Author: Linda Ma

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei have unveiled a groundbreaking lithium-metal battery design that could revolutionize energy storage capabilities for electric vehicles and beyond. Traditionally, electric vehicle batteries offer energy densities ranging from 200 to 250 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), limiting their efficiency and overall weight savings. In contrast, home energy storage systems achieve approximately half of this density. The new battery prototype, boasting an impressive energy density of 505.9 Wh/kg, marks a significant leap forward in battery technology. This advancement could potentially reduce vehicle weight by up to 150 kilograms (330 pounds),…

Chinese automaker Hongqi, renowned as the favored car brand of former state leader Chairman Mao Zedong, is gearing up to introduce its electric EH7 and EHS7 models in several European markets later this year, signaling a robust push into the competitive European automotive landscape despite recent EU tariffs. Hongqi announced on Thursday its plans to debut the EH7 and EHS7 models in countries including Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, leveraging established dealer networks in these regions. “We are excited to introduce the EH7 and EHS7, designed to withstand colder climates with quick charging capabilities even in sub-zero…

SAIC Motor Corp’s MG brand has unveiled a glimpse of its upcoming electric sports car, the MG Cyber GTS, following the debut of the MG Cyberster last November. Shao Jingfeng, design president of SAIC Motor R&D Innovation Headquarters, announced on Weibo today that the MG Cyber GTS concept will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 in the UK, scheduled from July 11-14. The Goodwood Festival of Speed, established in 1993, is renowned as one of the world’s premier motorsports festivals, traditionally held in Goodwood, England, during June and July each year. This year’s event promises a…

BYD ambitious drive into global markets could reach a pivotal moment in 2026, according to analysts at JPMorgan, who predict the Chinese automaker will deliver 6 million vehicles that year. The forecast, outlined in a July 9 research note by analyst Nick Lai’s team, suggests BYD’s global deliveries in 2026 could include approximately 1.5 million units outside its home market, with the remainder in China. This expansion would see BYD’s share of the global light-vehicle market rise from 3 percent in 2023 to 7 percent in 2026, while maintaining a robust 22 percent share of the new energy vehicle (NEV)…

Nio has revealed detailed specifications of its debut model under the sub-brand Onvo (known as Ledao in China), the L60, following recent disclosures in a regulatory document. According to information from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the standard-range variant of the Onvo L60 will be equipped with a 60.6 kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range between 501 and 555 kilometers. This update comes after Nio initially launched the Onvo sub-brand on May 15, commencing pre-sales of the L60 at RMB 219,900 ($30,220), excluding battery costs. Initially withholding battery specifics during the launch, Nio previously indicated CLTC…

Xpeng has officially named its highly anticipated new model, previously codenamed F57, as the Xpeng P7+. The announcement follows the viral circulation of an exclusive rendering on Chinese social media platforms, generating significant buzz over the past few days. In a recent Weibo post, He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of Xpeng Motors, disclosed key details about the upcoming vehicle. “The new Xpeng P7+ is set to exceed 5 meters in length and promises enhanced technology,” he stated, affirming its place as a focal point of recent discussions. The P7+ will surpass the dimensions of its predecessor, the P7i, currently available…

Zeekr has officially named its upcoming SUV model, previously codenamed CX1e, as the Zeekr 7X, marking its entry into the family SUV segment. The announcement was made today across the company’s social media platforms, accompanied by preliminary specifications. Based on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the Zeekr 7X embodies Zeekr’s commitment to sustainable mobility and marks its debut in the mainstream family SUV market. The vehicle adopts Zeekr’s distinctive Hidden Energy design language and measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,656 mm in height, featuring a wheelbase of 2,925 mm. Comparatively, the dimensions of the Zeekr…

China’s lithium carbonate market continues to grapple with oversupply issues, pushing prices to a new low for the year, market research firm TrendForce reported on July 8. The price of lithium carbonate in China dropped from over RMB 100,000 per ton last month to approximately RMB 90,000, reflecting ongoing oversupply challenges that are difficult to resolve in the short term, according to the report. As raw material costs decline, the cost of battery production is also decreasing, driving down prices of power battery cells, TrendForce noted. In June, battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs) saw a decrease of about 1%…

China’s retail sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) surged to 856,000 units in June, marking a significant 28.6% increase from the previous year, according to data released today by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). This figure, while slightly lower than earlier estimates, reflects a 6.4% rise from May, underscoring continued momentum in the country’s EV market. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 57.6% of NEV sales in June, totaling 493,000 units, up 9.9% year-on-year but slightly down from May’s figures. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) contributed 42.4% of NEV sales, reaching 363,000 units, reflecting a robust 67.2% increase from last year.…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio and Belgian specialty chemicals company Syensqo have teamed up to establish a joint laboratory focused on developing cutting-edge materials for electric vehicles, Syensqo announced on July 2. Located at Nio’s Nanxiang delivery center in Jiading, Shanghai, the joint lab was inaugurated on June 28 during a visit by Syensqo CEO Ilham Kadri. Under the agreement, Syensqo Asia CEO Chen Pu and Nio assistant vice president Wang Huizhang signed a collaboration agreement to advance research and development in innovative materials and validate their application in EV technology. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of…

