Pony.ai said to co-build SEA-based EV model with Geely

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chinese autonomous driving startup Pony.ai is in talks with Geely to build an electric vehicle model based on the latter's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, according to a local media outlet.

Photo credit: Geely

Pony.ai started mulling over the car-making plan since the early of this year and has set up in Shanghai a R&D group with more than ten members, according to another media channel, citing persons briefed on the matter.

Zhao Qian, former forward-looking design director of XPeng's automobile styling and design center, has joined Pony.ai to be responsible for the design of complete vehicles.

An industry insider said Pony.ai attempts to work with Geely on R&D and production of complete cars, taking charging of the development of the autonomous driving system. The startup has accumulated rich capabilities in Level 4 autonomous driving technology, while the cooperation with the automaker will assist it with car manufacturing ability.

Responding to a request from the media channel, Pony.ai declined to comment.

Geely Holding launched in last September its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), billed as the world's first open-source electric vehicle (EV) architecture “that promises to transform the availability of zero-emission cars and trucks in the world's largest auto market”.

Geely said it would make the architecture accessible to other OEMs and third parties. The company revealed at the launching ceremony that it had worked with 7 auto brands (including but not limited to Geely's) on the R&D of 16 vehicle models.

The first mass-produced model based on the SEA is the Zeekr 001, which was originally previewed by the Lynk & Co Zero Concept revealed in 2020. The model is expected for delivery in October this year.