Li Shufu: Methanol EVs Offer Half the Weight of Lithium-Ion Rivals, Geely Doubles Down on Methanol Strategy

At the 2026 Intelligent Electric Vehicle Development Forum, Geely Holding Group Chairman Li Shufu highlighted a critical advantage of methanol-powered vehicles: their significantly lower curb weight compared to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Li noted that because methanol possesses an energy density over ten times higher than that of lithium-ion batteries, a methanol-powered vehicle can achieve the same load capacity as a lithium-ion counterpart while weighing only half as much.

Li emphasized that this weight reduction is a game-changer for heavy-duty transportation, offering superior lifecycle economics and more effective carbon reduction. He argued that while lithium-ion electric vehicles have seen massive success in China, the inherent weight penalty of batteries—where a single BEV can weigh as much as two methanol-powered vehicles—presents a clear opportunity for methanol technology to fill a vital niche.

Reflecting on Geely’s two-decade commitment to the methanol path, Li pointed to a shifting policy landscape. With the Chinese government increasingly prioritizing “wind-solar-hydrogen-ammonia-methanol” integrated energy bases, he believes the country is entering a new era of energy security and green transition. “Methanol electric vehicles are not just a solution for green transportation; they are a key to China’s energy independence,” Li stated.

Since the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology launched methanol vehicle pilot programs in 2012, the technology has gained significant traction. Today, over 80 policy documents across 39 cities in China support the promotion of methanol-powered vehicles. Geely remains at the forefront of this movement, continuing to refine both passenger and commercial methanol-electric platforms as a practical, scalable alternative to traditional electrification.