Established in 2016 as part of Geely’s strategic expansion in China’s northwest region, Geely Xi’an Factory is a state-of-the-art manufacturing hub located in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Covering an area of 1.2 million square meters, the facility serves as a cornerstone of Geely’s electric vehicle (EV) and intelligent mobility ambitions. With a production capacity of 300,000 vehicles per year, it produces a diverse range of vehicles, including pure electric passenger cars (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), commercial vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems. The factory integrates advanced automation, AI-driven manufacturing, and sustainable design, making it a flagship example of China’s smart factory transformation.
Key Features & Production Capabilities
1. Smart Manufacturing & Automation
- Industry 4.0 Integration: Equipped with 90% automated production lines, including robotic welding, AI-powered quality control systems, and digital twin platforms for real-time monitoring of vehicle performance.
- Lean Manufacturing: Adopted Toyota-inspired production methods, reducing production cycle time by 30% compared to traditional automotive plants.
- Modular Design: Allows flexible assembly of BEVs, PHEVs, and commercial vehicles on the same production line, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.
2. Advanced Technology Integration
- Electric Vehicle Platforms: Features CTB (Cell-to-Chassis) battery integration technology, enabling higher energy density (up to 190 Wh/kg) and improved vehicle safety.
- Smart Driving Systems: Equipped with L2+/L3 autonomous driving kits, including LiDAR, radar, and high-performance computing units developed in-house.
- Hybrid Powertrains: Produces PHEVs with 100km+ pure-electric range and 48V mild-hybrid systems for commercial vehicles, achieving fuel efficiency improvements of 25%.
3. R&D Innovation
- Attached to the factory is Geely’s Xi’an R&D Center, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as:
- Solid-State Batteries: Developing next-gen batteries with 400 Wh/kg energy density and enhanced thermal stability.
- 800V High-Voltage Architecture: Enabling ultra-fast charging (10-80% in 15 minutes) for future EV models.
- AI-Driven Software: Including autonomous parking, voice-controlled infotainment systems, and predictive maintenance for connected vehicles.
Sustainability & Green Practices
Geely Xi’an Factory is committed to eco-friendly manufacturing:
1. Renewable Energy Utilization
- Powered by 100% renewable energy, including solar panels covering 8 million sq ft of factory rooftops and wind turbines.
- Achieves carbon neutrality for its operations, reducing annual CO₂ emissions by 60% compared to conventional plants.
2. Circular Economy
- Recycles 95% of industrial waste through partnerships with local recycling firms.
- Uses recycled aluminum and steel in vehicle production, cutting raw material costs by 12% and reducing landfill waste by 5,000 metric tons annually.
- Implements a closed-loop water system, reducing freshwater consumption by 70% via rainwater harvesting and recycling.
3. Eco-Friendly Design
- The factory’s architecture incorporates natural ventilation, green roofs, and rainwater retention systems to minimize its ecological footprint.
- Certified as a “Green Factory” by China’s Ministry of Industry and IT.
Global Impact & Strategic Significance
1. Export Hub
- Supplies vehicles to over 40 countries, including Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Its BEVs and PHEVs are popular in markets with stringent emissions regulations, such as Norway and Germany.
- Key models like the Geely Galaxy L (BEV) and Geely Vision L (PHEV) have gained traction in international markets for their advanced technology and affordability.
2. Supply Chain Leadership
- Partners with global suppliers like Bosch, LG Chem, and Continental to source high-quality components while maintaining 80% localization of critical parts to reduce dependency on imports.
- Collaborates with Volvo on joint EV projects, leveraging Geely’s manufacturing expertise and Volvo’s safety technology.
3. Job Creation & Economic Contribution
- Employs 12,000+ workers, including engineers, technicians, and skilled laborers.
- Supports local economies through supplier networks involving 300+ Shaanxi-based enterprises.
4. Technological Export
- Shares its smart manufacturing expertise globally through joint ventures and training programs, with facilities modeled after Xi’an Factory operating in Vietnam, Thailand, and Egypt.
Notable Achievements
- Industry Awards: Recognized as a “National Green Factory” by China in 2022 and awarded the “China EV Manufacturing Excellence Award” in 2023.
- Market Leadership: Ranked 2 in China’s EV export market by 2023, with a 15% share of domestic EV exports.
- Patent Milestones: Holds 1,500+ patents related to EV technology, with 40% filed at the Xi’an R&D Center.
Future Vision
By 2028, Geely Xi’an Factory aims to:
1. Expand EV production capacity to 500,000 vehicles per year, focusing on solid-state battery and 800V platform models.
2. Establish AI-driven R&D labs for autonomous driving and smart city integration.
3. Develop hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) for commercial logistics and heavy-duty applications.
4. Strengthen global partnerships through the “Belt and Road EV Initiative”, targeting markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Geely Xi’an Factory exemplifies China’s leapfrogging in automotive manufacturing, combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and global ambition. As a pioneer in smart factory innovation, it not only drives Geely’s mission to “lead the global EV revolution” but also sets benchmarks for industrial automation and eco-friendly production worldwide. With its focus on future-ready technologies and strategic partnerships, the factory is poised to shape the future of mobility in a carbon-neutral world.
