iPhone maker Foxconn has revealed new electric cars for contract manufacturing

Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn is probably best known for producing iPhones. However, the company has unveiled three new electric cars this year.

With the Model V, Model C and Model B, Foxconn wants to show that in addition to smartphones, it can also produce electric cars. However, in a press release for the event, the manufacturer makes it clear that it sees its business model as contract design and manufacturing services.

The models announced are primarily intended to show electric car manufacturers that Foxconn is quite capable of producing cars.

Foxconn wants to produce for Tesla

According to Reuters, Foxconn wants to diversify into contract manufacturing of electric cars.

“Based on our past achievements in the PC and mobile market, we have about 40-45% total market share. So, in terms of our ambitions, we hope to be able to make the same gains as in the ICT (information and communications technology) industry,” said Liu Yang-wei, chairman of Foxconn.

Liu also said he hopes to start producing Tesla cars someday. He also reiterates that the company does not want to sell its own cars, but to produce electric cars for external customers.

To start production, the Taiwanese manufacturer already wanted to buy a plant from an electric car startup last year.

Model V, C and B.

The Model V announced at the event is an electric pick-up truck. The truck can carry up to one tonne on the loading bay and tow up to three tonnes. It should also be suitable for all types of terrain. Up to five people can be accommodated in the cabin. Sensors, power door mirrors and a display inside are other design highlights.

The Model C looks more like a compact SUV and is said to have gone from prototype to series production. The electric car has a range of around 700 kilometres and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The car is expected to hit Taiwan’s roads as early as the second half of next year.

The Model B, on the other hand, is currently a prototype. It is a crossover designed for the younger generation. The S-shape and the streamlined roof reduce air turbulence. The car has an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.26. The Model B should cover around 450 kilometres on a single full charge.