American and Chinese car makers are kicking their partnership for developing electric vehicles into high gear. A few days ago we told you about JAC’s deal with Greentech to produce a new electric sedan for the American market. Now Geely, another leading Chinese car maker, teas up with Detroit Electric, but this time to make an EV for China.
Based on the agreement announced at the Shanghai Motor Show, the first outcome of this partnership will be released in China in form of a pure electric Geely Emgrand EC7. For their troubles, the American firm will be awarded with a „Detroit Electric – Technology” badge on every EC7-EV they sell.
Currently the joint project is strictly technical, seeking new solution to enhance electric motoring by boosting research in relevant fields, including electric motor, vehicle management system, advanced thermo-managed battery pack, battery management system and a twin-speed high-torque gearbox. But it has the potential to become a joint venture in the future.
The specs of the EC7-EV are yet to be confirmed, but initial speculations suggest they will offer two medium-range (with a driving range of 165km per charge) and long-range options (an approximate range of 258km per charge); it will do 0-100kph acceleration in under eight seconds; and the top speed would be at least 200kph. The car will use a Detroit Electric twin-speed high-torquegearbox.
At the Shanghai show Detroit Electric also revealed their SP:01 sports car; an electric drop-top with a top speed of 25 m/h and acceleration time of 3.7 seconds to 100 km/h.
