Author: Linda Ma

Electric vehicle startup NIO has formed partnerships with leading oil companies in China to accelerate the growth of its battery swapping network, signalling its commitment to promote electric vehicle adoption in the country. With ambitious targets in mind, NIO aims to build 1,000 swapping stations in China this year, working towards a total of 2,300 sites by the year-end. On June 27, NIO signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with China National Offshore Oil Corp in Anhui province, with a shared goal of jointly developing EV charging and battery swapping infrastructure across the nation. While specific numbers were not disclosed,…

In a recent report released by BYD, the Chinese automaker has achieved yet another milestone in global plug-in car sales, setting a new monthly record. However, the year-over-year growth rate indicates a potential deceleration in the ultra-growth trend. According to the company’s data, BYD’s passenger plug-in car sales reached 261,105 units in July 2023, including 11,146 units of the premium Denza EVs. This figure represents a remarkable 61 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Despite the impressive performance, it is worth noting that this growth rate is the lowest since late 2020, suggesting a potential slowdown in…

Toyota and Pony.ai have reached a strategic agreement, along with GAC-Toyota, to create a joint venture with an investment exceeding RMB 1 billion ($140 million). The main goal of this collaboration is to strengthen their position in the emerging robotaxi sector. The joint venture aims to introduce robotaxi vehicles based on Toyota-branded all-electric models manufactured by GAC-Toyota. These vehicles will be equipped with Toyota’s T-Pilot driver-assistance system, featuring the PCS (Pre-Collision Safety System), to enhance safety measures for passengers using autonomous driving technology. In addition, the joint venture will leverage Toyota’s renowned TPS (Toyota Production System) and utilize GAC-Toyota’s extensive…

The head of the main U.S. business lobby for Southeast Asia has proposed extending electric vehicle (EV) tax credit benefits to Vietnam in order to encourage a significant investment from the country in U.S.-based manufacturing. Presently, rules within the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant tax benefits only to countries with free trade agreements with the United States, excluding Vietnam. VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, recently began the construction of a $4 billion plant in North Carolina to produce EVs for the U.S. market. However, without access to the tax break, VinFast may face challenges in competing effectively, according to Ted…

Zeekr, the electric car brand under Geely, has officially started production of its Zeekr 001 model for European customers. The first batch of Zeekr 001s rolled off the production line at the Zeekr plant in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on 2nd August, as reported by Chinese media. The company plans to ship the vehicles to Europe in mid-August, with deliveries expected later this year. Despite this milestone, the exact number of units to be produced for the European market remains undisclosed. Similarly, the specific modifications made to the European model to obtain EU homologation have not been revealed. However, industry experts…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) giant, BYD, has introduced its compact electric vehicle (EV) Dolphin in Malaysia, marking its second model in the country following the Atto 3. The Dolphin was launched locally at an event on July 27 in collaboration with Sime Darby Motors, BYD’s Malaysian distributor, as announced in a recent press release. In Malaysia, the BYD Dolphin is available in two versions, with starting prices of 99,900 ringgit ($22,138) and 124,900 ringgit, respectively. By comparison, the Dolphin is offered in three versions in China, with current starting prices ranging from RMB 116,800 ($16,270) to RMB 136,800. The…

Following their announcement at the 2022 EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show, Kawasaki’s two electric motorcycle models, the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1, are making strides towards their market debut. Recent reports reveal that the bikes have begun the homologation process in Australia, signifying progress towards their commercialization. The electric motorcycles bear resemblance to their conventional gasoline-powered counterparts, the Ninja 400 and Z400, in terms of bodywork. However, their wheels and brakes appear to be similar to those of the slightly less powerful Ninja 300 and Z300. Initial announcements had indicated that the bikes would boast a power output of 11 kW…

In July, NIO, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, experienced a remarkable surge in global electric car deliveries, surpassing all previous records and signaling a critical growth phase amid its transition to the NT2.0 platform. Last month, the company delivered an impressive 20,462 electric vehicles, demonstrating a staggering 104 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This marks the first time NIO’s monthly deliveries have surpassed the 20,000 mark, leaving behind the previous record of 15,815 vehicles set in December 2022. The majority of NIO’s sales continue to be in its home market of China. However, the company is…

Volkswagen, the German automotive brand, has recently finalized a significant technological framework agreement with the Chinese electric car startup, Xpeng. In addition to the collaboration, Volkswagen is making a strategic investment in Xpeng, while the previously rumored deal between Audi and SAIC has also been confirmed by the Group. The primary goal of the collaboration with Xpeng is to further advance Volkswagen’s local electrification strategy and expedite the pace of development in the booming Chinese e-mobility market. As part of the agreement, both companies will jointly develop two electric mid-range models, set to be launched in 2026, to complement Volkswagen’s…

MG’s highly anticipated electric roadster, the Cyberster, has garnered considerable attention with its surprisingly competitive pricing and impressive performance specifications. Recently leaked pricing details in China have revealed a starting price of 239,800 yuan (33,350 USD), which is lower than previously estimated, making it an appealing prospect for EV enthusiasts. The base model of the MG Cyberster comes equipped with a powerful 314 horsepower electric motor, supported by a 64 kWh battery, offering a promising range of 501 km. This combination of power and range provides excellent value for its price. See also: MG Cyberster EV Production Design leaked in…

