But the firm will continue to develop technology originally destined for its 2021 car
Dyson has scrapped its plans to build what it called a “groundbreaking” electric vehicle because it doesn’t feel that the project is commercially viable. The firm established a new Dyson Automotive division that was developing a large crossover-style EV saloon ahead of a planned launch in 2021. Billionaire inventor James Dyson had vowed that the new technology and design methods would make it stand apart from every other EV. However, in an email to staff, James Dyson confirmed the automotive project has been closed. His email said the team “has developed a fantastic car; they have been ingenious in their approach while remaining faithful to our philosophies.
However, though we have tried very hard throughout the development process, we simply can no longer see a way to make it commercially viable.” The firm is still committed to the £2.5 billion it vowed to put into the car project, including developing technology such as solid-state batteries and robotics that can now be used elsewhere in the firm.
The design and development was being undertaken by about 500 workers in Hullavington, Wiltshire. It’s believed a working version of the car already existed. The firm was also due to build a large factory to make the car in Singapore. It is understood that many of the team working on the car with be redeployed in other roles within the company and Dyson will look to licence the technology it has developed to other firms. Dyson had even tried to find a buyer for the project, which “has, unfortunately, been unsuccessful so far”.
