Author: Linda Ma

Li Auto announced on Friday its plans to commence mass production and delivery of its inaugural pure electric vehicle in February. The rising Chinese automaker is placing its bets on cutting-edge fast-charging technology to address the prevalent issue of range anxiety among electric vehicle (EV) users. The company’s forthcoming MEGA multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), featuring a distinctive waterdrop-shaped front design, will boast an 800-volt charging architecture and be powered by Chinese battery giant CATL’s latest Qilin batteries. According to Li Auto, this combination will provide the MEGA with an impressive range of 500 km (310 miles) after just a 12-minute charge. Li Auto…

China’s automotive sector witnessed an unprecedented surge in new energy vehicle (NEV) sales during October, with figures surpassing the previous record set in September 2023. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), a total of 956,000 NEVs were sold last month, marking a significant 5.75% increase from September. Comparing the data to October 2022, the growth is even more pronounced, with a substantial 34% surge in sales. Notably, back in October 2022, 714,000 NEVs were sold. CAAM’s figures encompass wholesale data, including vehicles produced for both the domestic and export markets. Breaking down the NEV category, the majority…

A subsidiary of Beijing-based automaker BAIC Group, listed as BAIC ORV, has officially submitted applications to regulatory authorities seeking approval for the production of two electric vehicles (EVs) under the Xiaomi brand, according to information disclosed on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website today. The move marks Xiaomi’s strategic expansion into the highly competitive electric vehicle market, adding a new dimension to the challenges faced by China, the world’s largest auto market, characterized by overcapacity and slowing demand, resulting in a fierce price war impacting supplier margins. BAIC ORV’s proposal outlines plans to manufacture two variants of…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio has emerged victorious in a legal dispute against Cheshiji, a popular vlogger with millions of followers on the Douyin short-video platform. The final court ruling requires Cheshiji’s owner, Shanghai Yunti, to issue a public apology and pay financial damages to Nio, as announced by the EV maker’s legal department in a social media statement. The legal battle ensued after Cheshiji alleged in a June 2, 2022 video that Nio engaged in price discrimination against Chinese consumers, asserting that the ES8’s domestic pricing significantly exceeded its cost in Norway. Nio promptly filed a lawsuit in…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD is gearing up to introduce a new model at the upcoming Guangzhou auto show, set to commence on Friday. The latest addition to BYD’s lineup, the Sea Lion 07, part of its Ocean Series, will make its global debut on November 17, according to an announcement on one of BYD’s WeChat accounts. Details about the Sea Lion 07 remain limited, but BYD shared several design sketches of the all-electric SUV, emphasizing its debut on the company’s e-Platform 3.0. The platform was crafted by Wolfgang Josef Egger, BYD’s global design director, known for his…

Nio has officially appointed Professor Wen Yonggang as an independent director on its Board of Directors, a move set to take effect from November 13, 2023. Professor Wen, currently serving as the Dean of the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, is poised to offer distinctive insights to Nio’s board, given his outstanding academic background and specialization in cloud computing and computational sustainability. William Bin Li, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Nio, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Professor Wen to the Board of NIO.…

Chinese automaker Geely’s premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Limited, has officially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in New York, making it the fourth Chinese car manufacturer to seek a listing in the United States. The filing, disclosed in a prospectus on the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, outlines Zeekr’s intention to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ZK. Formally established in March 2021, Zeekr delivered 6,007 vehicles in its debut year, followed by a substantial increase to 71,941 deliveries in 2022. As of October 2023, the company has…

In preparation for the imminent pre-sale launch of its inaugural mainstream electric sedan, the Zeekr 007, Zeekr, Geely Auto’s premium electric vehicle subsidiary, unveiled exterior images showcasing the distinct design of the eagerly anticipated model. Built upon Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) and crafted by the esteemed design team led by world-renowned designer Stefan Sielaff, the Zeekr 007 stands as a luxury B-segment sedan, boasting a height of 1,450 mm and a wheelbase spanning 2,928 mm. A notable feature of the Zeekr 007 is its innovative Zeekr Stargate one-piece smart light curtains, enhancing both the headlights and taillights. Noteworthy is…

XPeng showcased its latest addition to the electric vehicle market, the X9 MPV. The vehicle, built on the SEPA 2.0 platform, is set to redefine family travel with its luxurious features and innovative design. Measuring at 5,293 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width, and 1,785 mm in height, the X9 offers ample space for families and weekend getaways. The 3,160 mm wheelbase emphasizes the interior’s spaciousness, providing flexibility in seating arrangements for six to seven passengers across three rows. The interior of the X9 boasts starship ambient lighting, a dual tabletop in the back row, a separate air conditioning…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio has unveiled plans for organizational optimization, involving a reduction of approximately 10 percent of positions and the consolidation of duplicate departments and roles. Speculation surrounds a sub-brand program codenamed Alps, which will no longer operate as a standalone project. Instead, Alps team members will be integrated into various Nio departments, with some positions expected to be eliminated, according to information from Nio employees shared by automotive blogger @类星频道. The organizational adjustments align with Nio’s founder, chairman, and CEO’s internal letter emphasizing the consolidation of duplicate departments and roles. The restructuring process is set to…

