Apple iPhone maker Foxconn has thumbed its nose at Tesla, unveiling a series of electric concepts as well as an electric ute using the same naming procedure as the electric car pioneer.
The Model V electric ute (known as a pickup overseas) is an all-terrain utility vehicle that will offer a towing capacity of 3 tonnes and a payload of one tonne.
Foxconn hasn’t given much away in terms of other actual specifications. Suffice to say, its two-row cab seats five, and the company claims “dynamic performance” with “the ability to traverse all terrains.”
The only other details shared are a slew of external sensors, digital rear view mirrors and “intelligent technology.”
The Model V is joined by the Model B crossover hatchback and the Model C SUV (more below).
Model E stoush raises its head again?
Granted, Tesla is not the first carmaker to use an alphabetic naming convention. Tesla famously went head to head with Ford over the use of the “Model E”, subsequently getting around the stoush with the legacy auto giant by naming its mass-market EV the Model 3.
And, the Model Y has not been the first Model Y to date, either:
Y did the two cars park in the same carport? pic.twitter.com/eGLSwXKvSv
— 🚗⚡Bridie Schmidt (@BridieEV) September 14, 2022
But back to Foxconn, known in Taiwan as Hon Hai Technology. Tuesday’s unveil at its Hon Hai Tech Day (HHTD) is just the latest in a string of announcements from the company about its moves towards making EVs.
It has in fact already announced its own “luxury flagship” Model E sedan, as well as a Model T passenger bus. The Model C also got a showing in late 2021.
And it’s no secret that the Taiwan-based device-maker intends on making electric vehicles in the US. Last October, it also announced it had acquired majority rights to the beleaguered Lordstown Motors Ohio plant.
Which of course raises the question of whether Foxconn itself intends to go head to hear with Ford on the Model E name.
Model C first MIH EV to go into production
The Model C will be Foxconn’s first EV to market. It will be the first EV built on the “MIH” platform, an open EV ecosystem designed by a consortium that includes some 2,500 mostly Taiwan-based members.
Foxconn is developing an operating system called the HEV.OS to complement the MIH platform. And, it says it will apply to have it made the official operating system for the platform.
Foxconn promises high-end specs such as a long 700km range, acceleration from 0-100km/hr in 3.8 seconds and a not exactly market-leading but fairly respectable 0.27 drag coefficient.
Inside it has a middling minimalistic design, including a clean dash and central touchscreen, while buttons and controls sit in the centre console for those not quite ready to leave knobs and dials behind.
Foxconn says it will be ready to hit Taiwan’s local roads after mid-2023.
Model B urban crossover
The Model B echoes the stylings of the Model C but is aimed at a younger generation. A more streamlined roof and an “air curtain” on the C-pillar (similar to that of the new Kia e-Niro) improve aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.26.
It will have a smaller battery however, and a lower price to go with it. The 4,300mm compact crossover is said to have a 450km driving range while a 2,800mm wheelbase delivers a cosy cabin for drivers and passengers.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.