Textron Reportedly Plans Chinese Factory for Low-Speed EV Production

Textron Reportedly Plans Chinese Factory for Low-Speed EV Production

By John O'Dell October 30, 2009

Textron Corp., the global industrial giant that already makes low-speed electric utility vehicles and electric vehicle components, reportedly is eying a full-fledged EV manufacturing operation in China.

IHS Global Insight, citing a Chinese business news service, reported this morning that an unidentified Textron executive told the news service that the factory would specialize in low-speed limited-range neighborhood electric vehicles that use conventional lead-acid batteries.

It would be operated in collaboration with an existing Chinese automaker, the report said, and would be capable of producing 10,000 NEVs a year.

We couldn't reach Textron for comment, but the report isn't surprising.

The Chinese governess is pushing hard for development and sales of clean vehicles, offering substantial consumer and business incentives.

Low-speed EVs such as Textron already makes would serve the transportation needs of many in China who live and work in crowded cities where  narrow, crowded streets keep the flow of motorized traffic moving at bicycle speed and where a day's driving might only total a few miles - perfect recipe for neighborhood EVs.

John O'Dell:  is an AutoObserver Senior Editor. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.