Mullen Automotive announced today that it has been re-granted IP and distribution rights for the Qiantu K50 in North and South America. As a result, the company will assemble and sell a localized version of the electric vehicle under the names Mullen GT and Mullen GTRS.
Few details about the rebranded car have been shared, but the California company says that it is targeting a sub two-second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time and a top speed of more than 200 mph (322 km/h).
The deal between Qiantu and Mullen was first struck in 2019, when they announced that they would work together to homologate the Chinese car for sale in North America with a launch scheduled for 2020, though that was delayed over a contract dispute between the companies.
More: Qiantu K50 By Mullen Is A 430HP Chinese Electric Sports Car Coming To The US
At the time, the Mullen and Qiantu were promising an electric powertrain that made 429 hp (320 kW/435 PS). Estimates suggested that it would only hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in around 4.6 seconds, suggesting improvements have been made since then.
“Qiantu has been working on developing electric vehicles since 2013. We are honored to cooperate with Mullen Automotive to bring Qiantu K50 to the U.S. market,” said Chairman Lu of Qiantu Motors. “With its sleek design, excellent driving and handling performance, and impressive full carbon fiber exterior, we believe the Qiantu K50 will be a success in the U.S. EV market, offering users a new level of performance and convenience.”
In addition to this vehicle, Mullen also plans to sell a small EV based on a Chinese vehicle in Europe, and the Five, an electric crossover with an RS trim that will make more than 1,000 hp (746 kW/1,014 PS) and accelerate to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds. Whether it will share powertrain components with the Mullen GT and GTRS remains to be seen.
“This agreement with Qiantu is an important milestone for the company,” said David Michery, Mullen’s CEO and chairman. “We are excited to start the GT and GTRS programs on March 20, 2023.”
