Geely's 2B-RMB Safety Hub Aims to Redefine Global EV Standards

A New Era of Automotive Safety

The Geely Safety Centre goes beyond traditional safety testing to include emerging concerns like cybersecurity and environmental health. The center includes a specialized team focused on detecting harmful substances in vehicle materials and ensuring "zero harmful gas/odor" standards. Cybersecurity testing includes evaluation of chips, firmware, data transmission, and vehicle sensors. These measures reflect a shift in the automotive industry toward a more comprehensive definition of safety.

Geely's leadership sees the new center as a platform to collaborate with global partners on safety technologies and standards. The company plans to leverage its R&D capabilities and global insights to push safety performance beyond regulatory requirements. This aligns with a growing global consensus that safety must be a top priority, even as automakers face cost pressures and competition.

Strategic Implications for the EV Market

Geely's investment in safety comes as the Chinese automotive industry experiences both a price war and increased regulatory scrutiny. Chinese regulators have already tightened oversight on EVs, including advanced driver assistance systems and concealed door handles. High-profile incidents, such as fatal Xiaomi crashes, have drawn public attention and prompted stricter safety measures.

The facility also serves as a response to broader concerns about Chinese-made components in global markets. For instance, U.S. lawmakers have proposed phasing out Chinese-made lidar sensors in self-driving cars due to security risks. Geely's new center aims to bolster consumer confidence and demonstrate the safety and reliability of Chinese-made electric and intelligent vehicles.

What This Means for Geely and the Industry

Geely's investment underscores its commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in EV and intelligent vehicle safety standards. The center will enable Geely to conduct tests that align with international regulations while addressing regional and global safety concerns. The company's head of research, Li Chuanhai, emphasized that safety cannot be compromised, even as competition intensifies and cost pressures grow.

The Geely Safety Centre also reflects a broader trend of Chinese automakers expanding their influence in the global EV market. With Chinese EV brands like BYD, Xpeng, and Changan making inroads in Europe and beyond, Geely's new facility reinforces China's role in shaping the future of automotive safety and innovation.