The INDI One electric vehicle from Los Angeles-based INDI EV Inc., which has signed an agreement with Foxconn to produce prototypes of the vehicle at Foxconn’s assembly plant in Lordstown. (Submitted photo)

LORDSTOWN — Foxconn has signed an agreement that could lead to the production of a fourth battery-powered vehicle at the Taiwanese electronics and technology giant’s Lordstown assembly factory.

It’s with INDI EV Inc. to assemble prototype vehicles of the Los Angeles-based startup’s INDI One — described by the company as the first-ever vehicle with a vehicle-integrated computer capable of high-end gaming and learning the driver’s habits.

The companies Wednesday announced they’ve signed a memorandum of understanding, which contains a binding agreement to produce the prototypes in Lordstown.

Details of the potential collaboration, beyond the prototype build, will be disclosed later as negotiations continue.

“Our MOU with INDI EV marks the beginning of many more discussions to come regarding the future of EV manufacturing in Ohio. Throughout this process, Foxconn is confident in its Ohio workforce to manufacture quality prototypes that will help INDI EV achieve future success,” Jerry Hsiao, Foxconn chief product officer,

said.

INDI EV founder and CEO Shi Hai said of the partnership, “The INDI One is a unique vehicle in that it demands the highest quality of automotive craftsmanship as well as consumer electronics manufacturing and engineering. Partnering with Foxconn, the world’s leader in consumer electronics, during this exciting time in their entry into electric vehicles means that INDI One drivers will lead the way into the future of personal transit.”

ABOUT INDI ONE

According to the company, preorders for the vehicle opened April 13, and it expects customers will begin taking delivery in the second quarter of 2023.

The INDI One has a starting sticker price of $45,000 and a premium model will be priced at $69,000. Customers are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Development on the vehicle began in 2017. It was revealed to the public in October 2021.

The integrated computer, supported by an open-sourced network and software development kit for third-party developers, offers a range of media and hardware services, including a personalized virtual assistant “equipped to learn your habits and enhance your life,” as well as gaming, according to INDI EV, Inc.

The software also allows riders — not drivers — to capture content while the vehicle is moving with interior and exterior cameras, livestream videos and shoot, edit and upload content to the cloud from inside the vehicle.

“As EV adoption increases, future generations will make their purchasing decisions based on vehicles’ computing power and how well their technology supports and enhances their lives. We feel confident that INDI EV is positioned favorably to capture the hearts and minds of these buyers,” said Andre Hudson, head of design for the company.

The interior of the vehicles uses sustainable, recycled materials and provides 43 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The dashboard has a 15-inch center screen for infotainment and navigation and another 15-inch screen for passengers.

In the center armrest is a wireless phone charger, USB ports and a small beverage cooler that fits up to four cans.

The INDI One is all-wheel drive and comes with two battery options — the base model has a 75-kilowatt battery with a 230-mile range, and the premium model has a 95-kilowatt battery with a 300-mile range and producing 470 horsepower. It has a top speed of 130 mph and can reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, according to the company.

FACTORY

Since acquiring the roughly 6.2 million-square-foot former General Motors plant from Lordstown Motors Corp. in May for $230 million, Foxconn has transformed the capabilities of the plant.

With the acquisition, Foxconn became the contract manufacturer of Lordstown Motors’ first vehicle, the Endurance pickup truck, and also has announced a partnership with Monarch Tractor to mass produce the Livermore, Calif.-based company’s MK-V Series tractor, a battery-powered driverless tractor.

Foxconn already had secured a manufacturing agreement with another California-based EV automaker, Fisker Inc., to produce its second vehicle, the PEAR, or Personal Electric Automotive Revolution that also will be made in Lordstown.

Lordstown Motors announced last week commercial production of the Endurance has begun. It expects to deliver 50 trucks to customers this year, and up to 450 more in the first half of 2023, as long as it can raise enough capital.

Production of the PEAR is scheduled for 2024 and for the MK-V Series tractor, in the first quarter of 2023.

rselak@tribtoday.com