Dyson, widely known for its state-of-the-art vacuum cleaner line-up, is now set to foray into an all-new vertical – electric vehicles. For the same, the British company has announced a new automotive factory in Singapore which will be the abode for the assembling of these electric cars.
The thought is not new for Dyson though, having shown its interest in electric vehicles in September 2017 first. The company is also accounting for its battery expertise to help its venture in the automotive space.
And why not? After all, Dyson is known to come up with unique and remarkable technologies to give an efficient twist to the existing products. This can be seen in its range of vacuum cleaners too, a couple of which are world’s first. Or better yet, check out its automatic hair curler for judging its expertise.
The company’s founder and chief engineer James Dyson is OK spending about $2.7 billion in the process. Half of this amount will be for the car itself while the other half will be used to progress the battery innovations, as that is where the company initiated its pursuit for electric vehicles.
James Dyson (James Dyson Foundation)
But why Singapore? Because the company already has a manufacturing facility there. In addition, the open trade ties between Singapore and China will provide Dyson with an easy access into China, which is undoubtedly the world’s largest EV market.
The plant in Singapore is expected to open in 2020 and will employ workforce in addition to the existing 1100 employs. Dyson CEO Jim Rowan told employees in a letter. “Singapore has a comparatively high cost base, but also great technology expertise and focus. It is therefore the right place to make high quality technology loaded machines, and the right place to make our electric vehicle.”
For now, these factors seem to click for Dyson and if and when the company finally comes up with its own electric car, it might be a tough competition for others in the race, considering the history of its products.