Dreame made plenty of noise when it entered the automotive world, but the experiment is now over. The Chinese vacuum and home-appliance specialist has reportedly shut down its car business and is liquidating its “Starry Sky” automotive project, just a year after entering the industry.
The company certainly aimed high. Its Nebula Next 01 Jet Edition, nicknamed the “Rocket Car”, was claimed to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 0.9 seconds. It was also promoted with a sulfide-based solid-state battery offering more than 450 Wh/kg and a claimed CLTC range exceeding 550 km (341 miles).
Those numbers sounded extraordinary, perhaps too extraordinary. Reports from former employees now allege that the project was heavily focused on marketing and fundraising rather than developing a production-ready car. One prototype displayed at CES reportedly lacked a conventional chassis and was moved remotely.
Dreame’s automotive division once employed nearly 1,000 people. Following layoffs that began in May, only a few dozen employees reportedly remain to wind down operations, deal with suppliers and handle the closure of related companies.
Dreame is now returning its attention to its established businesses, including vacuum cleaners, robotic lawnmowers, two-wheeled electric vehicles and robots.
Source: Car News China
