Exploring the Mullen GT: An Electrifying Journey into the World of Electric Sports Cars

Mullen GT

Picture this: In the heart of Citi Field Lot E, hidden beneath a vibrant green tent, lies a sleek and mysterious coupe that beckons with an air of mystique. Its low-slung silhouette, draped in a captivating shade of flat gray adorned with a bold, black swoosh, becomes more enigmatic with every step closer. A striking dragonfly emblem graces its nose, while an exposed carbon side swoosh channels the air to twin heat exchangers. Emboldened by the name "Mullen," this is the Mullen GT, an electric sports car from a visionary startup, poised to grace American roads in 2025 or 2026.

Like many of the automotive game-changers, Mullen's origin story is as intricate as it is fascinating. It all began with the electrifying debut of the Qiantu K50 in Shanghai back in 2015, an electric sports car destined to grace the roads of China courtesy of its parent company, Great Wall Huaguan. Fast forward to 2019, at the prestigious New York Auto Show, and a California-based enterprise named Mullen Automotive stepped onto the scene. Their promise? To import kits and deliver fully-certified vehicles by 2020. In a landscape teeming with electric vehicle dreams, from Bollinger to Rivian, Mullen made its Nasdaq debut in November 2021, setting the stage for what's to come.

But let's not forget the star of the show, the Mullen GT, hidden in plain sight in a parking lot in Queens. A two-seater marvel that bears the Qiantu K50's DNA, despite the rebadging that occurred three years ago, back when Qiantu was rebranded as the Dragonfly K50, Mullen K50, or Mullen Dragonfly. It's a captivating blend of the old and new, seamlessly fusing American ingenuity with Chinese innovation.

Standing beside the GT is Mitchell Dyche, an engineer who's masterminded the details, from the 19-inch center-lock wheels to the Brembo brakes and Pirelli P Zero tires. But the rest, he insists, is Qiantu's original vision, down to the etchings on the glass. Up close, the Mullen GT exudes allure, embodying the essence of a mid-engine sports car with a footprint akin to the Acura NSX. While perfectionists might quibble about minor body gaps, the GT is far from a prototype; it's a tantalizing vision of the future. The spacious cabin boasts a prominent portrait touchscreen, a digital instrument panel, and a stylishly curved shifter that tantalizes with possibilities.

Mullen GT

But it's not just about looks; the Mullen GT delivers on the promises of performance. A silent, dual-motor setup, free from the whirr of conventional engines, offers a refined experience. Regenerative braking is smooth, body movements are elegantly controlled, and the steering exudes just the right amount of heft. Under the hood, you'll find an aluminum frame, adorned with carbon body panels, powered by about 400 horsepower. The all-wheel drive, complete with torque vectoring, combines with a 78.0-kWh T-shaped lithium-ion battery, mostly located behind the driver's seat, to grant a claimed range of 230 miles. In Sport mode, the GT exhibits a sprightlier demeanor, with its grip and stopping power surpassing expectations.

Mullen's ambitious journey took a detour when they dialed back the GT's performance claims. Initially touted as an "EV supercar" capable of sprinting to 60 mph in a staggering 1.95 seconds and maxing out at over 200 mph, they reined it in to 4.2 seconds and 125 mph. The price tag reads $150,000, an attractive proposition for those craving a taste of the electric sports car experience.

Mullen GT

What lies on the horizon for Mullen? The company intends to breathe life into the GT and GTRS at the former AM General plant in Indiana, where they also plan to craft the Five crossover and the Bollinger B1 and B2. Reservations for this tantalizing electric sports car start at $1,000, with deliveries projected for late 2025 or early 2026.

From an investor's perspective, it's a turbulent journey. Nasdaq is on the brink of delisting Mullen stock due to trading below the $1 limit. Simultaneously, Mullen is entangled in legal battles with major investment firms like Charles Schwab, alleging manipulation of its stock. The Mullen saga includes intriguing chapters about its founding in 2014, its acquisition of Coda Automotive's remains, and attempts to repurpose Coda's Chinese rebadged EV as the Mullen 700e.

In the grand scheme of things, the Mullen GT stands as a promising, yet uncertain contender in the realm of electric sports cars in 2023. As many emerging automakers are learning, the road to building and selling cars in America is a formidable challenge. The allure of the Mullen GT is undeniable, and it's a journey worth watching as the world of electric vehicles continues to evolve.

Mullen GT