The manufacturer of the Apple iPhone has unveiled an all-new electric ute, with Foxconn planning a full EV assault that it hopes will carry it into the future.
The Model V is described as “Taiwan’s first self-developed electric pick-up”, with the brand promising “a payload of up to one tonne, a towing capacity of three tonnes, and the ability to traverse all terrains”.
All of which sounds pretty good. But perhaps the biggest twist in this tale is that a company famous for manufacturing American products in and around China will instead build its EV pick-up truck in the USA.
Also on the manufacturing list is Thailand, which is where almost all of Australia’s utes come from, making an Aussie launch a strong possibility.
Elsewhere, details are a little thin on the ground, but we do know Foxconn says it will use its considerably manufacturing experience and a scaleable platform to reduce the cost of EVs globally, which means the Model V could prove surprisingly affordable.
We also know that we’re talking about a HiLux-sized (or what’s referred to as mid-size in the USA) ute, with five seats and a work-ready bed.
Also revealed were Model B hatch and the Model C SUV, though whether Foxconn can hold onto those names in the wake of an inevitable Tesla copyright claim remains to be seen.
The Model C will be the first model to go into production, as early as this year, with the brand promising impressive performance, a zero-to-100 km/h sprint of just 3.8 seconds and a driving range of close to 700 kilometres. The model will launch in Taiwan in the second half of 2023.
The Model B is aimed at the “younger generation”, with the 4.3-metre crossover able to travel 450km on a single charge.
All three models will “lower the entry threshold for the electric-vehicle industry”, with Foxconn suggesting it can build EVs cheaper, and more cost effectively, than its competitors.
“To lower the entry threshold for the electric vehicle industry, (we) simplified the complexity of software development and greatly shortened the development time,” the brand said.
“This ideal EV software platform has excellent scalability, conforms to vehicle regulations and safety, and ensures instant and reliable transmission.
“Through the HHEV.OS software platform, EV designers can focus on the most valuable development work and achieve the purpose of rapid product launch.”
These models join the Model E revealed by Foxconn last year. Designed in collaboration with Italian design firm Pininfarina, the Model E boasts a 750km range and, thanks to an output of roughly 560kW, a supercar-rivalling 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 2.8 seconds.
Keyword: Would you buy an iUte? Apple iPhone maker unveils HiLux-sized electric ute