Geely announces a new electric AWD system

Ash Sutcliffe of Geely has posted a Twitter message announcing a forthcoming online presentation dedicated to an innovative part-electric AWD design. His original tweet said it would occur today, March 26, but he later dropped the date from the announcement.

The Bo Yue Pro, also known as the Atlas Pro, will be the company’s first crossover SUV to benefit from this AWD system. The standard 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbo engine will continue to drive the front axle, while the rear axle will receive its own electric motor. The company refers to it as ‘48G BSG’, which likely means a 48-volt engine starter.

The non-electrified Atlas Pro features a multi-plate electromagnetic coupling by Borg Warner on the rear axle, which grants it part-time AWD functionality. Replacing it with an electric motor should optimize fuel consumption while making the car lighter and reducing harmful emissions.