Chinese automaker Lynk & Co is planning to enter the US market with its upcoming all-electric car, CEO Alain Visser announced. The new EV model, which is set to go on sale in 2024, will replace the 01 plug-in hybrid compact SUV. Visser said the electric vehicle is being designed to meet US regulations, according to Automotive News Europe.
“There is still some work to be done but [U.S. entry] is definitely very high on my agenda and I am sure it will work here,” Visser said.
For the US launch, the executive said Lynk & Co plans to use the same subscription strategy it has used in Europe, where it has achieved sales of about 28,000 cars last year. Customers pay €550 ($585) a month for the 01 SUV, and Lynk & Co remains the owner of the vehicle throughout the subscription.
Visser said that for the US, the company would need to work out how to navigate local selling laws for its business model, which assumes most customers conduct transactions online. He also noted that the upcoming Lynk & Co EV would require some rework for US homologation, meaning a market entry would be possible after 2024.
In Europe, Lynk & Co plans to launch sales of the same vehicle in late 2024. The brand debuted in Europe in 2020 and currently operates in seven countries. Visser said the automaker is pausing its expansion into further markets until 2024 when the all-electric model arrives. After that, Lynk & Co plans to enter the UK, which it anticipates to become its No. 1 or No. 2 market in Europe.
The executive said earlier this year at 2023 CES that US franchise laws are “insanely complicated.” For its first EV, Lynk & Co will use parent company Geely’s SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, which also underpins the Smart #1 compact SUV and Zeekr 001. The new model will reportedly feature styling cues from Lynk & Co’s The Next Day Concept unveiled in China last year.
Lynk & Co is aiming to make a big splash in the US market with its upcoming all-electric car. With its subscription-based business model and unique styling cues, the automaker is sure to make an impact when it launches in 2024.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
