too, that brought Kimi Raikkonen back to the top step of an F1 podium a few years back (before reverting back to Renault ownership, anyway). We’re big fans.

Being big fans, it was big news when Li’s Geely Holding Group announced, yesterday, that it would buy a 51 percent stake in Lotus Cars. For Geely, the brand could act as a prestigious “halo” brand to help grow the company’s eponymous core products. “Like Volkswagen has Porsche and Toyota has its Lexus,” explains Tian Yongqiu, an independent auto consultant who tracks Chinese car maker acquisitions.

Li Shufu Now Owns Both Volvo and Lotus

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Lotus has a history of using other car makers’ engines in its lightweight sports cars. If that history is a guide, we could see a featherweight Elise or Evora model powered by Volvo’s super-efficient, twin-charged T6 engine in the near future. There’s even talk of an ultra-sporty SUV coming hot on the heels of Geely’s expected cash injection into the British car brand. Could it be based on the all-new Volvo XC60? Should it be based on the new XC60?

Let us know what you think of Geely’s new acquisition- and whether or not you think Lotus and Volvo will make good partners in an eco-friendly- in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Sources | Images: Bloomberg, LotusTalk

London Taxi Company Sets Its Sights On Other European Cities

The London Taxi Company is looking to expand its market. The company is owned by Chinese automaker Geely, the same company that also owns Volvo. It has recently completed a $400,000,000 upgrade to the factory where it builds its TX5 plug-in hybrid taxi for use in London. It thinks those cabs, with their wide doors, plentiful interior room, and low emissions would also work just fine in other cities.

The company is looking at such cities as Barcelona, Oslo, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Last week, it took its new TX5 plug-in hybrid to Paris, where concerns about persistent smog are unusually high. Paris recently announced plans to ban cars built prior to 1997 from its roads during week days. Those cars account for only 10% of all vehicles in use in and around Paris, but are responsible for more than 40% of its transportation related carbon emissions. Many of them are diesels with rudimentary pollution controls. Diesels emit particulates and nitrous oxide, both of which are major components of smog.

“Most of the major cities in Europe have an air-pollution problem,” said Peter Johansen, head of the taxi manufacturer. He says limited range “is what has stopped until now the adoption of electric vehicles as the mainstay of taxis.” Since the TX5 is a plug-in hybrid, range is not a concern.

The London Taxi Company is also interested in selling its vehicles to ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. “We are offering a global product that will be a global beater,” said Johansen, who says the car can reach European markets even if the UK votes to leave the European Union on June 23, because the country is “so much part of Europe now.”

, London’s cabs aren’t the only ones going green. France’s leading taxi company, Taxis G7, and Uber Technologies now allow customers in France to order electric and hybrid vehicles on their apps. Since December, tourists can also tour Paris in a vintage Citroen 2CV retrofitted with an electric drivetrain.

Source: Automotive News  Photo credit: London Taxi Company

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Van From UK Has Implications For US

An extended range plug-in hybrid electric van is scheduled for production the UK beginning in September. That might have implications for the US market. Here’s why. The city of London has decided that it wants to get rid of its smelly, clattery, and dearly beloved black taxis and replace them with plug in hybrid vehicles, also painted black. The London Taxi Cab Company is owned by Geely Motors, which also owns Volvo. It has just completed the first new automobile manufacturing facility to be built in England in 10 years at a cost of $350 million.

That factory will produce the new TX5 plug-in hybrid electric taxis that will replace London’s diesel cabs over the next several years. That new factory has a capacity of 36,000 vehicles a year. But only about 5,000 TX5 taxis are expected to be manufactured annually. What to do with the excess capacity? Somewhere along the line, Geely also acquired Emerald Automotive. Emerald developed a new hybrid electric van it called the T-001 with engineering help from Riccardo.

Since Emerald is a privately owned company, it is tight lipped about technical details. But a single piece of paper with specifications has surfaced, according to Autocar. It reveals that the T-0001 will have a battery only range of “over 66 miles,” with an additional 342 miles possible once the gasoline engine is activated. It has 442 lb-ft of torque, which can push it to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is said to be 85mph. It also can carry a payload of more than 3,000 lbs.

Autocar believes that Geely intends to use that extra capacity at the new factory to build as many as 30,000 Emerald T-001 vans a year. The TX5 taxi and the T-001 van share the same chassis and powertrain. So far, it has plans to build a short wheelbase version and a longer wheelbase high roof variant, but the platform would also be ideally suited to a minibus configuration.

What does anything that happens in Jollye Olde Englande have to do with things here in the colonies? Well, it turns out the US Postal Service is interested in replacing its fleet of 170,000 gasoline and diesel powered vehicles with electrified products. That contract alone could keep the UK factory humming for 5 years or more. Emerald also maintains a US office in St. Louis.

Some of the biggest polluters on the road are delivery trucks. Replacing them with low emissions plug-in hybrids would be a significant step forward in curbing global emissions. While everyone else is focused on what Tesla Motors is going to do next in the electric passenger car market, Geely could sneak in the back door and establish itself as a leader in the electric delivery van sector. At present, no one is offering an electric delivery van like the Emerald T-001, even though there is a large potential market for such a vehicle.

While some might complain that a fully electric van would be a better option, the truth is that such vehicles are not currently available at a price fleet owners are willing to pay. In this case, half a loaf is better than none. With help from the USPS, Emerald T-001 plug-in hybrid vans could start appearing on American roads in a year or two.

Source: Inside EVs