Foxconn Unveils Three New EV Prototypes

Foxconn's Electric Vehicle Push: Prototypes and Global Ambitions

During its HHTD21 event, Foxconn showcased three electric vehicle prototypes. These included two sedan models and a fully electric bus, as reported by Nikkei and demonstrated in a YouTube video.

The company asserted its growing presence in the EV sector, stating it is “no longer a newcomer.” Foxconn’s objective is to cultivate a business generating up to $NT 1 trillion annually, which translates to approximately $36 billion.

Foxtron and Collaborative Development

Foxconn’s EV prototypes were developed under the Foxtron brand. This development was achieved through a partnership with Taiwan’s Yulon Motor, a company with its own automotive brand, Luxgen.

Yulon Motor also handles local manufacturing for both Nissan and Mitsubishi vehicles. The unveiled prototypes are designated as the Model E (luxury sedan), Model C (SUV), and Model T (transit bus).

MIH Consortium: An Open Platform Approach

These vehicles are built upon Foxconn’s open-source MIH Consortium platform, encompassing both software and hardware.

Essentially, they function as modular kits, providing reference designs for EV manufacturers. These brands can then customize and mass-produce vehicles to their specific requirements.

Prototype Specifications and Timelines

The Model T electric bus is projected to be available as early as next year, potentially under a different brand name. It boasts a range of 400 km and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 MPH).

According to Taiwan News, the bus incorporates features such as pedestrian alerts, advanced thermal management, and robust crash protection systems.

Foxtron’s Model C, an electric SUV, is slated for release in Taiwan by 2023. It is designed for efficiency and offers quick acceleration, achieving 0-to-62 MPH in 3.8 seconds.

Foxconn chairperson Young Liu anticipates a price point below $NT 1 million ($35,700). The Model E, a high-performance luxury sedan co-designed with Pininfarina, will follow at a later, unspecified date.

The Model E will deliver 750 horsepower, a 0-62 MPH time of 2.8 seconds, and a range of 750 km. Yulon is expected to be among the first manufacturers to utilize these designs, as stated by chairperson Lilian Chen.

Global Manufacturing Strategy

Foxtron intends to leverage the trend of localized EV production to minimize costs. The company is planning to establish EV manufacturing facilities in the United States.

Recently, Foxconn announced the acquisition of Lordstown’s manufacturing plant in Ohio. Plans include producing the Lordstown Endurance pickup truck and assembling Fisker EVs at the facility by late 2023.

Foxconn also indicated that details regarding its EV production plans for Europe will be revealed shortly.

Note: This article was originally published on Engadget.