Struggling to deal with the fallout from US sanctions, Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is reportedly considering plans to make electric vehicles.

Reuters says the EVs would be made under its own brand and Huawei could launch some models as early as this year.

Huawei has apparently been in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make EVs, according to Reuters.

If the reports are correct, it would be a major strategic shift for Huawei, after nearly two-years of US sanctions have cut its access to key supply chains.

Huawei has denied the reports, saying it is not a car manufacturer. The company said, however, does aim to become digital car-oriented and supply components to EV makers.