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We have seen the Jaecoo J5, a compact SUV aimed at the ever-competitive segment populated by the likes of Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross and the Proton X50. This time, however, at the Auto Shanghai 2025 we are looking at the Jaecoo J5 EV, the fully-electric version capable of up to 470km driving range.

The zero-emissions version gets a slightly different look compared to the regular petrol sibling, especially from the front. The waterfall grille is gone, replaced by a transparent strip connecting the two LED headlights, with “JAECOO” lettering. Lower down at the bumper, there are some perforated body panels and intakes with square pins. Overall, the J5 EV has a cleaner look compared to the J5.

By the side, you don’t get the blacked-out A-pillars like on the bigger J7, but you do however, still get a floating roof effect with the blacked-out D-pillars. There’s also conventional door handles rather than flush pop-out ones, and you get a full-width tail-light strip, a rear spoiler, and a plastic diffuser.

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In a concerted effort to bolster electric vehicle (EV) adoption and support Malaysia’s transition to low-carbon mobility, BYD Sime Motors has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Transport (MOT). This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions through the wider use of EVs in both public and private sectors.

The “Jom Pandu BYD Bersama MOT” initiative is a six-month programme designed to offer Ministry personnel an immersive EV driving experience. Backed by Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd—a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd—two EV chargers have been installed at the MOT headquarters in Putrajaya to support the campaign.

At the official launch ceremony held at the Ministry’s complex, the partnership was inaugurated by Transport Minister YB Loke Siew Fook and Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director for Southeast Asia at Sime Motors. They were joined by Deputy Transport Minister YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Bin Habibollah, MOT Secretary General YBhg. Dato’ Jana Santhiran Muniayan, General Manager of BYD Sime Motors Adeline Lew, and Izuan Hafiz, Head of Green Mobility MY-SG at Gentari.

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Geely has displayed its latest petrol-electric hybrid SUV, the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, at Auto Shanghai 2025, marking the public appearance of a model that could soon carry Proton branding in Malaysia as the e.MAS 7 PHEV.

Positioned as a hybrid counterpart to the fully electric Galaxy E5—sold in Malaysia as the Proton e.MAS 7—the Galaxy Starship 7 introduces Geely’s second-generation NordThor 2.0 plug-in hybrid system. This new powertrain is a refined version of the EM-P system also used by Lynk & Co and incorporates significant enhancements in efficiency and performance.

In terms of dimensions, the Galaxy Starship 7 measures 4,740mm in length, 1,905mm in width and 1,685mm in height, with a 2,755mm wheelbase. These figures make it marginally larger than the Galaxy E5.

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Following its appearance at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, the Geely Xingyuan—also known under the Geome sub-brand—has made its way to China’s premier automotive event, Auto Shanghai 2025. Displayed alongside Geely’s high-tech Galaxy Cruiser SUV prototype, the compact electric vehicle (EV) has reignited speculation about its potential rebadging and entry into the Malaysian market under the Proton badge as the e.MAS 5.

If confirmed, the Xingyuan would become the second model in Proton’s e.MAS series, complementing the larger e.MAS 7 that has already been introduced in Malaysia. While official announcements remain pending, industry watchers note that the Xingyuan’s compact dimensions and urban-friendly electric powertrain make it an ideal fit for markets such as Malaysia, where demand for affordable, efficient electric mobility is growing.

In China, the Xingyuan is offered with two electric powertrains, both using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by CATL. Fast-charging capabilities allow for a 30% to 80% charge in just 21 minutes. The entry-level variant comes equipped with a 30.12 kWh battery, offering a range of 310km under the Chinese Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), and is paired with a rear-mounted motor delivering 79PS and 130Nm of torque. The higher-end model features a larger 40.16 kWh battery that stretches the range to 410km, along with a more powerful 116PS, 150Nm electric motor. Both versions include a deep front trunk—or ‘frunk’—enhancing cargo versatility.

Five variants are currently offered in the Chinese domestic market. Standard and optional features include 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting, a large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (or a smaller 10.1-inch unit in base trims), 256-colour ambient lighting, either a four- or six-speaker audio system, and an external 3.3 kW power outlet for accessory charging. Comfort and convenience features span from manual to powered front seats, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 50W wireless phone charger with air-cooling. Comprehensive advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are also available, underlining the model’s emphasis on safety and smart technology.

Sized for the urban commuter, the Xingyuan is noticeably more compact than its e.MAS 7 sibling. It measures 4,135 mm in length and 1,805 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm—figures that position it firmly in the B-segment crossover category.

With growing anticipation surrounding its potential localisation, the question remains whether this small electric hatch will arrive in Malaysia bearing the Proton badge.

A few months ago, Geely offered a glimpse into the future of alternative fuel technology with winter testing of a cutting-edge super sedan powered by a methanol engine. Based on the Binrui Cool platform, this prototype replaces the traditional BHE15-EFZ petrol engine with the experimental DHE20TDM diesel unit, designed to run on M100 (100% methanol) fuel.

