Geely, which owns Volvo, will sell the first model under its Emgrand brand, based on the EC7 already sold in China (pictured). The EC7-EV will be branded with a Detroit Electric – Technology badge and the majority of its 3,000 annual sales are expected to go to a predominantly corporate and public sector customer base. In three years’ time, the two companies are anticipating annual sales of 30,000 units in China.

A joint development and engineering team has already been formed, which will be responsible for the EC7-EV’s drivetrain and efficient twin-speed transmission. The production car will be capable of reaching 62mph in less than eight seconds, while offering an electric range of up to 160 miles depending on the version ordered.

Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric, said: ‘We have been working alongside Geely for some time to optimise the EV drive technologies for integration into the vehicles and this partnership will now fast-track both Geely and Detroit Electric to realising the great EV market potential in the Chinese market. I am confident that we can become a leader of pure electric vehicles in the Chinese market within the next 18 months. I am sure it is going to be a world class product.’

Mr Feng, President of Emgrand, added: ‘Our partnership with a leading electric vehicle technology provider such as Detroit Electric will enable us to enhance and accelerate our own expertise and knowledge in this area. The EC7-EV will enable us to provide a wider vehicle choice to our customers and it also reiterates our commitment to providing alternate energy vehicles to the market in China.’