Electric vehicle giant Tesla witnessed a remarkable increase in revenue from its China operations during the second quarter of the year, according to the 10-Q filing submitted to the SEC. The revenue from China amounted to $5.731 billion, marking an impressive growth of 51.33 percent compared to the same period last year. Additionally, this figure represented a 17.17 percent increase from the previous quarter. However, it is crucial to note that the exceptional year-on-year surge in revenue can be attributed primarily to a favorable base effect. In the second quarter of the previous year, Tesla faced significant disruptions due to…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Nio is set to introduce a single-motor option in its first model under the sub-brand codenamed ‘Alps.’ The decision comes as the company aims to target the RMB 200,000 ($27,980) – RMB 300,000 price range, a key segment in Nio’s push into the mass market. The addition of a single-motor model will provide greater flexibility to the brand’s strategy, according to a recent report from 36kr. Alps’ debut model will take the form of a sedan and will feature a new generation of in-house developed and produced motors. The single-motor version aims to optimize size and cost,…

BYD and FAW have achieved a significant breakthrough in the electric mobility sector by producing their inaugural battery pack at their state-of-the-art factory in Changchun, the capital of Jilin province in northeast China. The new plant, a joint venture named FAW FinDreams New Energy Technology, represents a major collaboration between the two giants in the automobile industry. However, full-scale production is set to commence in September 2023. The construction of this ambitious production facility began in February 2022, with an ambitious goal to reach an impressive annual capacity of 45 GWh. The factory aims to specialize in the manufacturing of…

Toyota Motor, Japan’s largest automaker, is facing challenges in China’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market. According to a recent report from Reuters, the company’s joint venture with China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) has been forced to lay off workers and provide them with compensation. The move comes as Toyota struggles to keep up with the intense competition in China’s auto market, which is undergoing a significant shift towards EVs. The joint venture’s factory, which employs approximately 19,000 workers, produces various models, including Toyota’s first EV, the bZ4X, as well as the Camry and Levin models. Unfortunately, Toyota’s entry into…

The Chinese government has recently released a comprehensive policy paper aimed at bolstering car sales in the country, with a particular focus on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) like electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The policy outlines a range of measures, not only centered on financial incentives but also emphasizing the development of supporting infrastructure. The strategy paper, which is a joint effort signed by 13 ministries, including the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Finance, lays out a clear direction for the automotive sector. See also: China’s New Energy…

Lotus has begun delivering its all-electric Eletre Hyper-SUV to customers in China, featuring optional digital rearview mirrors. This pioneering move makes Lotus the first brand in China to offer this feature, aiming to enhance safety and driving efficiency. On July 21, Lotus commenced the delivery of the Eletre electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with digital rearview mirrors at its manufacturing facility in Wuhan, Hubei province, central China. Introduced on October 26, 2022, the Eletre Hyper-SUV comes in two versions in China – Eletre S+ and Eletre R+, starting at RMB 828,000 ($115,200) and RMB 1.028 million, respectively. See also: Lotus Begins…

In a recent development, FAW-Toyota, the joint venture between Toyota and BYD in China, has announced a recall plan for its electric sedan, the bZ3, due to a rear door handle defect. This recall affects more than 12,000 units of the bZ3 model that were produced this year, highlighting the automaker’s commitment to ensuring customer safety. The bZ3 electric sedan, part of Toyota’s Beyond Zero (bZ) lineup aimed at recapturing market share in the region, was unveiled in October last year. Developed through BYD Toyota EV Technology, the vehicle combines BYD’s Blade batteries, motor, and electric control system with Toyota’s…

As the Chinese electric car market continues to flourish, Avatr, the subsidiary brand formed through a partnership between Changan, Huawei, and CATL, has recently made headlines with the announcement of its second model. The eagerly anticipated electric sedan, known as the Avatr 12, has successfully passed regulatory processes, signaling its imminent entry into the market later this year. According to information from the registration application submitted to the Chinese authorities, the Avatr 12 stands out as a five-meter-long electric sedan. Customers will have the option to choose between a single-engine version, boasting an impressive 230 kW of power, or a…

Audi, the renowned automobile manufacturer, has joined forces with China’s state-owned automaker, SAIC Motor, to embark on an electrifying journey within the Chinese market. The momentous agreement, confirmed on July 20, is set to revolutionize the EV landscape and expedite the electrification of their respective portfolios in China’s rapidly growing electric vehicle market. While the specific details of the partnership remain undisclosed, it is reported that Audi has expressed keen interest in utilizing SAIC’s premium EV brand, IM Motors’ platform. This highly adaptable EV architecture supports both rear- and all-wheel drive and is already being utilized by SAIC’s IM Motors…

Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese consumer electronics giant known for its diverse range of products including smartphones, electric scooters, and household appliances, is pushing ahead with its venture into the production of all-electric passenger vehicles. An exclusive photo leaked on FixMyGuide has unveiled a tantalizing glimpse of Xiaomi’s upcoming electric vehicle (EV), rumored to be named the MS11, suggesting that it will offer a driving range surpassing industry standards. According to sources, the anticipated EV from Xiaomi appears to boast a robust 101-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, rated at an impressive 726.7 volts and 139 amp-hours. Weighing in at 1,415 pounds (642…