Shanghai, the bustling megacity in eastern China, is set to embark on a pivotal pilot program allowing autonomous buses to operate in its downtown area. This move marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology. According to local media outlet The Paper, Shanghai will introduce autonomous buses on a pilot basis, initially operating them during specific times of the day and on designated roads within the central city. Shanghai has already established an extensive network of autonomous driving test road scenarios, boasting 926 open roads and a total road length of 1,800 kilometers, ranking among…

Xiaomi’s highly-anticipated Modena electric vehicle (EV) is set to make its debut by the end of this year, and ahead of its launch, a recently discovered Xiaomi patent sheds light on a groundbreaking technology for automatic crash detection and emergency contact alerts. The patent outlines a comprehensive system comprised of three key modules: a Get module, a Determine module, and a Communication module. The Get module is responsible for collecting real-time status information from the vehicle, including data related to battery and circuit health, airbag deployment, and wheel detachment. Subsequently, the Determine module leverages this data to classify accidents into…

China’s steadfast commitment to electric vehicle (EV) adoption, coupled with the continued progress of its homegrown automakers, has not only solidified the nation as the world’s largest EV market but has also propelled Chinese EVs onto the global stage. These vehicles are gaining significant market share in regions such as South Asia, South America, and even beyond. A recent report by JATO Dynamics, a leading automotive market research firm, underscores the remarkable success of Chinese EVs in penetrating various international markets. The data for the first half of 2023 reveals a dominant presence of Chinese EVs in several countries. In…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Nio has announced an organizational optimization plan, aiming to reduce its workforce by approximately 10 percent. This strategic move, made public on November 3, has been met with positive reactions from analysts who see it as a necessary step in the company’s growth journey. According to analysts at Deutsche Bank, the job cuts are expected to result in significant cost savings for Nio, projected to range between RMB 1.5 billion ($206 million) and RMB 2 billion annually, based on average employee compensation figures from 2022. This cost-saving initiative has been well-received in light of the prevailing market…

Chinese car manufacturer Chery has introduced a groundbreaking concept car, claiming to possess the world’s lowest wind resistance with a coefficient of drag (Cd) at a mere 0.168. The concept vehicle, which boasts a unique bionic design inspired by the streamlined shape of tuna fish, represents a fusion of exceptional aerodynamic performance and captivating design aesthetics, as revealed in a video released on October 31. The development of this remarkable concept involved cutting-edge AI simulation techniques, incorporating over 2,000 optimization cases, demonstrating Chery’s commitment to advancing automotive technology. The vehicle incorporates over 20 feature refinements and incorporates four sets of…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD is reportedly on the brink of unveiling the location of its first European EV factory, with insider information indicating that Hungary is a top contender for the strategic investment. While the news has not been officially confirmed, “unnamed sources close to BYD” have hinted that the decision has already been internally made, according to German newspaper The Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS), via Reuters. The proximity of the European plant to Hungary would not come as a surprise, given that BYD already boasts an electric bus manufacturing facility in the country. This move aligns with…

Leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio has taken the wraps off an extensive organizational overhaul, releasing details of a comprehensive business optimization strategy. This strategic move entails trimming approximately 10 percent of its workforce. The company aims to streamline its operations, primarily affecting thousands of employees, according to a report from local media outlet 36kr. While the restructuring will touch various facets of Nio’s business, the magnitude of workforce reductions will differ across departments. The battery and phone businesses are anticipated to undergo the most significant adjustments, as disclosed by sources familiar with the matter quoted in the report.…

China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market continues its remarkable ascent as the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) anticipates wholesale sales of passenger NEVs to reach 890,000 units in October. This projection signifies a 32 percent year-on-year increase and a notable 7 percent uptick compared to the preceding month, reinforcing China’s position as a global leader in the electric vehicle sector. In September, 17 manufacturers, each boasting wholesale sales exceeding 10,000 units of NEVs, collectively contributed to 88.4 percent of the total wholesale sales. Preliminary estimations for October suggest that these manufacturers will achieve wholesale sales of 787,000 units, affirming China’s…

In response to increasing competition and shifting consumer preferences in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, leading EV manufacturer Nio has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 10% this month. The move comes as Nio seeks to bolster efficiency and streamline its operations in a bid to stay competitive. Demand for EVs in China has shown a notable shift, with consumers favoring more economically efficient plug-in hybrids, resulting in an 84.5% rise in sales during the first nine months of the year. Companies such as Li Auto and BYD have capitalized on this trend, gaining market share in the process.…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO is eyeing the American market, with plans to introduce its premium Chinese-made EVs to the United States by 2025. The announcement was made by NIO’s CEO in the US, Ganesh Iyer, during the NextChina Conference, emphasizing the company’s commitment to making their vehicles accessible to a broader audience. Ganesh Iyer stated, “My goal, and my commitment to this company, is I want all of us to buy a Nio car from our personal paycheck one day,” illustrating the company’s dedication to providing quality EVs. However, he also stressed the importance of cooperation from various…