UK EV start-up Perseus to launch Porsche Macan rival by 2027
Perseus, a new British-based start-up says it will bring its first all-electric vehicle to European markets by late 2027.
Announcing itself to the world, Perseus confirmed that its debut production car will be a performance-focused compact SUV expected to challenge the Porsche Macan.
Exact details are very vague, but Perseus says its first production vehicle will be built on an EV platform from “a prominent European OEM group” and it is currently working with an Italian design and engineering house “for interior and exterior styling, pre-concept development, prototyping, serial engineering, testing and validation requirements.”
In line with cost-cutting and increased collaborative trends across the EV world, Perseus added that it is engaging with another European contractor manufacturer to built its first model. It also claims to be partnering with a automotive software firm specialising in Human Machine Interface (HMI) and AI to underpin its vehicles’ infotainment systems.
When launched, Perseus will also operate a Polestar-style direct-to-consumer sales model, bringing together an online sales platform with physical dealerships. It will also use its EV platform provider’s European-wide service and maintenance network.
Perseus founder, chairman, and CEO, Mohammed Yehya El Bakkali, said: “The launch of Perseus marks an exciting new chapter in global automotive innovation. Our ambition is clear: to create a premium value British EV brand that delivers emotionally captivating design, cutting-edge performance and a best-in-class intelligent AI-enabled and software-defined customer experience.
“Crucially, our development and commercialisation strategy is also clear. Perseus already has agreements in principle with a European OEM group to licence a cutting-edge EV platform and a leading Italian styling house to meet all design and engineering standards. We have also formed partnerships with a world-leading automotive software specialist, and a European contract manufacturer to ensure the first Perseus SUV model will reach customers by late 2027.”
Later in 2025, Perseus will announce further details about its upcoming SUV, new strategic partnerships, and its senior leadership team, which it says already comprises experts from Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, Bentley, and INEOS Automotive.
