Geely to launch EV smart car developed with Baidu

Geely Holding Group is set to start selling the first intelligent electric vehicle developed with domestic technology giant Baidu Inc. in the fourth quarter of this year to strengthen its position as a smart EV maker. 

The vehicle, the 01, will be marketed under the newly created Ji Yue brand, the major private Chinese automaker said this week.

The Ji Yue 01 is based on its EV platform dubbed Sustainable Experience Architecture, and equipped with Baidu’s advanced artificial intelligence technologies in areas including intelligent cabins and autonomous driving, the automaker noted. 

While overseeing its sales, marketing and services, Ji Yue brand will also build its own battery charging network in China “to meet consumer demand for smart intelligent electric vehicles”, it added. 

Geely didn't reveal further details on the Ji Yue 01.

According to information released this week by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the regulator of China’s auto sector, the Ji Yue 01 is a five-seat electric crossover. 

The EV is 4,853 mm long, 1,990 mm wide and 1,611 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. 

Ji Yue is the second smart EV brand Geely has introduced following Zeekr. 

Zeekr, unveiled in 2021, has rolled out three models -- the 001 sedan, the 009 multi-purpose vehicle and the X crossover. 

Thanks to its expanding product mix, Zeekr deliveries surged 140 percent year on year to 12,039 in July, with year-to-date volume spiking 127 percent to 54,672, according to Geely’s filings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.