Chinese automakers are selling large numbers of EVs at home, but so far, none has managed to crack the US or European passenger car markets. That could change before long – Auto Express reports that Geely, which owns Volvo, is rumored to be close to launching a new brand aimed at Europe, and that both EVs and hybrids are likely to be in the line-up.

Geely has tried to break into the UK and Australian markets in the past, but its vehicles didn’t seem to appeal to western consumers. Now, with former Volvo designer Peter Horbury in charge of design, Geely aims to deliver more exciting cars. The company has announced a plan that calls for 90 percent of sales to come from “new energy” vehicles by 2020.

Auto Express managed to get a sneak peek at the Emgrand EV, an electric model based on one of China’s best-selling sedans. It includes tech that seems likely to appear in future Geelys for the European market, and possibly Volvos as well.

The Emgrand EV offers 125 bhp of power, and has a price tag of 249,800 Chinese Renminbi (around $37,300). Geely claims a range of around 155 miles. Auto Express gave the car a mostly positive review, noting that (no surprise here) acceleration is much better than the gas version, but found that the range fell short in real-world conditions.

Source: Auto Express