The tech giant is entering into the auto industry.
Rumours circulated in February about a possible entry by Huawei into the automotive industry. Reports at the time suggested that the tech giant was in discussions with Chinese automakers to produce its electric vehicles. This information was only partially correct.
Huawei unveiled the seres SF5, an electrified crossover at the Auto Shanghai 2021. It will be sold in Huawei’s flagship shops around China. The vehicle was not designed by Huawei, but is an updated version the existing SF5 crossover that debuted in Shanghai two years ago.
Huawei claims it helped Seres, an automotive company, with the design of the powertrain. It consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors. The system’s combined output is estimated to be about 550 horsepower (410 megawatts), which should allow for acceleration of 0-60 miles per hour (0-100 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds.
Huawei claims that the plug-in hybrid will travel 112 miles (180 km) using purely electric power, but it is important to remember that this measurement is based on China’s rather generous testing cycle. The SF5 will be able to travel over 621 miles (1,011 km) with the battery fully charged.
Huawei’s input will be more obvious inside the cabin, where there is a large tablet-shaped screen for the infotainment systems. According to Huawei, the company has given special attention to the crossover’s audio system. It consists of 11 sound unit to deliver an “opera-like sound quality.” The vehicle-to-vehicle charge function can be used to power external devices or vehicles such as stereos and induction cookers.
Richard Yu, Huawei’s Executive Director, stated that this announcement is a landmark for the consumer electronics and new energy vehicle industries. “In the future we will provide smart car solutions that help partners build better vehicles. We also support them in selling those vehicles through our network of retailers across China.
Huawei has already begun accepting orders for the SF5 from China. Prices start at 246,800 yuans (approximately $38,000) for the 4WD model, and 216 800 yuans ($33.361) for its 2WD variant.