Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn has revealed two new electric cars, underlining the firm’s intentions to become a “global automotive manufacturer".
Foxconn, known for contract-manufacturing devices such as the Apple iPhone, revealed the ‘Model C’ SUV and the ‘Model E’ saloon, alongside the ‘Model T’ bus in a livestream event on Monday. The two cars are based on a newly introduced 'Hon Hai' EV platform.
The Model C, described as an “intrinsically optimised electric SUV with a pure electric nature”, is 4640mm long with a wheelbase of 2860mm and space for seven occupants. It is hoped the model will allow for easy urban navigation while prioritising interior storage space.
The Model C is powered by a 134bhp electric motor mated to a 58kWh battery pack, and is said to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.8sec and offer a range of 372 miles.
The Model E, designed by Pininfarina, is aimed towards the luxury car market, with a rear seat design that is capable of being used as a “mobile office” and advanced technology including face recognition and 'smart' windows.
The Model E is powered by a 96kWh battery with a range of 446 miles. It has two electric motors, a 201bhp unit mounted at the front and a 536bhp one at the rear. Total power is said to be around 750bhp, giving a 0-62mph sprint time of just 2.8sec.
Foxconn also announced the Model T, an electric bus with 248 miles of range and a maximum speed of 75mph.
The firm hopes that its electric car business will be worth one trillion Taiwanese dollars (£25 billion) in five years.
The Model C will be launched under one of Taiwanese car firm Yulon’s brands in Taiwan in 2023, while the Model E could be sold under a different, existing brand in the coming years.
Join the debate
Add your comment
I'm sure Ford have the Model E rights which is one reason Tesla couldn't use it.
And as a contract manufacturer these would be great to re-badge and give some of the companies lagging behind, a much needed boost.
A very significant development indeed!
I am very impressed with the Korean engineers that can get a 7 seat SUV to 60 in 3.8 seconds with just 134 BHP. At the same time they make a saloon with 2 motors where the total power when added together is greater than the total (201 + 536 =750). As for a mobile office, does it need to get to 60 in 2.8 seconds. I wouldnt want my office to do that, i couldnt type or write, i would spill my coffee, and even talking on the phone might be tricky with that sort of thrust being deployed.
lets have a car with 500 mile range for under £30k and forget the fancy acceleration numbers.
You mean Taiwanese?
Agree acceleration figures are daft and irrelevant, of more importance is range.
@si73. I do of course mean Taiwanese. So much for me pointing out errors in the article. It seems i cant read either!