iPhone maker Foxconn just unveiled two Tesla-rival EVs – here’s why that could be a smart move
You’ve probably never heard of Foxconn Technology Group, but it’s a Taiwanese consumer electronics manufacturer that’s perhaps best known for supplying Apple iPhones to the world – it also makes most of Amazon’s Kindles and Nintendo’s gaming consoles.
The company has stopped actually producing the folkloric legend Apple Car and started developing its own electric vehicles under the name Foxtron, with the existing five- and seven-seat Model C SUV already licensed from fast-growing Taiwanese car brand Luxgen . and badged the n7.
While Foxtron isn’t particularly interested in becoming a recognized automotive name in its own right, it is keen to sell its designs and platforms to other, perhaps more established players in the EV market.
As such, it used its most recent Apple-esque Technology Day event to unveil two new models: the Model D and the Model U – a naming convention that might leave those at Tesla confused.
The Model D is an absolutely massive, angular Lifestyle Multipurpose Utility Vehicle (LMUV), measuring 5.1 meters long (think the size of a Ford Transit van) and almost 2 meters wide. Inside there is enough space for seven people, although Foxtron is keen to point out that it can configure its cars to the wishes of a B2B customer.
The LMUV is powered by a range of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs from 100 to 120 kWh, which in the highest range versions would deliver an effective range of approximately 500 to almost 400 miles.
Designed with aerodynamics at the forefront, it features a variety of pleats and channels to improve airflow. Despite its angular appearance, it was actually written by Pininfarina, the designers behind countless classic Italian sports cars.
Of course, Foxtron has also ensured that the interior of its Model D fits in nicely with the technology of its sister manufacturers. There are dedicated charging spots for iPhones in the back, as well as slots where passengers can attach their own iPads.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Model U, a mid-sized electric bus with the latest advanced driver assistance systems. Maybe Tesla doesn’t have to worry too much after all.
Analysis: A Chinese ban could open the door for Taiwan
The purpose of Foxconn Technology Group’s Technology Day event was to unveil a range of vehicles that the company says are destined for the North American market.
The Model C, which is already on sale in Taiwan, has seen a slightly tweaked design for US audiences and could head there soon, while the aforementioned Model D will enter production sometime in 2026.
However, there’s no word on exactly what badge these cars will wear when they’re eventually offered for sale to the general public, with Foxconn’s Contract Design and Manufacturing Service (CDMS) business model essentially putting the platform, hardware and updatable software at the highest bidder delivers.
But with the US and much of Europe restricting imports of Chinese electric vehicles, this could be the perfect opportunity for Taiwan to offer the cheaper but more technologically advanced electric car.
Foxtron already has models ready to go that cover everything from the small B-segment hatchback to a much larger pickup. It has also made some serious advances in electric vehicle technology.
Battery partnership programs with Pininfarina, ZF, Our Next Energy (ONE) and BMW have produced ultra-high range LFP packs, with the resulting Gemini Dual-Chemistry Battery capable of powering a BMW iX 608 miles on one charge.
Furthermore, even as it provides servers for AI applications, a relationship with Nvidia will likely put the company in a favorable position to receive the latest single-chip architecture innovations needed for Software Defined Vehicles and vehicles with high levels of autonomous driving capabilities .
