TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's China Motor will invest nearly NT$4 billion (US$125 million) in Taoyuan's Yangmei District to establish an EV smart manufacturing center.

The new center will be built near the company's existing facility in the district and will expand its EV R&D and performance testing capabilities. The center will also incorporate green technologies such as solar power, energy storage systems, and AI-powered inspection systems, per CNA.

China Motor hopes the initiative will help integrate the domestic automotive supply chain and drive corporate transformation. It also contributes to the company’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The company plans to reduce carbon emissions from its facilities by 30% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, with renewable energy expected to account for 25% of its electricity consumption. By 2040, it aims to cut emissions by 50% and raise the share of renewable energy to 55%. It also plans to install more than 10,000 kilowatts of solar power capacity across its Taoyuan and Hsinchu plants by 2030.

The company added that its Yangmei facility is equipped with production lines for shaping body panels, metalwork, painting, and final assembly. The facility's output includes EVs, gasoline vehicles, and electric scooters.

This year, China Motor launched Taiwan's first fully electric 3.5-tonne truck, the ET35. The vehicle is equipped with a self-developed intelligent driving assistance system and features more than 90% locally made components, including the motor and battery. Its chassis power system was jointly developed with the Industrial Technology Research Institute.

The ET35, which was exhibited at the E-Mobility Taiwan in April, offers a driving range of 303 km and supports fast charging, reaching full capacity in 35 minutes. It can be adapted for various uses, including as a recycling truck, mobile food truck, or vending vehicle, and is set to be launched in the second half of this year.