iPhone maker Foxconn’s ‘Android’ open-source EV platform

The company best known for assembling Apple iPhones wants to get into the electric vehicle business.

Taiwan based Foxconn has developed an open-source platform for EVs and has also stated it will have solid state battery tech on-sale by 2024.

The world’s largest provider of electronics manufacturing services, Foxconn has named its software and hardware architecture MIH and dubbed it the “Android system of the EV industry”.

That’s a reference to the device-agnostic smartphone operating system owned by Google and used by most iPhone rivals.

“By allowing developers access to key technologies and tools for developing EVs on MIH, Foxconn reduces the entry barriers to the industry, encouraging more companies to be involved in the development of EVs which will result in exponential growth for the industry,” a Foxconn statement explained.

“Leveraging the MIH platform, automobile manufacturers will be able to develop EVs for different models including sedans and SUVs, among others.” 

Foxconn showed off MIH at a technology day in the Taiwanese capital Taipei earlier this month.

“Our vision at Foxconn is to work with leading customers around the world to create an inter-connected world with smart technologies,” said Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn Technology Group.

“We do that by providing next-generation technology solutions to our customers and partners, in turn supporting them to provide products with the highest value to their customers.”

Foxconn promised its solid state battery would be delivered at low cost with high performance and safety.

Solid-state is the next big step in battery technology because it charges quicker, lasts longer and has a greater energy density than lithium-ion chemistry.

But crucially, early testing of solid-state batteries shows they tend to fail after repeated charging.

“Through years of research, Foxconn has developed a unique high intensity die casting material that is strong, highly malleable and resistant to corrosion, allowing Foxconn’s lightweight and modularised open chassis power platform to be a competitive option in the market,” Foxconn stated.

Mercedes-Benz has just debuted solid state batteries in a new bus, while Toyota has promised it will bring solid state batteries to limited production in 2025.

Foxconn quoted Boston Consulting Group research that the global EV market will be worth 36 million units per year between 2025 and 2030 as motivation for getting into electric vehicles.

This is not the first time Foxconn has made an EV play.

In 2014 it mooted the development of a US$15,000 EV for China and it also played a role in the creation of Future Mobility, which later transformed into the troubled EV maker Byton.

It also confirmed in early 2020 discussions to join with Fiat Chrysler Automotive to develop and manufacture EVs in China.