Renault is developing a new electric SUV using Geely's GEA platform

Renault and Chinese automotive giant Geely have joined forces to drive the development of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles aimed at international markets. According to a recent report, the French manufacturer is using Geely’s GEA platform (Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture) to create new, much more efficient models that will set it apart from the competition.

The collaboration between the two companies should not, however, come as a surprise. Since 2022 Geely has held a 34 percent stake in Renault Korea Motors, and in 2024 both companies strengthened their alliance with the creation of Horse Powertrain, a joint venture focused on developing components for hybrid and combustion propulsion systems. The project has already borne its first fruit with the Future Hybrid Concept, a compact system that extends the range of electric platforms through hybrid technology.

Furthermore, at the beginning of last year Geely acquired a stake in Renault do Brasil, giving it access to the French manufacturer’s production and sales network in that South American country, so the collaboration between Renault and Geely goes back a long way.

Strength in unity

The alliance between the two companies is now, however, stronger than ever. Renault is using the GEA platform, launched by Geely in 2024, as an evolution of the CMA architecture. The new SUV the French manufacturer is developing on Geely’s platform will apparently be offered in both fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions.

Although the exterior design will be created by Renault, the vehicle’s architecture and chassis will be largely based on designs belonging to Geely’s Galaxy brand, with the aim of reducing costs and accelerating the development time such a project would otherwise require. The target markets for this model will presumably be South Korea, Southeast Asia, Latin America and North Africa.

It should also be noted that development of this new SUV is taking place at Renault’s new Advanced China Development Center (ACDC) in Shanghai, which has already completed development of the Renault Twingo E-Tech and now has the capacity to focus on this new project.

According to Geely, the GEA platform is an advanced modular base designed to deliver safety, efficiency and intelligent connectivity. It supports four types of propulsion: battery electric, plug-in hybrid, extended-range and methanol-electric. It also integrates advanced artificial intelligence functions, improves the charging experience and driving comfort, and enables the creation of an ecosystem of connected vehicles.