Geely, Weichai Power agree to co-develop methanol engines for CVs

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) has forged a strategic partnership with Weichai Power Co.,Ltd, a China's leading combustion engine manufacturer, as both parties hope to jointly industrialize methanol-fueled commercial vehicles in China.

According to the deal agreed on October 15, Geely and Weichai are going to co-develop methanol engines available for heavy-duty trucks.

As an upholder of methanol-fueled vehicles, Geely Holding's chairman Li Shufu, offered proposals about popularizing methanol fuel and methanol-powered vehicles at this year's Two Sessions, China's biggest political meeting of the year.

To boost the use of methanol fuel, he suggested that the methanol fuel's legal status as a new type of clean and renewable energy should be clarified on the national level and it should be listed in the catalogue of clean fuel. In addition, the management of market access and operation of methanol-powered vehicles should be strengthened at the same time.

On March 19, 2019, eight ministries of China's central government led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued a promotional policy paper– "Guidance of Developing Methanol Vehicles Applications in China"– to deploy methanol-fueled vehicles across China.

The policy paper encourages the broad commercial expansion of methanol-fueled vehicles in China. According to some key policies, the industry was encouraged to boost development of manufacturing capabilities of methanol-fueled vehicles, production & fueling systems of methanol fuel as well as relevant standard system.

Moreover, the paper also said China would encourage promotion of methanol-fueled vehicles, accelerate deployment of M100 vehicles especially in regions of Shanxi, Shaanxi, Guizhou and Gansu that have extensive methanol production resources and operational experiences.

Geely has been at the forefront of the commercial introduction of methanol vehicles, with engine plants and vehicle manufacturing bases in Jinzhong, Guiyang and Nanchong. Such models as the Emgrand, the Emgrand GS, the Emgrand GL and Vision have their methanol-powered spin-offs and some of them have been certified by the MIIT. Currently, Geely has operated nearly 20,000 methanol vehicles across the country (photo source: Geely Holding's WeChat account).