Geely launched the Galaxy Xingyao 6 EF in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Nov. 3, describing it as the world’s first production methanol-hybrid family car. The plug-in hybrid can run on electricity, methanol or gasoline, and its tank accepts methanol and gasoline mixed in any proportion. Limited-time prices for its three variants range from 76,800 yuan ($11,440) to 96,800 yuan; listed guide prices are 86,800 yuan to 106,800 yuan.
The entry version has a CLTC-rated electric range of 130 km, while the other two are rated for up to 230 km. With a full battery, Geely gives a combined range of up to 1,250 km using methanol, or 1,880 km using gasoline. The powertrain pairs a 1.5-liter methanol engine with an electric motor and lithium iron phosphate battery; refueling takes about three minutes.
Geely says the engine reaches 48.15% thermal efficiency and can start in temperatures near -40°C. A sensor reads the methanol-gasoline blend and the control system adjusts fuel injection and ignition accordingly. The sedan is 4,806 mm long, has a 2,756 mm wheelbase and offers a 609-liter trunk. Its cabin includes a 14.6-inch central display and a 10.25-inch instrument screen running Flyme Auto 2.
The model had already been used in commercial fleets, with more than 6,000 deployed for ride-hailing, taxi and official services, according to Geely’s chairman. The company also cited more than 1,400 methanol refueling stations in China. Geely says it has worked on methanol technology since 2005; the launch comes as Galaxy recorded 153,385 sales in October and 1,030,569 in the first 10 months of the year.