China’s Google getting into electric cars
The Chinese equivalent of Google is going to start building electric cars.
Search engine operator Baidu has linked up with privately-owned Chinese auto brand Zhejiang Geely Holding Group for the task.
Baidu electric vehicles will be based on Geely’s new open-source Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that has debuted with the Lynk & Co Zero.
Other brands owned or controlled by Geely include Volvo, Lotus, Proton and Geely Auto. It also has a joint venture with Daimler-Benz in mini-car company Smart.
In an official statement, Baidu and Geely said their strategic partnership will focus on “intelligent and connected vehicles”.
Baidu is reported to be the majority shareholder and controlling partner in the partnership.
Baidu is China’s leading search engine company and as Google’s parent Alphabet has done with Waymo, it has invested heavily in autonomous driving capability.
Baidu will bring its Apollo autonomous driving developments and intelligent transportation experience such as Baidu Maps to the partnership.
It is reported in China that Baidu’s EVs won’t only use SEA, but will be built in Geely factories.
Baidu has recently opened an autonomous taxi service called Apollo Go Robotaxi in cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou.
“As a top Chinese automaker with global reach, Geely has the unique experience and resources to design, produce and market energy-efficient, reliable, and safe automobiles in large scale,” Baidu CEO Robin Li said in a statement.
“We believe that by combining Baidu’s expertise in smart transportation, connected vehicles and autonomous driving with Geely’s expertise as a leading automobile and EV manufacturer, the new partnership will pave the way for future passenger vehicles.”
This week’s announcement follows on from a self-driving and artificial intelligence partnership formed by Baidu, Geely and Toyota last July.
Baidu’s rival Alibaba has formed an EV joint venture with China’s biggest automaker, SAIC Motor Corp. Chinese ride hailing service Didi Chuxing is making EVs with BYD.
And let’s not forget Apple is forging ahead with plans to have an EV on-sale by 2024.
