Huawei Aims to Make Electric Cars Later This Year

Chinese tech giant Huawei is planning to make electric cars under its own brand, and some models may even be launched before the end of this year. Apparently, Huawei is in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make its electric vehicles (EVs). Huawei is also in discussions with Beijing-backed BAIC Group's BluePark New Energy Technology to manufacture its EVs. The EVs will target a mass-market segment, a source said.A Huawei spokesman denied the company plans to design EVs or produce Huawei branded vehicles. “Huawei is not a car manufacturer. However, through ICT (information and communications technology), we aim to be a digital car-oriented and new-added components provider, enabling car OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to build better vehicles.”As per agencies, Huawei was awarded at least four patents related to EVs recently, including methods for charging between electric vehicles and for checking battery health, according to official Chinese patent records.The connected car and EV sectors are heating up with many Asian tech companies wanting to collaborate with established carmakers. In January, Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, announced it will establish a venture with China-based Geely to provide OEM and customised services for automakers and taxi app companies. Similarly, there were rumours of Apple collaborating with South Korean automakers Kia and Hyundai Motor Company over developing an autonomous EV.

In recent times, Huawei partnered with Audi to develop smart car technology using new wireless connection standards. Similarly, the Chinese tech giant also collaborated with Jaguar Land Rover and Vodafone to show off a vehicle communication system for road safety alerts.