GreenTech Automotive, an American EV manufacturer, and JAC Motors, a Chinese carmaker, have announced plans to build a new all-electric sedan in the US.
According to the company’s official press release, the five-passenger vehicle will combine JAC’s Rejoice vehicle platform with GTA’s advanced electric powertrain and battery management system. The car will be equipped with a 19kwh battery with a range of over 100 miles on a single charge and a charge time of 6-8 hours.
GTA, which builds the MyCar electric vehicles, will assemble the yet-unnamed sedan in its Horn Lake, Miss., facility for distribution in North America exclusively beginning in late-2013. Production will start with a pilot assembly of 2,000 vehicles.
“The GTA partnership is of great significance to JAC,” said Jing An, chairman and CEO, JAC. “GTA has quickly proven its adeptness with a proven advanced technology and expertise as an EV developer with a growing distribution network. We believe this partnership represents a win-win for both our companies.”
Marianne McInerney, executive vice president, sales and marketing, GTA, said the five-passenger sedan is a natural complement to the company’s two-passenger MyCar product line.
“The MyCar, which offers consumers a fun, affordable driving experience, is already seeing strong response, achieving distribution agreements for the sale of more than 30,000 units over the next three years,” said McInerney. “The JAC-GTA partnership allows us to expand our product line-up with a sedan and allows us to offer the GTA technology with great amenities and room for five passengers while adhering to our philosophy of being price competitive.”
However, even though the vehicle will be built in the US, the sedan’s entry into the U.S. auto market won’t be easy considering the challenges associated with all-electric sedans. Even cars like the Chevrolet Volt have struggled to meet sales expectations – and the JAC-GTA sedan is likely to face even more challenges as a less-familiar brand to American consumers.
