On August 7, 2019, the long-range version of Geely’s Emgrand GSe was officially launched with a NEDC range of 450 km and a post-subsidy price ranging from RMB 119,800 to RMB 159,800. Additionally, Geely also launched a long-range version of Emgrand EV500 yesterday. Before and after the Chinese Valentine’s Day, Geely upgraded its two electric models significantly.
As we are already into the second half of 2019, more automakers are launching their own long-range versions of electric vehicles as battery technology keeps developing. XPeng has already released a model with a NEDC range of 520 km, and WM Motor is also about to launch a model with the same range. With a range of only 353 km, Geely’s Emgrand GSe, which has been in service for over a year, is somewhat behind the new EVs with ranges of 500 km. However, today Geely launched a new model with a NEDC range of 450 km, ready to renew the battle.
Let’s take a look at the battery. The long-range version of Geely’s Emgrand GSe, with “long” written three times in its name, has been upgraded with CATL’s 811 NCM ternary lithium battery, which has brought up the energy density to 182.44 Wh/kg. The battery capacity has also increased from 52 kWh to 61.9 kWh, and the NEDC range has been raised from 353 km to 450 km. In practical use, a 450 km range is much more convenient than a 353 km range.
Friends familiar with Geely will recognize the figure of 61.9 kWh as the same battery capacity as the long-range versions of Emgrand EV500 and Geometry A. This indicates that these three models could be using the same battery pack, which would save on manufacturing costs for the automaker.
So why is the NEDC range of Emgrand GSe only 450 km, while the other two models are able to achieve 500 km? The reason is quite simple: Emgrand GSe is a pure city SUV and therefore wind resistance and high curb weight have a certain impact on the vehicle’s range.In the second half of this year, both traditional self-branded car companies and new energy vehicle manufacturers equipped with 811 formula batteries will begin to deliver long-range models. However, the production capacity of Ningde Times’ 811 batteries is seriously limited, and the demand far exceeds the supply. If car companies cannot purchase them smoothly, they will be in a relatively passive state. However, considering Geely Automobile’s leading position in the self-branded car market and the sales volume of more than 100,000 units of the Geely Emgrand EV over the past period of time, this should not be too much of a concern.
In terms of power, the long-range version of the GSe is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 130 kW. Coupled with a larger battery pack, the GSe’s acceleration performance from 0 to 100 km/h has been improved from the original 9.9 seconds to 9.3 seconds.
Except for the powertrain, the GSe long-range version has not undergone significant changes in other areas. Let’s first look at the appearance.
The GSe long-range version still continues the exterior design of the previous generation model, which is very similar to the fuel version GS, except for the enclosed front face design, and the addition of a two-tone design of black on top and white or black on top and red. This caters to the style and taste of young people.
The overall size of the car is 444018331560 mm, and the wheelbase of 2700 mm is consistent with the previous model. The wheelbase of the GSe is excellent in the same level models. From the side, the GSe also has a sense of four-wheel cornering.
The Geely logo on the rear of the car has been replaced by the English word “GEELY”. However, there is one thing that needs to be criticized. The Emgrand EV500 model is very reliable- if it is labeled as 500, its NEDC range is indeed 500 km. However, the GSe 450 km NEDC range model is marked as 600 km, and the NEDC 400 km range model is marked as 500 km. Geely should learn from their own Emgrand EV in this regard.There are no significant changes in the interior of the GSe. The focus is on two points: the GSe’s infotainment system still has an 8-inch touch screen, but it has been upgraded to the new generation G-Netlink system, and it now comes equipped with a voice system from iFlytek 3.0.
Finally, let’s take a look at the price. The 400 km range models are priced between RMB 119,800 and 149,800 after subsidies, while the 450 km range version is priced at RMB 159,800. Compared with other models in the same class and with the same range, GSe lags behind new players in infotainment and advanced driving assistance systems, but has certain advantages in price. Moreover, in our recent experience, traditional car companies have accumulated certain expertise in vehicle tuning, so the mechanical performance of traditional car models is better than some new players.
As for facing the subsidy decline and the cold winter in the automobile industry, as an old car company, Geely will be significantly better than many new players in terms of funding pressure, and furthermore, it has relatively more experience in vehicle manufacturing. Although new players are still aggressively targeting the market this year, traditional independent brands are not weak.
Take a closer look at Geely’s Geometry A and learn more about the details here.* Can Geely Greatly Prosper in the Next Era?
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.