China EV startup Youxia Motors sets up R&D center in London, partners with IDG, Prodrive

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On June 27, Chinese EV startup Youxia Motors disclosed that the company has already set up a design center and a high-performance technology R&D center in London and will build R&D centers of chassis platform, safety validation, vehicle test and autonomous driving technologies in the future.

At the same time, the Italy-based automobile design company IDG (Italdesign Giugiaro) and the UK-based motorsport and engineering company Prodrive agreed a long-term strategic cooperation with Youxia Motors to provide the startup with services in design and R&D high-performance electric-driven system.

Founded in 1975, Prodrive boasts globally advanced engineering strength in powertrain and chassis system. Reportedly, it has a wide circle of partners, including some renowned automakers like Ford Motor and Subaru.

Under the partnership, the UK-based company will help Youxia Motors to develop the so-called highest-performance version of its production vehicle model Youxia X. By virtue of the UK company’s unique tuning technology and electric-driven system, the Youxia X can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3 second and features a combined mileage of 650km. In addition, both parties will build a joint R&D center to develop high-performance power platform as well as various core technologies and solutions for Youxia’s vehicles.

Established in 1967, IDG is chiefly serving Volkswagen and Audi brands. The cooperation with Youxia Motors will focus on such areas as ergonomics interaction design and engineering implementation. Meanwhile, the Chinese startup has acknowledged that IDG will engage in the design of two all-new models.

Youxia Motors started the construction of its Huzhou plant in October, 2017 and completed a RMB 5 billion worth of Series B round financing in April this year. Its first production vehicle model Youxia X will be handed over as early as 2019.