Author: Linda Ma

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is making strides in the competitive European market by showcasing its five models at a dedicated BYD-only store in Berlin, operated by Sternauto, a dealership with exclusive BYD selling rights in eastern Germany. The move is seen as part of BYD’s strategy to penetrate European markets and compete with local rivals. Sternauto, aiming to connect with customers as BYD gains recognition among Germans seeking affordable electric vehicles, established the store to enhance accessibility. Oliver Hein, Head of BYD for Sternauto, highlighted the increasing awareness of the brand among German customers, attributing it to BYD’s…

Chinese automaker BYD has decided to enhance its Tang electric SUV for European consumers, making strategic changes less than a year after entering the European market. With the goal of competing with the popular Tesla Model Y, BYD is equipping the Tang with a more powerful battery. The Tang EV, initially introduced in Norway in 2020, expanded its presence to Germany, the Netherlands, and other European markets within the past year. Despite announcing pre-sale prices at €72,000, positioning itself as a formidable player in the electric SUV segment, the Tang faces a significant pricing challenge against the Tesla Model Y,…

Chinese automaker SAIC-GM-Wuling has introduced the “Wuling Red 1,” a power battery pack designed for new energy commercial vehicles, boasting the distinction of being the thinnest in the industry at 148 mm thick, according to a Weibo posting today. This slim design aims to optimize cargo space within a van’s cargo box, enhancing practicality for commercial applications. However, the announcement did not disclose whether SAIC-GM-Wuling manufactures the battery cells in-house or relies on external suppliers for this component. The “Wuling Red 1” battery pack supports fast charging, with the capability to charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in just…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, has recently introduced an upgraded version of its Zeekr 009 Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), just days after the launch of the enhanced Zeekr X urban SUV. The Zeekr 009, originally launched on November 1, 2022, is the second model in Zeekr’s lineup, following the Zeekr 001, with deliveries commencing in February 2023. In the latest update, Zeekr continues to offer the Zeekr 009 in two trims, namely WE and ME. See also: Zeekr Targets 230,000 Deliveries in 2024 Amid Global Expansion While the core specifications of the Zeekr 009 remain…

Chinese electric car manufacturer Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely, has set an ambitious target of delivering 230,000 cars in 2024, aiming to double its 2023 delivery figures. A company spokesperson announced this goal on Monday, citing plans to boost sales with the introduction of new models and expand its presence in overseas markets. In December, Zeekr commenced deliveries of its fourth model, the Zeekr 007 sedan. The company now seeks to enhance its market share in Europe and extend its footprint in the Middle East and Asia throughout the year. Having achieved sales of 118,685 cars in 2023, a 65%…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has taken a significant stride in its U.S. market presence by establishing a group of dealers for its electric vehicles. The initial group includes Leith VinFast in North Carolina, Smith Haven VinFast in New York, Principle VinFast Grapevine, and Hiley VinFast of Fort Worth in Texas, along with VinFast Wichita in Kansas. The dealerships will initially offer the VinFast VF 8 model, with plans to include the VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9 models upon their U.S. launch. VinFast is preparing to serve the U.S. market with the construction of an electric vehicle factory, scheduled for…

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has dispelled recent rumors circulating on social media regarding the pricing of its first electric vehicle (EV), the Xiaomi SU7. The company’s general manager of public relations, Wang Hua, clarified on Weibo that all information and pricing details currently circulating are false until the official product launch. Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi SU7 during its tech launch on December 28, revealing key specifications but withholding pricing information. Over the past few days, fake posters claiming various pre-sale prices for the SU7, ranging from RMB 599,000 to RMB 369,000, have gained traction on platforms like WeChat and Weibo.…

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi’s venture into the electric vehicle (EV) realm has garnered praise from Chris Bangle, the former design director at BMW. Bangle, renowned for his influential yet controversial tenure at BMW, has provided positive insights into Xiaomi’s all-electric sedan, the SU7. After departing BMW in 2009, Bangle established the Chris Bangle Associates design studio and consultancy firm. Xiaomi has now enlisted Bangle’s expertise to assess the design of the SU7, as revealed in a video released by the tech company. Bangle commended the sedan’s balanced proportions and expressed admiration for its interior, noting that the SU7 avoids over-designing,…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Avatr Technology, backed by CATL, Huawei, and Changan Automobile, is set to diversify its offerings by introducing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models to its lineup. The move is aimed at tapping into a broader market segment and increasing overall sales. Avatr President, Chen Zhuo, revealed the company’s plan in a video released late in December. The EV brand currently features the Avatr 11 SUV and Avatr 12 sedan, both battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The upcoming expansion includes the launch of two new models in 2024, codenamed E15 and E16. See also: Avatr 12 Makes Grand…

Tesla reported robust sales of 94,139 China-made vehicles in December, marking the second-highest monthly figure on record, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The December sales figures, which include exports to overseas markets, demonstrated a 68.72% increase year-on-year and a 14.2% rise from November 2023. This performance follows November 2022’s record of 100,291 units. See also: Tesla Model S and Model X Sales Reach Five-Year High in Q4 2023 In the fourth quarter of 2023, Tesla sold a total of 248,686 China-made vehicles, reflecting a 9.17% YoY increase and an 11.76% uptick from the third…

