Geely to make EK2 plug-in electric car by 2011

Shanghai, May 6 (Gasgoo.com) Geely Auto launched three new sub-brands - Gleagle (sedans), Emgrand (SUVs) and Shanghai Englon (luxury cars) - at the 2009 Shanghai auto show, in addition to showing six all-new models and concepts. The automaker may produce Gleagle EK2 plug-in electric car by 2011, sohu.com said.

At the heart of the Geely stand was the Shanghai Englon GE, a monster 5.4-metre Rolls-Royce Phantom-like luxury car. The Englon GE features a 'Grecian temple' grille, similar to that on a Phantom although the modest 3.5-litre V6 under the bonnet is distinctly un-Rolls.

Gleagle follows the green theme with its IG and the EK2, a five-door electric car using lithium-ion batteries. The EK2 is an engineering-led concept car that points toward a future plug-in electric vehicle.

Geely said the EK2 may be put into production by 2011, using the same basic underpinnings and drivetrain as the concept revealed in Shanghai, albeit featuring more up-to-date exterior styling and slightly different dimensions.

As a development of the company's exisiting EK1, the bug-eyed EK2 boasts an electric drivetrain that uses a powerful brushless electric motor boasting 121 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque that draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery pack.

With a curb weight of 2,645 pounds, Geely claims the Gleagle EK2 plug-in electric car can run at a top speed of 95 mph, along with a maximum range of 115 miles.