Can Dyson hoover up electric car market?
THREE new car brands hope to take advantage of the disruption caused by electrification to establish themselves as the next Ford or Tesla.
The first, Dyson, is led by James Dyson – famed for his vacuum cleaners and a man who knows a thing or two about original design, mass manufacturing and building a brand. The others, Lynk&Co and Polestar, are backed by a deep-pocketed Chinese carmaker. Can they tempt British motorists away from the established marques?
DYSON On sale by 2021
James Dyson has invested £2 billion in an electric-car start-up that aims to have its first car – a high-priced premium saloon – on sale by 2021. The start-up is hoping to be first to market with new-generation solid-state batteries, which will increase range and cut charging times.
LYNK&CO On sale by 2022
Lynk&Co is owned by Chinese carmaker Geely. It plans to start selling cars in the UK by 2022, later offering EVs and plug-in hybrids. You’ll probably be able to buy one direct, cutting out the dealer. But most customers will sign up to a monthly subscription plan.
POLESTAR On sale by 2019
Polestar is Volvo’s electric high-performance brand, and related to Lynk&Co through their parent Geely.
The Polestar 1 is a luxurious coupé with a plug-in hybrid powertrain boasting 600 horsepower, but also a 93-mile emissions-free electric range, with the petrol engine kicking in should you need to go further.
It’s likely to come to the UK next year but in left-hand drive form only. It will cost £115,000 to buy outright, or you can ‘subscribe’ to one.