OPPO Is Expected To Produce Electric Cars For China And India Markets Soon

OPPO's subsidiary, has filed a patent to make electric cars in India. (photo: 91mobiles)

JAKARTA – Rumors about Apple's pedal-free autonomous car have captivated technology and automotive enthusiasts. This is also a big technology company from China that has been known for selling mobile phones is also trying to dive into the electric vehicle segment.

These cars may not be as smart as the rumored Tesla or Apple cars. But of course expected much cheaper. In fact, the smartphone company OPPO may launch its first electric car in 2023. It is not the first smartphone company to enter the electric car market.

Huawei, which lost its stronghold in the mobile phone industry after the Donald Trump administration imposed restrictions on the US, now has some experience in the field with electric cars. In the past, they have collaborated with Chinese car companies to launch cars such as the SERES Hybrid sedan and the Avatar 11 electric SUV. Meanwhile, another Chinese mobile company, Xiaomi, has announced plans to launch electric cars in 2024.

OPPO, which is owned by China's BBK Corporation, which also owns the mobile phone brands OnePlus, Vivo, Realme and iQOO, is preparing to launch its first electric car, according to 91Mobiles and tipster Mukul Sharma. Sharma, who is known for his Twitter persona Stufflistings, told 91Mobiles OPPO has plans to launch its first electric car in India in late 2023 or early 2024.

However, the leak doesn't leak any information about how the company plans to approach this, whether developing the car in-house or partnering with other automakers.

Earlier this month, OPPO also filed for a trademark in India under Trademark Class 12, which refers to "vehicles; equipment for movement on land, air or water" in accordance with the provisions of India's Ministry of Home Industry and Trade Promotion.

According to India's trademark database, the app has been "Rejected" by the Indian authorities. Simultaneously, OPPO's sister brands have also filed for trademarks under the same category. While apps by OnePlus and Vivo were rejected, Realme managed to get approval for its trademark.

Understandably, companies often reserve trademarks to ensure competitors don't launch products using similar marks, and trademark registration doesn't define a company's chances of actually launching a product.

The leak also corroborates earlier reports from GizChina about OPPO meeting with various Chinese car companies and hiring professionals for top positions, including chief scientist Guo Yandong, who was previously chief scientist at Xiaopeng Motors China.

After OPPO's success in innovating fast charging technology for mobile phones and mobile accessories, it is now expected to use its prowess in developing fast charging for electric cars.

However, it is to be expected that the vehicle will be limited to regions such as India and China and not launched in more mature markets such as the US and Europe. This is because the market in which OPPO dominates the mobile phone industry is ideal for entering a new segment.

It also means that for a while OPPO's electric cars could create ripples in the price-sensitive market as Chinese phones did almost a decade ago. It may also have little or no impact in wealthier markets, particularly the US, where OPPO does not sell its products to that country. Maybe they are trying to sell electric cars through OnePlus, which has rejoined OPPO, but that doesn't guarantee success either.

Meanwhile, Foxconn, which manufactures iPhones for Apple and phones for other companies such as Xiaomi, is also said to be planning to manufacture electric cars for other brands in China, Europe, North America, and several other markets.

The Taiwanese manufacturer has showcased its electric luxury sedan concept, the Model E, designed by Italian design firm Pininfarina, which will be sold alongside crossovers and buses under the Foxtron brand.