Geely Battleship 700 SUV features emergency water propulsion

Geely has introduced the Battleship 700, a plug-in hybrid SUV equipped with an emergency flotation and escape mode. Unlike vehicles that rely on wheel rotation for water movement, the Battleship 700 features two rear-mounted electric propellers, each providing approximately 11.5 horsepower, allowing the vehicle to move through water at speeds slightly exceeding 6 km/h (4 mph).

The system is designed for emergency scenarios rather than recreational boating. The vehicle can actively propel itself for about 40 minutes or remain afloat for up to two hours without power. To assist with navigation, the SUV includes onboard sonar to detect underwater obstacles.

Under the hood, the Battleship 700 utilizes a three-motor, all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid system paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, delivering a combined system output of approximately 1,128 horsepower. It features a 47 kWh battery with an electric range of up to 170 kilometers. This model joins other Chinese manufacturers, such as BYD with its Yangwang U8, in developing SUVs with emergency water-traversal capabilities.