Geely Battleship 700 SUV Adds Propellers for Water Travel
Geely's new Battleship 700 plug-in hybrid SUV features built-in propellers, allowing it to travel on water for up to 40 minutes as an emergency flotation
The Geely Battleship 700 is a plug-in hybrid SUV that can drive on water using two rear-mounted propellers. This feature is designed as an emergency flotation and escape mode, not for recreational use.
Geely's system aims to solve the propulsion limitations faced by other floating vehicles. For instance, the rival BYD Yangwang U8 uses its spinning wheels for movement in water, which the source states offers limited forward propulsion. The Battleship 700 employs two dedicated 11.5 horsepower propellers.
Water Performance and Safety
In the water, the propellers can push the SUV to a speed of just over 4 miles per hour. The vehicle is also equipped with sonar to help avoid underwater obstacles. Geely claims the Battleship 700 can actively "swim" for approximately 40 minutes, or remain afloat for up to two hours. This compares to the BYD Yangwang U8's cited 30-minute emergency floating mode.
The source positions this capability as a safety feature for deep-water scenarios. It is not marketed as a party trick for crossing lakes.
Powertrain and Land Specifications
When on land, the Battleship 700 operates as a plug-in hybrid. Its powertrain combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with three electric motors. The system delivers a combined peak output of 1,113 horsepower. Energy is stored in a 47.14 kWh battery pack.
Geely claims a total combined range of 1,100 miles on China's CLTC test cycle. The vehicle is currently on sale in its home market.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the Battleship 700 in China starts at just under $30,000. Fully equipped versions can cost as much as $58,000. Geely has plans to export the model, with Australia named as a potential market.
The Competitive Chinese EV Landscape
The report from InsideEVs frames the Battleship 700's aquatic ability as part of an intensely competitive Chinese automotive market. Brands are constantly seeking novel features to attract buyers, moving beyond common amenities like AI assistants or in-car fridges. The Battleship 700 also includes an oxygen-delivery system for high-altitude travel, further highlighting this trend.
The concept of an electric vehicle that can float is not entirely new. The source notes that Elon Musk once suggested the Tesla Cybertruck could briefly serve as a boat. Chinese automakers like BYD and now Geely have developed production vehicles with similar, though implemented differently, capabilities. The Battleship 700's dedicated propeller system gives it a speed advantage over its wheel-driven rival, the Yangwang U8, which reportedly manages about 2 mph in water.
