Foxconn Explores on Electric Car Production, Apple May be Interested in Working Together

JAKARTA -Foxconn, one of Apple's main supply partners, has unveiled plans to manufacture its own electric car under the "Foxtron" brand name. Traditionally, Foxconn (aka Hon Hai Precision Industry) hasn't entered the auto space yet, but all that is starting to change.

The company has a long history of manufacturing smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, and more for many companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

The company's sources have stated for some time about applying its expertise to developing electric vehicles (EVs), noting many cars currently on the road already feature a range of smart chips and features.

Foxconn has entered into partnerships with several automakers over the past year, including an arrangement with US EV company, Fisker, to co-develop and manufacture electric vehicles. Separately, Foxconn has also created a proprietary chassis and software platform for its own EV.

Foxconn has now showcased the first EV concepts built using its platform, an SUV dubbed the Model C, a Model E sedan, and a bus called the Model T. The vehicles are co-produced with fellow Taiwanese company Yulon Motor, although they carry a new brand., Foxtron.

It's unclear whether the supply chain giant plans to bring EVs to market, although Yulon has confirmed it will be the first customer for Foxconn's vehicle technology.

Ever since Foxconn announced its plans to enter the EV space, there has been speculation that it could work with Apple to build the long-rumored car. The company has a long history, with Foxconn manufacturing Apple devices for decades. However, Apple has reportedly wooed other, more experienced companies to work on its vehicles, the most famous of which are Hyundai and its subsidiary, Kia.

However, with reports indicating the talks are over, Foxconn may now be in a good position to help Apple achieve its ambitions.

Apple is known specifically for the design and operation of its products. This is something Foxconn will definitely know well. Also, with Foxconn being so new to the EV world, it's likely that their flexibility could be a help rather than a hindrance to Apple.

At the Foxtron EV show, Foxconn chairman Young Liu admitted that the company and its engineers "don't know how to make cars." However, Young notes that the automaker isn't an expert in software or silicon, which is something Foxconn most definitely has.