Foxconn, Apple iPhone Maker, Now Wants To Make Electric Vehicles

Foxconn,  Taiwanese tech giant best known for making iPhones for Apple, has unveiled three electric vehicle prototypes at its annual Foxconn Technology Day event in Taipei. Formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, the world's biggest electronics contract manufacturer now aims to become a major player in the global EV market by making electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe, India and Latin America, including possible cooperation with German automakers.Hon Hai had made significant achievements in electric vehicle development that included strategic partnership alliances, critical technology research and development as well as the expansion of a global production network. The company's target is to be earning NT$1 trillion a year in EV-related revenue by 2026. The company’s total revenue for 2020 was NT$5.35 trillion, and it estimates that its EV-related business will contribute more than NT$10 billion this year for the first time.The unveiled EVs  - an SUV, a sedan and a bus - were made by Foxtron, a venture between Foxconn and Taiwanese car maker Yulon Motor Co Ltd. The company has also announced the launch and partner enablement details around software innovations such as Smart Gateway, Smart Cockpit, Smart Autonomous Driving and other software applications.Model CThe Model C is the first model built on Hon Hai’s electric vehicle open platform and is positioned as the intrinsically optimized electric SUV. The Model C’s four core features are shape, space, power and energy consumption. The Model C, which is 4.64 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.86 meters, offers comfortable seating for 5+2 people and plenty of storage space, making it easy to navigate crowded metro areas while still enjoying the luxury of a larger car.The Model C accelerates from 0 to 100 km in 3.8 seconds and delivers an extended range of 700km. Thanks to the open platform sharing advantages, consumers can have a pure electric SUV with high performance, high efficiency, high intelligence, low energy consumption and large space at a reasonable price compared to a fuel-powered car.Model EThe Model E, jointly developed by Hon Hai and Italian design firm Pininfarina, is a technologically innovative luxury flagship sedan that can transform into a dedicated mobile office, with personal mobile devices seamlessly connected to the passenger car, enabling a series of smart applications such as face recognition door opening, smart windows and vehicle and environment interfaces.The Model E, with high performance and advanced dynamic control technology, delivers a power output of about 750 horsepower and achieves 0 to 100 km acceleration in a staggering 2.8 seconds, better than comparable models in the market and almost at the pace of a Formula One racing car. The Model E also has a 750km range to address the range anxiety of most electric car users.Model TPositioned as an intelligent transportation solution, the Model T is a stylish urban bus. Its high rigid body design and protection meet the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations and standards. In addition, the Model T has completed 200,000km of an acceleration endurance test and more than 1,000 hours of rigid strength tests at the Automotive Research & Testing Center (ARTC) Testing, ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers alike.In terms of energy consumption and endurance, the Model T’s battery can withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees, across a range of more than 400 kilometers. Under full load conditions, the maximum climbing capacity can reach 25%, and the maximum speed can reach 120 kilometers per hour, providing drivers with a relaxed and smooth driving experience, whilst allowing passengers a comfortable and safe journey.