Volvo, London Taxi and Aston Martin are all developing electric cars for the Chinese market.
Aston Martin unveils RapidE concept Image: Aston Martin |
The Swedish marque is developing its first all-electric light vehicle to add to its roster of plug-in hybrids on expectations that growing environmental concerns will boost NEV uptake in one of its core markets.
Volvo is developing its vehicle with Geely on the existing compact platform, alongside several other models based around its XC90 SUV. The carmaker hopes to boost annual sales to 60% to 800,000 units by 2020.
Meanwhile, two iconic British brands are also taking the electric route with the help of Chinese companies.
Sports car maker Aston Martin has signed an agreement with ChinaEquity Group Inc, a Chinese private equity firm, to develop a production version of its concept electric car. The four-door RapidE was first wheeled out during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the UK, but could be brought to market in as little as two years’ time.
After Zhejiang Geely Holding Group bought London Taxi in 2013 it is now investing £50m in designing a prototype electric for launch in 2017. The TX5 will have six seats, an aluminium body and a panoramic glass roof, as well extra legroom for the driver, rear-hinged doors and Wi-Fi capabilities.