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June 3, 2024 — Geely Auto Group, the Chinese automotive giant behind brands like Volvo and Polestar, has commenced production of a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) power unit, claiming it sets new benchmarks for both performance and energy efficiency. The announcement underscores Geely’s aggressive push to lead in core EV technology as it competes on the global stage.
The heart of this advancement is the newly launched "16-in-1 Intelligent E-Drive." This system integrates a complete suite of electric drive components—including the motor, inverter, and gearbox—into a single, remarkably compact module. Weighing just 165 pounds (75 kilograms), the unit is lighter than many standalone high-performance motors. Designed for 800-volt architectures, this technology will first appear in the upcoming Geely TT model, with initial customer deliveries in China expected to start in August.
For high-performance applications, the system is engineered to be deployed in pairs, enabling all-wheel drive. In this dual-motor configuration, Geely states the TT will produce a combined 425 kW of power, rocketing from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 3.8 seconds. This positions the vehicle firmly within the realm of premium performance EVs.
Beyond raw power, Geely is touting exceptional efficiency gains. The company reports that a test vehicle equipped with these units achieved an average energy consumption rate of approximately 7.6 miles per kWh during a run around China’s Qinghai Lake, a result it claims is record-setting. Furthermore, the drive system boasts a 93.8% comprehensive efficiency rating on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).
These efficiency milestones are attributed to several key innovations. Geely highlights an intelligent power optimization system that uses AI-assisted torque management to dynamically allocate power. Additionally, a newly developed cooling technology is credited with reducing peak motor temperatures by about 15° Celsius, which enhances durability and sustained performance under heavy loads.
The significance of this development extends far beyond a single model launch. It represents a critical step in Geely’s strategy to internalize and master the entire EV powertrain ecosystem. “This strengthens our in-house capabilities in electric powertrain development, intelligent control, and advanced manufacturing,” stated Li Chuanhai, Vice President of Geely Auto Group. He emphasized that this supports the broader goal of creating “safer, smarter, and more efficient new energy vehicles for global users.”
Exclusive Market Analysis: Geely's Global Push Amid Headwinds While the technological showcase is impressive, Geely's global expansion faces notable challenges, particularly in the crucial U.S. market. A recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Connected Vehicles Rule will ban Polestar—a brand under Geely's umbrella—from selling new vehicles in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year. Notably, Volvo Cars, another Geely-owned company, has been granted an exemption. This selective regulatory action creates a complex landscape for Geely's portfolio strategy in North America, potentially forcing a greater reliance on the Zeekr or Lotus brands for its U.S. EV ambitions.
The drive for superior efficiency and range is not merely an engineering contest; it's a core competitive necessity. As Geely vies with other Chinese EV powerhouses like BYD for international market share, demonstrating technological leadership in powertrain density and energy use is paramount. Of the 3.02 million vehicles Geely sold globally in 2025, over half were new energy vehicles (NEVs), highlighting the strategic centrality of this segment to its future.
The company also provided a dramatic demonstration of the system's robustness. In a separate performance challenge, a dual-motor Geely TT completed a continuous twin-vehicle drift covering 28.6 miles (46 kilometers) on a wet surface. Geely asserts that this strenuous test, which placed extreme and sustained demands on torque response, control precision, and thermal management, validated the drive system's performance consistency and reliability.
Geely's portfolio, managed through Geely Holding, is diverse and increasingly focused on electrification. It encompasses the mainstream Geely and Lynk & Co brands, the premium electric marque Zeekr, and the performance-oriented Lotus. Its acquisitions of Volvo Cars and Polestar, though headquartered in Sweden, provide advanced technology and brand cachet that feed back into the group's overall EV development efforts. The ongoing investment in proprietary hardware like the 16-in-1 E-Drive is a clear signal that Geely intends to be a leader, not just a participant, in the next phase of the global electric vehicle revolution.
