The Geely electric car is better known as the Geely Panda. The Panda is in turn known by its model numbers as the EK1 and the EK2. The cars are the same except for the battery packs.
The lead-acid powered EK1 boasts a top speed of 50 mph (80 kph) and range of 50 miles (80 km). The EK1 is perhaps an upscale version of the Flybo electric car.
The EK2 is a fully modern EV designed to reach highway speed and go a distance. Top speed of the lithium-powered Panda is 95 mph (152 kph) with a stated range of 112 miles. Note that with current EK2 specifications, we estimate that the car would only make 112 miles under the very best of driving conditions.
The Panda is in Taiwan this year for test runs and eventual production. The car is to be shipped to Formosa from the mainland, in parts, and assembled there. This is an interesting and hopefully positive development for the two conflicted countries. It has not been that long since the mainland sent shells across the Taiwan straights.
The Taiwanese version of the Panda is called the tobe M’car. Whatever. Consider a few other creative Geely vehicle names: the King Kong, the Gleagle, and the Emgrand.
The price for the tobe M'car is reported to be around $400,000 TWD or $12,656 US.
The Geely company is a fast growing concern as evidenced by the 39 (mostly concept) cars showcased at the 2010 Shanghai auto show. These cars included Geely alternative fuels vehicles, Geely IG, and several plug-in electric vehicles.
The Pandas are the only fully electric cars released to date, however.
In business news: Geely has completed a buyout of Volvo from Ford Motors. The company is now absorbing and incorporating Volvo technology into their designs. The Volvo is to become the new official Chinese car. Production is reported to remain in Sweden.
For more information on Chinese Electric Cars, check here.
Geely Chaiman Jinliang Lui has made some statements questioning the strength the EV market in China. Mr. Lui suggests that it under current conditions (oil prices) it could take several years before the market accepts EVs. He seems more optimistic about the longer term. This is consistent with other market outlooks we have reviewed.
