Geely to launch its first hybrid model in PH

MANILA: After bringing in the compact crossover Coolray late last year, Geely is already teasing the Philippine market with a few details about a bigger launch, literally and figuratively. 

Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation (SGAP), the exclusive distributor of Geely Automobiles, looks to expand its lineup with another SUV, but this one will be a little different as it will be their first with hybrid technology in the country.

The all-new model is simply called, for now, MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine complemented by a 48V belt-starter generator (BSG) integrated on the Front-End Accessory Drive (FEAD) of the engine, a 48V-12 DCDC converter, 48V lithium-ion battery module and battery management system (BMS). It will have a regenerative braking system and a hybrid module control system.

The hybrid system will feature Intelligent Start and Stop (cuts engine power is not needed such as during traffic or waiting time, coasting or when braking), Smart Sailing (engine automatically turns off during coasting at a high speed, provided that the power is sufficient), and Energy Recycle (the vehicle captures energy using regenerative braking. During braking or decelerating, the car’s kinetic energy is converted and stored as electrical energy in the batteries).

This new model is set to hit dealerships sometime after April.

“Hybrid and electric vehicle technology is becoming increasingly popular in the auto industry. This is where the future is heading to. 2020 is definitely going to be a landmark year for Geely in the Philippine automotive market as it steps up its game, with the introduction of the MHEV,” said SGAP president and CEO Mikihisa Takayama.

Also Read: Geely Coolray: Variants explained