Chinese car manufacturer Changan and lithium and battery producer Ganfeng Lithium are entering into a strategic partnership to jointly develop solid-state batteries, as revealed in a stock exchange release by Changan. The collaboration includes plans to establish a joint venture, with both companies aiming to be equal partners. The primary objective is to expedite the research, development, and production of solid-state batteries. Ganfeng CEO Li Liangbin expressed the ambition to create an internationally competitive base for the research, development, and production of solid-state batteries, fostering the rapid industrialization of this technology. Beyond solid-state batteries, Changan and Ganfeng are also exploring…

In a notable development, Li Auto, Xpeng, and LeapMotor have secured the top three spots in December deliveries among Chinese New Energy Vehicle (NEV) startups. Li Auto led the pack with 50,400 deliveries, marking a significant 137.1 percent year-on-year increase. Xpeng and LeapMotor followed closely with 20,100 and 18,600 deliveries, experiencing growth rates of 78.1 percent and 119 percent, respectively. Moreover, traditional automakers’ incubated new energy brands have sustained their positive momentum. GAC’s Aion achieved substantial success by selling 46,000 vehicles in December 2023, reflecting a noteworthy 53 percent year-on-year increase. The cumulative sales for the year surpassed 480,000 vehicles,…

Chinese technology giant Huawei is teaming up with automotive company BAIC BJEV to unveil their first joint creation, an all-electric sedan expected to take the spotlight in the first half of 2024. Insiders from BAIC BJEV have provided details about the upcoming vehicle, describing it as a spacious medium-to-large pure electric sedan that is reportedly ready for its official debut. Huawei’s managing director, Yu Chengdong, revealed that the conglomerate has expanded its electric endeavors through collaborations with four automotive partners: Seres, Chery, BAIC BJEV, and JAC. Each collaboration has resulted in distinct offerings, including the AITO M9 with Seres, Luxeed…

Chinese automaker BYD is set to reward its dealers with a total of RMB 2 billion ($280 million) after successfully achieving its 2023 sales target, according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by local media outlet Yicai. BYD accomplished a record-breaking performance in December by selling 341,043 new energy vehicles (NEVs), contributing to a total of 3,024,417 units sold throughout 2023. The company’s initial sales target for the year was 3 million vehicles, with an ambitious strive to reach 3.6 million, as announced by BYD’s chairman and president Wang Chuanfu in March 2023. See also: BYD Hits 341,043…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Longi Green Energy Technology to incorporate the Chinese solar panel maker’s products into its battery swap stations. The partnership, established on January 3, aims to promote the use of photovoltaic power at charging and battery swap stations. Under the agreement, Nio and Longi will collaborate on the implementation of photovoltaic power at charging and battery swap stations, as well as on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) initiatives. The companies also plan to jointly establish industry standards for carbon-neutral mobility to contribute to carbon reduction goals in the transportation sector.…

BYD, the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has officially claimed the title of the world’s leading seller of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), outpacing Tesla in fourth-quarter deliveries. Tesla announced deliveries of 484,507 vehicles in Q4 and a total of 1,808,581 for the full year of 2023. In contrast, BYD reported sales of 526,409 passenger BEVs in the fourth quarter, marking an 8.65 percent increase over Tesla’s fourth-quarter deliveries. Notably, BYD ceased production and sales of internal combustion engine vehicles in March 2022, redirecting its focus towards manufacturing Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) and pure electric vehicles. See also: BYD Hits…

Two compact electric vehicles have recently entered the market, marking significant strides in the electric car sector. The first model hails from Yiwei, an emerging electric car brand established in 2023 as a successor to the joint venture brand Sehol, a collaboration between JAC and Volkswagen Anhui. Notably, Yiwei’s sodium-ion batteries are sourced from Hina Battery. The second compact EV comes from Jiangling Motors Electric Vehicle (JMEV), a company predominantly owned by Renault. JMEV’s model is equipped with sodium batteries supplied by Farasis Energy. Yiwei, a new player under Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC), was founded in 2023. JAC, in turn,…

Chinese automaker Li Auto Inc  announced on Sunday its projection to debut and initiate deliveries of its inaugural fully electric car in March. Li Auto has commenced pre-order bookings in China for its MEGA multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) at an approximate price below 600,000 yuan ($84,533.24). In November, the automaker disclosed that the MEGA MPV would mark the first model rolling off its Beijing plant, boasting a design capacity of 100,000 units annually. Established in 2015, Li Auto specializes in four extended-range hybrid SUVs priced above 300,000 yuan, tailored for family-oriented users. The company secured the seventh position in sales volume…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer JiYue has introduced its latest offering, the JiYue 07 electric sedan, following its recognition with the 2023 German Red Dot and iF design awards. The new fastback is set to enter the competitive market against Tesla’s Model 3, sharing the platform with Volvo’s EX90 and EX30 models. Established in 2021 as a joint venture between Baidu and Geely, JiYue underwent restructuring, with Geely, the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, and ZEEKR, taking majority ownership. Baidu contributes expertise in software, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and connectivity. The brand launched its inaugural EV, the JiYue 01,…

Nio, the Chinese electric car manufacturer, recently showcased its much-anticipated flagship sedan, the ET9, at the Nio Day 2023 event. This luxury electric vehicle is poised to compete with industry leaders like the Tesla Model S, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and BMW i7. As the automotive world eagerly awaits its arrival in the Chinese market in the coming year, the ET9 promises a groundbreaking driving experience with its cutting-edge features, powerful 700 horsepower performance, and a noteworthy 160-mile range. The ET9 represents a departure from traditional sedan design, challenging distinctions between coupe-crossovers and sedans. With a coupe-style fastback roofline, the ET9 showcases…