New details have emerged about Dyson’s first-ever
electric vehicle that will take on Tesla and other automakers that are now
dabbling in electrified power trains. The premium appliance
manufacturer has released patent images of one of its upcoming EVs as well as
new details about its electric vehicle plans. The patent images were filed 18
months ago but have only now been released by Dyson and attached to a letter to
employees, as reported by iNews.
Mind you, the patents don’t reveal Dyson’s first
car, which the company founder says is on track for a launch in 2021. Instead,
we get a first look at an SUV-like vehicle that will arrive later on in Dyson’s
planned lineup.
The sketches reveal a high-riding vehicle with a
long wheelbase and big wheels pushed to the extremities of the car. No
dimensions are revealed but it looks like a big model with an aerodynamic shape
and a roomy cabin featuring reclining seats. This looks more like a Tesla Model
X rival than a competitor for the Model S.
In the letter sent to employees via e-mail, Dyson
also hinted at a car with a low center of gravity that would help improve
handling. Regardless of what shape Dyson’s first EV will adopt, it will be
“entirely designed, manufactured and sold” by the company, Sir James Dyson
said. Everything will be built in-house, including the so-called “digital”
electric motor, batteries, software electronics, heating and cooling systems.
Those are very ambitious goals for a firm that has
never built a car but, then again, Dyson did set aside £ 2.5 billion
(US$ 3.25 billion) to invest in the project.
As previously announced, Dyson’s first EV will be
made in Singapore at a plant that will become operational in 2020. Testing,
however, will take place at Dyson’s campus at Hullavington Airfield in
Wiltshire, where the company is investing £ 200 million (US$ 260 million) in new
facilities. You can learn more about Dyson’s automotive plans via a new
dedicated section on the company’s website.
