Geely’s concept heavy truck will support a variety of new energy sources, including pure electric, hybrid with extended range technology, and methanol.
(Photo source: Geely)
Geely’s new energy commercial vehicle brand Farizon Auto (远程汽车) will release a concept heavy-duty truck this year that will support a variety of new energy power sources, including pure electric, hybrid with extended range technology and methanol, the company said.
Geely Chairman Li Shufu revealed the plan Thursday, saying the brand will offer a RV-like experience through self-driving technology and a luxury cockpit.
Commercial vehicles have been driving rapid global economic growth for the past 100 years while putting a huge strain on the planet’s environment, a Geely press release said.
One diesel heavy truck emits as much pollutant as 306 passenger cars. Currently, more than 30 countries around the world have proposed carbon emission targets, and the new energy trend for commercial vehicles has been a major trend, Geely said.
The new energy commercial vehicle products developed by Geely based on the concept heavy truck will become the smart node in the logistics system, the company said.
Geely already has China’s largest new energy commercial vehicle research institute, accumulating nearly 2,000 R&D engineers, with products covering heavy trucks, light trucks, small micro trucks, van-type logistics vehicles, and buses, according to the company.
Li placed special emphasis on methanol vehicles, saying that if such vehicles become popular, China’s share of crude oil imports could drop from 73 percent to about 50 percent.
Methanol heavy trucks can save 18 to 22 percent a year on fuel costs alone compared to diesel heavy trucks, Li said.
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