Detroit Electric, Geely Partner to Develop EVs for China

Chinese company Geely Automobile Group has teamed up with reborn Detroit Electric Inc. to form a strategic partnership where both parties will co-develop pure electric vehicles for the Chinese market.

Under the terms of the newly-established partnership, the first electric models will go on sale starting in 2014 under Geely’s Emgrand brand. The first EV, which will be called the EC7-EV, will be based on Geely’s best-selling Emgrand EC7 model and will be co-branded with a “Detroit Electric Technology” badge. It will initially be sold primarily to business users and public-sector organizations. The two companies are forecasting sales of around 3,000 in the first year, hoping to grow to around 30,000 in three years time.

The EC7-EV will be offered in both a medium-range and long-range option, with the medium-range vehicle netting around 102 miles per charge. Opting for the long-range option will get drivers around 160 miles on a single charge. Detroit Electric will lend a helping hand in inspiring performance to the vehicle, helping it deliver sub-eight second acceleration to 62 mph and a top speed of over 124 mph.

SEE ALSO: Detroit Electric SP:01 Debuts in Shanghai

“This is a very significant step in the development of the Detroit Electric business and is testimony to our innovative technology and engineering capabilities,” comments Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric. “Detroit Electric will jointly develop the EC7-EV, covering all aspects of the powertrain and chassis, safety, vehicle dynamics, system integration, NVH and other items.”

The announcement comes as Detroit Electric unveiled its first production vehicle, the SP:01 earlier this month.

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