Dyson surprised a number of people last year when it announced plans to build an electric vehicle.
At the time, founder James Dyson said the model would be launched by 2020 and solve the problem of harmful vehicle emissions. In a later interview, the inventor revealed the car would ride on a Dyson designed platform and feature solid-state batteries.
We haven’t heard much about the model since then but that’s changing today as The Verge and Engadget have pored over a report by the Financial Times.
According to the publications, Dyson has plans to offer three electric vehicles and its first model will reportedly use lithium-ion batteries rather than solid-state batteries. The Financial Times reached out to James Dyson to confirm the rumor and he responded by saying the company is “investing heavily in new battery technology” but “those sorts of technologies can take some time to get there.” Dyson also confirmed the model has been delayed as he said the car is now on track to be launched in 2020 or 2021.
That’s slightly disappointing and so are rumors the first electric vehicle will be a “beta test.” The reports say the model would be a limited production vehicle used to gauge consumer interest and prepare the company for automotive production.
Reports suggest Dyson would then follow up with its next two vehicles which use solid-state batteries. The vehicles would be mass produced and could offer some serious benefits over other competing models.