With tech companies such as Apple trying to get into the electric-vehicle game, it’s easy to forget that computing power is just one part of the equation. The end product still has to work just like a car. Chinese search engine Baidu has the same aspirations as far as eco-friendly mobility is concerned, but since the firm obviously doesn’t have any experience in building automobiles, it simply looked for a partner that has.

According to a Reuters report, Baidu announced that it is putting up a new subsidiary to build smart EVs. And its partner of choice is Hangzhou-based Geely. This venture aims to combine Baidu’s expertise in self-driving tech and Internet connectivity with Geely’s knowledge in building vehicles. In fact, there are plans to use the Chinese automaker’s “Sustainable Experience Architecture” EV-focused platform.

Such a concept is not really new with Google pioneering such a partnership with its troubled Waymo startup in 2009. But tie-ups like these seem to be the way forward for smart EVs. Just like Apple, tech firms like e-commerce giant Alibaba and ride-share service provider DiDi Chuxing are reported to be working on their own self-driving cars.