Foxconn Shows Off New EV Reference Designs, Seeks OEM Partners in the US

Foxconn has exhibited two new electric vehicles from its Foxtron EV subsidiary, and is making a new push into the US market where it hopes car brands will be interested in its fully customisable platforms and contract manufacturing capabilities. The announcements were made at the company’s annual Hon Hai Tech Day conference in Taipei, Taiwan. 

The new Foxtron Model D is a “lifestyle multi-purpose utility vehicle”, combining aspects of SUV and MPV design. Foxconn worked with legendary Italian design firm Pininfarina SpA to develop its styling and come up with a unified look for its EV offerings. A pneumatic active suspension system allows the height of the Model D to be adjusted between 15-25mm and it has a 0.23 drag coefficient thanks to new S-ducts and air curtains which the company says have been designed to reduce wind resistance. The car is 5.2m long and has a 3.2m wheelbase. 

The Model U is a mid-sized electric bus, designed specifically for narrow lanes in urban settings. It complements the full-sized Model T bus which the company unveiled in 2021. Foxconn describes its design as aerodynamic, and it features large windows. It is equipped with ADAS and an electronic control system for safety and comfort. The internal space is customisable and can be configured for each customer’s preferences. 

Along with these two new designs, Foxconn has announced a new variant of its Model C for the North American market. This electric mid-size crossover SUV is currently the basis of the Luxgen n7 in Taiwan.  

Although the company has tied up with multiple global vehicle brands including Fisker Inc, none of its car platforms have yet come to market outside of Taiwan, and no specific clients were named for the new Model C in Foxconn’s new announcement. In 2022, Foxconn acquired a 6.2 million square foot vehicle manufacturing plant in Ohio. At the time, it was announced that the Fisker PEAR (Personal Electric Automotive Revolution) would be produced by both partners at that site, scaling up to 250,000 units per year. Development was suspended in March 2024, shortly before Fisker Inc declared bankruptcy.

Also read: Foxconn-Backed SiliconAuto Establishes R&D Hub in India for EV and Autonomous Tech

Foxconn was also reported to be exploring the possibility of setting up an EV plant in India in 2023. More recently, the company announced plans to manufacture battery energy storage systems here.