The innovative car made a public appearance at Auto Shanghai 2025, giving visitors an up-close look at what could be the next evolution in renewable energy for high-performance cars.

Geely’s methanol prototype delivers a thermal efficiency of 46%—a figure that rivals the best in internal combustion technology—alongside an impressive 15:1 compression ratio. It produces 250hp and a peak torque of 400Nm.

Most notably, despite being a high-performance concept vehicle, this methanol-fueled engine meets China’s stringent China VI-B emissions standards, which are equivalent to the Euro 6d regulations in Europe. This highlights methanol’s potential as a clean-burning alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Geely is not just experimenting with green power for the road. The company has announced plans to launch the Super Cup Pro racing series in 2026, featuring a monocup format with identical methanol-powered race cars. This initiative underlines Geely’s belief that motorsport can lead the transition to renewable energy, proving that speed and sustainability can coexist.

Looking ahead, Geely envisions methanol as a viable fuel for commercial transportation. The company is developing a hybrid concept that combines methanol-fueled internal combustion engines with electric drivetrains, potentially offering a clean and efficient alternative to conventional diesel-powered vehicles.

To support this vision, Geely is planning to build a methanol production facility in Inner Mongolia, capable of producing 50,000 tons annually. This significant infrastructure investment reaffirms the company’s long-term commitment to alcohol-based fuels—a journey that began in 2005 under the leadership of Chairman Li Shufu, who continues to champion this technology as a key part of Geely’s sustainability strategy.

Chinese automotive giant Geely Auto made headlines at Auto Shanghai 2025 with the global unveiling of its advanced Galaxy Cruiser SUV prototype, alongside a suite of major innovations in vehicle safety and battery technology. The presentation underscored Geely’s vision for the future of intelligent and sustainable mobility, with a firm emphasis on safety and accessibility through technological progress.

The Galaxy Cruiser, described by the company as a robust and technologically advanced SUV, serves as a bold statement of intent. The prototype introduces a number of industry-first capabilities that blend off-road resilience with smart connectivity. It is the first vehicle in its class capable of switching in real time between pure electric, hybrid, and extended-range power modes, aided by an AI-controlled four-wheel drive system designed to handle diverse terrains and unpredictable driving environments. This system allows the SUV to effortlessly transition from urban commuting to challenging off-road conditions.

Equipped with what Geely refers to as a full-power digital chassis, the Galaxy Cruiser features a range of dynamic functions typically reserved for specialised off-road or military vehicles. It can perform crab walking, rotate on the spot, continue driving with a flat tyre, and even drift autonomously. Notably, it has been engineered to remain buoyant on water for up to two hours at a speed exceeding 8.5 km/h and can wade through water up to 800 mm deep.

Central to the Galaxy Cruiser’s innovation is Geely’s newly developed Golden Short Blade Battery, which the company says is built for extreme resilience. This battery is designed with patented bulletproof materials and special coatings to prevent thermal runaway, deformation, or explosion. In addition to powering the vehicle’s intelligent systems, it is also integrated with Geely’s satellite connectivity technology to ensure stable communication even in remote areas.

As part of its larger battery strategy, Geely also announced the formation of a new industrial battery group, JiYaoTongXing, which consolidates its existing battery technologies under one brand—the Golden Short Blade Battery. The new entity will focus on improving battery energy density, safety, and rapid charging capabilities, all while aligning with China’s newly implemented national standards for battery impact resistance. Geely confirmed it will contribute to wider industry adoption by making its patented battery pack bottom impact testing equipment freely available.

In a landmark step towards industry-wide safety standardisation, Geely introduced the Geely Global Safety Centre, described as the largest standalone automotive safety laboratory in the world. The facility will open its doors not just to Geely’s brands, but to other automotive manufacturers and researchers. With this initiative, the company seeks to foster greater collaboration across the industry and accelerate the pace of innovation in vehicle safety.

Geely also used the Auto Shanghai platform to reinforce its broader strategic outlook. Operating under the theme “AI for All, All for Safety,” the company emphasised that safety should be an accessible and non-negotiable standard across all vehicle classes. It argued that cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and smart mobility platforms, must be leveraged to serve the public good, not just luxury segments.

The Galaxy Cruiser and the supporting infrastructure unveiled at Auto Shanghai represent more than just an ambitious product showcase. They reflect Geely’s determination to redefine the future of mobility by uniting electrification, artificial intelligence, and a profound commitment to safety. In doing so, the company positions itself not only as a leader in Chinese automotive innovation but also as a key player shaping the global conversation around next-generation transport.

If successful, Geely’s technological ambitions—including its new battery platform and global safety laboratory—could signal a shift in how the industry approaches both innovation and competition. With a focus on open collaboration, adaptability, and resilience, Geely is betting on a future where the road ahead is not just electric, but also safer, smarter, and shared.

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