Author: Linda Ma

Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Ehang (NASDAQ: EH) has successfully completed the world’s first flight test of a solid-state battery-powered eVTOL aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the development of next-generation battery technology for air mobility. The Ehang EH216-S, which is powered by solid-state batteries, achieved an uninterrupted flight lasting 48 minutes and 10 seconds, according to a company announcement. This achievement is the first-ever autonomous manned flight of an eVTOL aircraft utilizing solid-state battery technology, Ehang said. Solid-state batteries, which use lithium metal as the anode and oxide ceramic as the electrolyte, offer significant advantages over…

Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car division of Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng, has secured a landmark order for its modular flying car, the Land Aircraft Carrier, at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China. The company announced it has received pre-orders for 2008 units from 12 customers across various sectors, including transportation, tourism, real estate, and technology. This order represents the largest in the flying car industry to date, according to Xpeng Aeroht. The airshow, taking place in Zhuhai, Guangdong province from November 12 to November 17, also saw the company’s modular flying car take to…

Xiaomi has completed a significant regulatory step for its high-performance electric sedan, the SU7 Ultra, by filing for approval with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The SU7 Ultra has been added to MIIT’s latest catalog of models eligible for public feedback, with comments open from November 8 to November 14. This inclusion marks the last regulatory step required before the model can be sold in China, and it is slated for its real-life debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 15. Manufactured at Xiaomi’s Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area facility, the SU7 Ultra is an…

Audi has launched a new premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, “AUDI,” in collaboration with SAIC Motor, aimed at developing competitive EV models tailored for the Chinese market. This strategic move will leverage China’s supply chain to create high-end smart EVs and accelerate Audi’s presence in the rapidly growing EV sector in China. The “AUDI” brand was introduced at an event yesterday, featuring a logo with the “AUDI” lettering, a departure from Audi’s iconic four-ring emblem. The partnership with SAIC Motor, which started with an agreement in May 2023, focuses on co-developing advanced smart EVs under the new joint venture, SAIC…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Hozon Auto, has initiated significant organizational changes, including extensive layoffs, as it confronts operational challenges. Local media outlet Cailian reports that layoffs began today, with one insider suggesting the reductions could affect up to 70% of staff. Another source noted that the scale of layoffs varies by department and may not reach such high levels overall. A Neta source confirmed the restructuring effort, which includes layoffs, though specific figures remain undisclosed. This follows an all-employee equity incentive plan announced on October 29, where Neta detailed intentions to streamline its operations,…

Xpeng introduced its “Kunpeng Super Electric System” on Wednesday, marking a strategic shift toward extended-range hybrid vehicles that are expected to be more cost-competitive than pure electric models. Founder He Xiaopeng showcased the new technology, which allows for a driving range exceeding 1,400 kilometers, thanks to an internal combustion engine that charges the battery when depleted. “We need new types of power charging solutions for different market conditions globally,” He said, citing less developed charging infrastructure outside China as a driving force for Xpeng’s pivot to hybrids. He did not specify a launch date for models equipped with this system.…

EHang Holdings, a Chinese company specializing in flying taxis, has announced a partnership with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) aimed at developing and training personnel for large civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Established by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Sichuan provincial government, CAFUC is known for creating pilot licensing frameworks and specializing in UAV regulations and standards. EHang has secured three airworthiness certificates from the CAAC for its EH216-S, a pilotless eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle designed for passenger transport. Zhao Wang, EHang’s chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of continuous…

China has called on France to encourage the European Commission to find a solution that is acceptable to both the European and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industries. This appeal comes as France maintains its position that the European Union (EU) will not compromise on key issues while it seeks to overturn tariffs on French brandy imports. The EU initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of Chinese-made battery EVs last year, leading to a vote in October for tariffs on these vehicles. In retaliation, China has commenced its own investigations into European pork and dairy products and imposed temporary anti-dumping measures…

China’s commerce ministry confirmed Friday that representatives from the European Union will visit China to negotiate price commitments related to the recent electric vehicle (EV) tariff dispute. The ministry highlighted that, following extensive communication, the EU agreed to continue consultations in person, aiming to refine the terms of the proposed price commitment. “China welcomes this and hopes that the next round of consultations will be conducted in accordance with the principles of pragmatism and balance, with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable solution,” the ministry stated. The tariff dispute arose from the EU’s plan to implement new duties on…

Nio reported vehicle deliveries of 20,976 units in October, consistent with the previous month’s numbers. For the January-to-October period, the company reached 170,257 deliveries, a 35% increase over the previous year. This total includes 16,657 vehicles under the Nio brand and 4,319 from Onvo, Nio’s family-oriented smart electric vehicle line, with cumulative deliveries now standing at 619,851 as of October 31, 2024. October marked steady progress in the production and delivery of the Onvo L60, while Onvo also expanded its network with 166 centers and spaces in 60 cities. Users can access 584 Nio Power Swap Stations across China, reinforcing…

Nio is actively hiring senior personnel in China to bolster its Middle East team, with vehicle deliveries in the region anticipated to commence later this year. According to a report by local media outlet 21jingji, the Shanghai-based electric vehicle manufacturer has begun recruiting for positions at the senior director level and above, including assistant vice president (AVP) roles. The company is seeking talent in various domains, including vehicle manufacturing, core electrical systems, smart cockpit technology, and smart driving solutions. Sources indicate that while Nio is offering salaries comparable to those of a Level 5 employee in China, the responsibilities in…

Chinese automaker Geely Automobile Group firmly denied online claims on Thursday that it had held separate discussions with the European Commission about potential tariffs on electric vehicles, labeling the allegations as “slander” in a statement on Weibo. Geely clarified that while the European Commission reached out to its brands from late September to mid-October, the company chose to “prioritise industry unity and declined separate discussions.” This position, Geely said, underscores its commitment to collective industry interests during ongoing tariff talks. “Geely remains committed to supporting the industry-wide negotiations, contributing actively to protect the overall interests of the sector,” the company…