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD Co Ltd has strengthened its presence in Southeast Asia by acquiring a 20% stake in Thai auto dealer Rever Automotive, aiming to bolster its position in Thailand’s competitive automotive market. The share purchase agreement, finalized on July 6, underscores BYD’s strategic move to enhance its market share in Thailand, according to a statement released today. BYD formally entered Thailand’s passenger car market in collaboration with Rever in Bangkok last August. Celebrating another milestone, BYD inaugurated its Thailand factory on July 4, where it rolled out its 8 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV) on the same…

SAIC Motor, a leading Chinese auto manufacturer, announced today its intention to petition the European Union for a hearing to address additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), asserting its stance to protect its interests and those of its customers. In a statement, SAIC expressed its formal request for the European Commission to conduct a hearing regarding the provisional countervailing duty measures imposed on Chinese EVs. The company highlighted discrepancies in the European Commission’s calculations, noting a subsidy rate initially set at 38.1 percent, which was later adjusted to 37.6 percent in a preliminary ruling on July 4. “SAIC has…

Xpeng has rolled out a significant over-the-air (OTA) update, XOS 5.2.0 Beta, aimed at enhancing its XNGP smart driving system across its range of vehicles. The update introduces several user enhancements, with a spotlight on advancing the capabilities of XNGP beyond those offered by competitors like Huawei ADS 2.0, particularly in critical driving scenarios. Key improvements include enhanced functionality in 426 different driving situations, such as navigating roundabouts without the need for pre-mapping, optimizing U-turn maneuvers, and improving handling on narrow roads. A notable enhancement is the system’s ability to manage roundabouts seamlessly, now capable of lane changes within roundabouts…

Xpeng has unveiled its latest offering, the Mona M03, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge design and advanced technology aimed at the electric vehicle (EV) market. Positioned as a compact pure electric car under the Xpeng brand’s new Mona series, the Mona M03 promises impressive features and specifications. Design and Features The Mona M03 stands out with its compact dimensions, measuring 4780 mm in length, 1896 mm in width, and 1445 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2815 mm. It features a spacious trunk offering 621 liters of storage, comparable to that of a mid-size SUV. The car’s exterior design…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD commemorated a dual milestone today with the inauguration of its Thailand plant and the rollout of its 8 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV), underscoring its growing influence in the global automotive market. BYD, which entered the Thai market in 2022, now commands a substantial 41 percent share of the local NEV market, according to Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD. He made the announcement during a ceremony celebrating the achievements. “Since January 2023, BYD has consistently led NEV sales in Thailand for 18 consecutive months, achieving strong recognition in the country,” Wang stated. Wang…

Chinese tech giant Huawei has announced the transfer of trademarks and patents associated with the Aito brand to its car-making partner Seres Group, signaling Huawei’s firm stance on not entering the automotive manufacturing sector. According to a recent stock exchange announcement by Seres, a subsidiary plans to acquire Huawei’s Aito-related assets, including 919 registered or pending trademarks and 44 design patents, for RMB 2.5 billion yuan ($340 million). “The transaction reinforces the ongoing partnership between Seres and Huawei while consolidating our commitment to the Aito brand,” the announcement stated, affirming that the deal will not impact their joint business activities.…

As the European Commission prepares to finalize provisional tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China, automakers brace for potential disruptions that could hinder their expansion in Europe. The tariffs, expected to range up to 37.6%, aim to prevent an influx of subsidized Chinese EVs into the European market despite ongoing negotiations and efforts to reach a compromise. “The Chinese EV brands’ entry into Europe will face obstacles,” remarked Lei Xing, founder of consultancy AutoXing. “It’s akin to slowing down from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, but the momentum remains.” Major Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD and SAIC’s MG Motors…

Xiaomi EV, the automotive arm of tech giant Xiaomi, is ramping up production capacity to meet robust demand for its SU7 model, reassuring customers with accelerated delivery timelines and plans for further expansion. In a recent communication posted on Weibo, Xiaomi EV informed prospective buyers and order holders of ongoing efforts to enhance production capabilities, particularly for the popular Xiaomi SU7. “The delivery ramp-up of Xiaomi SU7 is progressing well, with the commencement of double-shift production in June and over 10,000 units delivered in a single month,” stated Xiaomi EV. See also: Xiaomi EV Exceeds June Delivery Target with Over 10,000…

Aito, a Chinese automotive brand established in 2021 through the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) with support from Huawei and Seres, has integrated diecasting technology into its production process. This adoption, initially deployed for the Aito M9 model, aims to significantly enhance manufacturing efficiency. Seres, utilizing a Wencan IDRA9800T 10,000-ton class super diecasting unit since its installation in February, now manufactures one-piece diecast rear body units for the Aito M9, potentially for the chassis, although specific details have not been confirmed. This approach reduces part count by approximately 80 and solder joints by about 1,440, while increasing torsional rigidity by…

Huawei has slashed the official selling price of its ADS (Advanced Driving System) premium feature package by nearly 17%, a move expected to influence pricing dynamics in the smart driving sector where the company holds a strong position. The standard price for Huawei’s ADS one-time purchase option from July 1 to December 31 is now RMB 30,000 ($4,130), down from the previous RMB 36,000, the company announced recently. Monthly and annual subscription rates for the software remain unchanged at RMB 720 and RMB 7,200 respectively, according to a statement from Huawei’s intelligent vehicle solutions business unit. See also: Toyota Plans Advanced…