iPhone manufacturer Foxconn unveils first electric vehicles

Foxconn Technology Group, the largest iPhone manufacturer, unveiled its first electric car models on Monday, including an SUV, sedan and bus concept.

Foxconn is planning to manufacture the Model C recreational vehicle and Model E sedan for established automotive customers instead of selling them as part of its own brand, according to Bloomberg.

The announcement of the SUV and sedan model, in addition to the Model T electric bus, was made during the Hon Hai Tech Day 2021 event, according to a statement from the company.

The three new electric car models puts Foxconn in a strong position as a bidder for Apple’s covert automotive project, Bloomberg noted, as the U.S. tech giant ponders wading into the world of vehicles.

Foxconn entered into an agreement late last month to spend $280 million dollars to seize control of an Ohio auto plant from startup Lordstown Motors Corp, signaling its dedication to join the automotive sector, Bloomberg reports.

Yulon Motor Co., a Taiwanese company, will be the first customer for Foxconn’s electric cars, Bloomberg reported, citing Lilian Chen, Yulon’s chairwoman.

The electric sedan model will likely be sold for the equivalent of less than $35,700 in Taiwan dollars, according to Young Liu, chairman of Foxconn’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.

Foxconn said the Model C recreational vehicle’s four key features are its shape, space, power and emergency consumption. The group said the model minimizes spaces used for mechanical components and maximizes seating space.

The company said its Model E sedan is “the high-quality first choice for businesses,” highlighting its rear seat space that can be turned into a mobile office.

Foxconn described the Model T electric bus as “a stylish urban bus,” and emphasized the safe nature of the vehicle based on more than 1,000 hours of testing in Taiwan.