Geely’s Battleship 700 is an electric SUV sold in China that offers a rare feature: it can float and move on water. This luxury SUV uses two electric propellers to navigate for a limited time, a capability aimed at emergency situations rather than recreation.
Floating and Propulsion System Adds Emergency Navigation
The Battleship 700 features a “floating and emergency escape mode” that deploys two electric propellers at the rear of the vehicle. These propellers provide 11.5 kW of power, allowing the large SUV—measuring about 5 meters in length—to move at around 6 km/h while floating. This setup lets the SUV stay afloat up to two hours, with an active propulsion time of about 40 minutes.
The SUV’s wading depth reaches 800 mm, enabling it to cross deep water obstacles. A sonar system is also installed to help detect and avoid underwater hazards when navigating in water.
How Geely’s Approach Compares to Rivals
Geely is not alone in offering vehicles that can float or navigate on water. The BYD Yangwang U8 also has a floating emergency mode lasting roughly 30 minutes, but it moves differently. BYD’s SUV uses its electric motors to spin the front wheels during flotation, which act as rudders but do not reach the Battleship’s speed.
Tesla considered similar water-crossing technology with the Cybertruck but settled instead on a “Wade Mode” that raises suspension and protects the battery from water damage. Unlike Geely’s system, Tesla’s approach does not provide propulsion while floating.
Power and Features Beyond Amphibious Ability
The Battleship 700 is a high-performance electric SUV equipped with three electric motors delivering a combined output of 1,113 horsepower and 1,692 Nm of torque. It uses a 41.7 kWh LFP battery from CATL, which supports a pure electric range of up to 185 km and an extended range nearing 1,800 km according to Chinese test cycles.
Its intelligent all-wheel-drive system includes AI features that allow the vehicle to turn 360 degrees and move sideways in “crab walk” mode. Inside, the SUV offers multiple screens, flexible seating arrangements, and safety tech such as a run-flat system that helps maintain balance even if a tire is punctured.
Competitive Pricing and Market Position
Despite its extensive features, the Battleship 700 is priced competitively. It starts at about 199,800 yuan (around €26,000), making it an unusual but affordable option compared to traditional off-road SUVs. It also offers unique options like an onboard oxygen supply system, useful for driving at high altitudes.
While mainly sold in China, Geely’s innovation shows the diverse technology emerging in electric SUVs from Chinese manufacturers, blending off-road capability with novel safety functions rarely seen in other markets.
Source: motor.es