Geely plans to build electric semitruck

Geely Holding Group, the largest private Chinese automaker, plans to launch sales of an electric semitruck in early 2024, expanding its presence in a key commercial vehicle market.

The vehicle, known as the Hometruck, will use swappable batteries that can be recharged at service stations along highways in minutes, Geely Group said this week. 

The semitruck will be equipped with a smart cockpit offering L3 autonomous driving with software that can be upgraded over the air. 

The truck will be marketed under Geely Group’s commercial-vehicle brand, Farizon. Geely said it will also offer powertrain options such as a range extender and methanol-battery hybrid. 

Geely Group is the parent of Volvo Motor Corp. and China’s largest domestic car maker, Geely Automobile Holdings. 

Its commercial-vehicle subsidiary, Farizon Auto, assembles light trucks in the southwest China city of Nanchong.