- Geely launches world’s most efficient methanol-electric drive system
- Latest technology reduces operational costs by up to 52 per cent compared to ICE vehicles
- The system supports multiple fuel and power sources, including methanol, petrol and electric
- China-only Farizon SV methanol REV offers a maximum range of 750 kilometres
- Vehicles powered by Geely’s methanol-electric tech have cumulatively driven over 23 billion kilometres
Following the launch earlier this year of the Farizon SV methanol range extender for the Chinese market, the brand’s parent company has unveiled the latest version of its methanol-electric drive technology.
The fifth generation of Geely’s methanol EF system, named NordThor, provides a more efficient, low-carbon and cleaner mobility solution to petrol and diesel. Geely considers methanol-electric drive technology a crucial part of the powertrain mix on the pathway to net zero.
In China’s commercial vehicle sector, Geely’s methanol-hybrid electric vehicles are already widely used in long-distance trucking, urban deliveries, construction, and public transit. Offering long range and fast, convenient refuelling, vehicles fitted with the technology realise between 32 and 52 per cent lower operational costs compared to petrol or diesel models.
Launched in April at Auto Shanghai and currently only available for the Chinese market, the methanol REV-powered Farizon SV’s range extender acts as a generator, using methanol fuel to produce electricity, which then powers the vehicle’s electric motor or recharges the battery. By adding a methanol generator, the van can drive non-stop for up to 750 kilometres, offering a flexible solution for long-haul or varied route conditions. Alongside the five available battery sizes offered for the BEV version, the methanol-REV option helps the Farizon SV line-up serve the widest range of users’ needs.
Boasting thermal efficiency of just over 48 per cent, the highest in the world, operating costs for vehicles using the newly launched latest generation of Geely’s methanol-electric tech can be as low as 0.03 USD per kilometre. The system is the world’s most flexible methanol-electric hybrid system, supporting multiple fuel and power sources, including methanol, petrol and electric. Methanol and petrol can be added to the same fuel tank through the same filler port in any ratio. Geely’s intelligent technology can precisely analyse the mixture and optimise combustion in real-time to maintain efficiency, smooth power delivery, and cleaner, low-carbon emissions.
With over 20 years of experience in the field, Geely is a global leader in developing methanol technology. Its methanol hybrid electric drive solution currently powers over 50,000 Geely methanol-hybrid electric vehicles, with a cumulative mileage exceeding 23 billion kilometres.
World-first in the marine sector
While the use of methanol-electric propulsion is growing on China’s roads, the technology is being deployed across the transportation ecosystem. The fifth-generation technology is at the heart of the world’s first methanol-electric multi-purpose riverboat. The Visional 001 was launched in Hangzhou on 12 September, marking the expansion of Farizon’s methanol-electric drive technology to the marine sector.
When using green methanol fuel, the Visional 001 achieves carbon net-zero emissions. With a combined range of nearly 1,500km, it far exceeds the 250km range of mainstream 3,000kWh-class pure electric vessels. As such, it opens the door to a scalable and practical green transformation of the maritime sector and global shipping.
Geely’s advancements in methanol technology highlights the significant R&D resources that sit at the heart of its business. Whether using a pure electric or methanol power source, reducing emissions remains a core aim of the Farizon brand.