Geely Auto’s new energy vehicle lineup completed a cross-border winter endurance program spanning more than 1,000 kilometers across Sweden and Norway. The test culminated in a nonstop drive to the Arctic Ocean by six hybrid models. Additionally, the full vehicle range underwent extreme-cold validation at Northern Europe’s Colmis Proving Ground, the highest-latitude automotive test facility on the Eurasian continent.
Highlights
- Six Geely hybrid NEVs completed a 1,000km nonstop Arctic drive across Sweden and Norway without recharging
- First Chinese automaker to conduct Arctic Circle winter validation across its entire NEV portfolio
- All mainstream powertrains tested, including battery electric, hybrid, extended-range, and methanol
- Global test network expansion planned, with Geely targeting 16 test bases worldwide in the coming years
First Full-Portfolio Arctic Test by a Chinese Automaker
The program marks the first time an independent Chinese automotive brand has conducted Arctic Circle winter testing across its complete lineup. It is also the first Arctic validation to cover all mainstream new energy powertrains. As a result, the initiative demonstrated cold-climate capability across multiple propulsion technologies simultaneously.
The hybrid models that completed the nonstop drive included the Geely V900, M9, EX5 EM-i, XingYao 8, A7, and XingYao 6. However, some of these model names are provisional, as official English names have not yet been assigned.
Engineering Validation in Extreme Conditions
Geely selected high-latitude locations in Northern Europe to test under severe conditions. These included extreme humidity, black ice, and polar-night low-light environments. Together, these settings replicated real-world driving scenarios in cold, high-latitude regions.
The sub-zero temperatures, high humidity, and limited visibility placed significant demands on vehicle sealing, thermal management, and intelligent driving sensor performance. Specifically, the Arctic program evaluated several critical systems:
- Winter ADAS stability and responsiveness
- Thermal management adaptation in sub-zero, high-humidity conditions
- Roof-mounted cargo system performance in extreme cold
- Traction, load capacity, and AWD calibration on snow and ice
- Studded winter tire performance under Arctic conditions
In addition, engineers assessed vehicle handling on low-adhesion surfaces, thermal management efficiency, and sealing integrity under repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Global Testing Network Supports Scalable Development
Geely has established a multi-environment validation system covering extreme cold, high heat, high humidity, high altitude, desert, and performance track conditions. Six core facilities, including Hangzhou Bay in southern China and locations in Europe, form an integrated global development loop.
This framework spans R&D, validation, and product iteration. Furthermore, Geely plans to expand to 16 global test bases in the coming years. The expansion aims to strengthen all-weather, all-terrain vehicle development capabilities.
Arctic Data to Drive Product Refinement
In 2025, Geely’s NEV lineup became the fastest new energy portfolio in China to surpass one million cumulative sales. Meanwhile, in January 2026, the brand achieved a new monthly sales record. This contributed to Geely Auto’s leadership position in the Chinese passenger vehicle market.
The Arctic program serves a purpose beyond milestone validation. Data collected under sustained extreme conditions will feed directly into future product refinement cycles. For instance, insights from thermal performance, traction control calibration, sensor reliability, and system durability will inform engineering upgrades across the portfolio.
By grounding development in real-world extremes, Geely continues to strengthen reliability, safety margins, and performance consistency for everyday driving conditions.
About Geely Auto
Geely Auto Group is an automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China, founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. The group manages several brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. It is also the global strategic partner of Malaysian automaker PROTON.
The group employs more than 50,000 people and operates 12 plants and five global R&D centers. In 2025, brands under Geely Auto Group management sold over 3.02 million units, a 39% year-on-year increase.
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