Farizon Auto will expand its use of methanol-electric technology after the unveiling of Geely’s latest fifth-generation methanol hybrid system, known as NordThor.
The system works by using methanol to generate electricity, which either powers the vehicle directly or recharges its battery. The result is a driving range of up to 750km without the need for charging.
Farizon Auto, part of Geely, says the new system represents a major step forward in clean powertrain technology, combining low emissions, long range and high thermal efficiency to offer a practical and scalable alternative to petrol and diesel.
For Farizon, the development paves the way for wider deployment of methanol-electric range extenders across its vehicle line-up and potential introduction of methanol-fuelled variants to export markets in the future.
Farizon launched its first methanol range extender version of the Farizon SV van in China earlier this year.
With Geely’s new fifth-generation NordThor technology, Farizon is expected to deliver even greater efficiency and performance from its methanol-electric vans. The new system achieves a thermal efficiency of over 48%, the highest of any methanol engine globally, and is said to have operating costs as low as 0.03 USD per kilometre.
The system is also highly flexible, capable of running on methanol, petrol, or a blend of the two. All from the same fuel tank. Combustion management software automatically adjusts the fuel mix for optimum efficiency and lower emissions.
Geely has been developing methanol technologies for over two decades and now has more than 50,000 methanol-hybrid vehicles on the road in China. These vehicles are said to have a combined mileage exceeding 23bn km. Farizon will use this expertise to bring new methanol hybrid engines to Europe.
Geely recently launched the world’s first methanol-electric riverboat, the Visional 001, powered by the same NordThor system.
The vessel’s 1,500km range and net-zero emissions capability when using green methanol demonstrate how the technology could transform the wider transport ecosystem, including marine and logistics sectors.
Farizon’s methanol-electric vans are expected to play a key role in its future model line-up.
