Mullen Automotive Is 'Americanizing' China's Electric Qiantu K50
by AutoExpert | 21 March, 2023
Mullen Automotive has announced that it has regained the intellectual property (IP) and distribution rights for the Qiantu K50 in North and South America. The company plans to manufacture and sell a localized version of the electric vehicle under the names Mullen GT and Mullen GTRS, with the aim of achieving a sub-two-second 0–60 mph time and a top speed exceeding 200 mph.
Few details have been released about the rebranded car, but the agreement between Qiantu and Mullen dates back to 2019, when the two companies announced their intention to work together to adapt the Chinese car for the North American market.
However, the launch was delayed due to a contractual dispute between the companies. Now that the IP and distribution rights have been regained, Mullen Automotive can proceed with its plans to bring the Mullen GT and Mullen GTRS to market.
When Mullen and Qiantu initially announced their partnership, they promised an electric powertrain that produced 429 horsepower. The estimated 0-62 mph time was around 4.6 seconds. However, as mentioned above, Mullen Automotive is now aiming for a sub-two-second 0–60 mph time and a top speed exceeding 200 mph.
Chairman Lu of Qiantu Motors expressed his excitement about bringing the Qiantu K50 to the US market, stating that the vehicle's sleek design, impressive performance, and carbon fiber exterior would make it a hit with EV users in the US. Qiantu Motors has been developing electric vehicles since 2013 and is looking forward to seeing the Qiantu K50 succeed in the US market.
Apart from the localized version of the Qiantu K50, Mullen Automotive has plans to sell two other electric vehicles. The first is a small EV based on a Chinese vehicle that will be sold in Europe, and the second is the Five, an electric crossover that will come in an RS trim with more than 1,000 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 1.9 seconds.
David Michery, Mullen's CEO and chairman, said that the agreement with Qiantu was a significant achievement for the company. He expressed excitement about the GT and GTRS programs, which are set to commence on March 20, 2023.
