China’s Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Set Sights on EV Space

Chinese robot vacuum company Dreame Technology is poised to enter the electric-vehicle ranks, intensifying its plans by initiating a recruitment drive to attract automotive engineers for various roles in developing its first production model.

The move has generated significant buzz within the automotive and consumer electronics industries in China, as the 5-year-old company, a key rival to Singapore-based global market leader Dyson, prepares to expand beyond its stronghold in high-speed electric-motor technology and a range of household appliances, including robot vacuums, cordless vacuums, robotic lawn mowers, hair dryers and other electronics.

While specific plans remain under wraps, Chinese automotive industry insiders, citing supplier sources, say Dreame Technology’s automotive engineering team already numbers around 200. Its first electric vehicle – expected to be an SUV with a range-extender drivetrain combining an internal-combustion engine with electric motors and a battery – is projected to debut by 2027.

Dreame is optimistic about challenging Chinese EV models from companies such as Li Auto and Huawei-backed Aito, with intentions to export its electric vehicles to international markets, mirroring its successful global household appliance sales strategy. Dreame’s biggest markets outside China include the U.S., Germany, France, Italy and South Korea. Notably, it claims over 50% of its revenues are derived from export markets.

To support its shift in business operations, Dreame Technology CEO Yu Hao is reportedly adopting a “light-investment, light-capital” model for its automotive division, echoing the approach taken by other Chinese EV start-ups. Under this structure, Dreame will contribute technological resources and design expertise, while an external contract manufacturer is expected to handle production and regulatory compliance.

This business model aligns with the approach taken by Roborock, another leading Chinese robot vacuum manufacturer, which launched its first electric vehicle, the 01, through its Rox automotive division in 2023. The Rox 01 is produced by Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) at a factory in Beijing.

Priced at $42,100, approximately 199 ins. (5,055 mm) in length and available with either a 6- or 7-seat interior layout, the 01 also features a range-extender drivetrain with a turbocharged 1.5L gasoline 4-cyl. acting as a generator in combination with two electric motors – one up front delivering 201 hp and another at the rear with 268 hp.

Buyers of the rugged-looking SUV can choose between two batteries: a standard 44.5-kWh unit and a long-range 58.4-kWh unit – the latter providing a pure electric range of 156 miles (251 km) and an overall range of 704 miles (1,133 km) when the internal-combustion engine is in operation to charge the battery.

Other Chinese consumer electronics companies currently active in the EV sector include Skyworth and Xiaomi – the latter an earlier investor in Dreame Technology.

Rival Huawei does not badge EVs under its own name but has successfully entered into partnerships with a group of Chinese manufacturers, including Seres, Chery and BAIC, with which it jointly operates the Aito, Luxeed and Stelato brands. It intends to expand these partnerships with a fourth venture alongside JAC, under the new Maextro EV brand.Dreame recently gained prominence as the first company to develop a digital motor for vacuums with an operating speed exceeding 200,000 rpm. Based in Suzhou, the company reported vacuum sales of 2.4 million units in 2023, representing a 300% year-on-year growth. Among its key investors are Shunwei Capital, Yunfeng Capital and IDG Capital.