China’s Huawei may make EVs?

China’s Huawei plans to make EVs under its own brand and could launch some models this year, overseas reports speculate.

That’s according to various sources as the world’s largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer studies a strategic shift following US sanctions.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make its EVs), according to two of the people familiar with the matter, Reuters reports.

It also claims two other sources say Huawei is in discussions with Beijing-backed BAIC Group’s BluePark New Energy Technology to manufacture its EVs.

Almost two-years of US sanctions have cut Huawei’s access to key supply chains, forcing it to sell a part of its smartphone business to keep the brand alive, Reuters adds.

Huawei was placed on a trade blacklist by the Trump administration over national security concerns.

However, Reuters says a Huawei spokesman denies the company plans to design EVs or produce Huawei branded vehicles.

“Huawei is not a car manufacturer. However, through ICT (information and communications technology), we aim to be a digital car-oriented and new-added components provider, enabling car OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to build better vehicles.”