Geely Holding Group has launched the Yuanchun 001, a methanol-hydrogen electric multipurpose riverboat that is said to be the world’s first of its kind. It marks the group’s expansion of its methanol-hydrogen electric drive technology to the marine sector.
The technology enables the boat to achieve net zero carbon emissions over its lifetime by using green methanol fuel.
The Yuanchun 001 has the following specifications, according to the group:
- 64 TEU multi-purpose river transport ship
- Dual 150kW motor
- Powered by two 280kW methanol generators and two 258kWh lithium batteries
- Combined range of nearly 1,500km
- Can operate in multiple modes including hybrid, generators only, pure electric and shore charging
- Optimized for reduced lifecycle costs and energy consumption, with 42% lower energy consumption than similar diesel vessels
- Significantly exceeds the 250km range of mainstream 3,000kWh-class pure-electric vessels
Geely has reportedly partnered with companies across multiple sectors to establish a comprehensive green methanol ecosystem encompassing carbon capture, green methanol production, methanol transportation, refueling and various methanol vehicle applications.
Geely says that prior to its expansion into the marine sector, over 50,000 of its methanol-hydrogen hybrid electric vehicles were on the road, and that the fourth-generation methanol-hydrogen hybrid Emgrand sedan was the world’s first car with a methanol hybrid drive to be launched on the market.
In related news, Sanmar Shipyards has launched the first of two purpose-built dual-fuel methanol escort tugs it is building for Kotug Canada