Geely announced its first methanol-powered race car, tested successfully under winter conditions. At the same time, Geely unveiled its “Green Methanol Racing Plan”. This initiative aims to advance the application of sustainable methanol technology in motorsports while promoting the industry’s transition toward renewable energy.
The tested race car is equipped with Geely’s self-developed Aurobay-DHE20TDM methanol engine, fully compatible with M100 methanol fuel and compliant with China’s National VI-B emissions standards. This engine boasts a thermal efficiency exceeding 46%, a 15:1 compression ratio, and superior power performance to conventional gasoline engines.
Its design ensures high torque output across various racing scenarios while significantly reducing hydrocarbon and particulate emissions. According to Geely, the methanol engine operates reliably even in extreme cold and supports rapid refueling, making it a practical choice for endurance racing events. The race car will undergo further testing on domestic circuits later this year.
In 2026, Geely plans to introduce a fleet of methanol-powered race cars in the new energy category of the “Geely Super Cup PRO” series. Looking ahead, the company aims to participate in or organize additional renewable energy motorsport projects in line with evolving racing trends.
Geely’s dedication to methanol as a renewable fuel aligns with statements made by Chairman Li Shufu during the 2024 Wuzhen Automotive Forum. Li emphasized that vehicles powered by renewable fuels like methanol represent new energy vehicles. Since 2005, Geely has addressed challenges in methanol engine technology, enabling the large-scale deployment of methanol vehicles in cities like Xi’an, Jincheng, and Guiyang.
Methanol offers advantages as a renewable fuel. It burns efficiently, emits fewer pollutants, and is easy to store and transport in liquid form. Methanol also facilitates the storage of excess energy from wind and solar sources, enhancing sustainable energy utilization. Geely’s projects include a green methanol production facility in Inner Mongolia, with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons, designed to cut carbon emissions and support the renewable energy ecosystem.
Additionally, Geely is exploring methanol applications in commercial vehicles by integrating methanol engines with electric drivetrains. These hybrid systems significantly reduce emissions compared to diesel vehicles, addressing transportation’s considerable carbon footprint in logistics and public transit.
