Author: Jackson Han

Airbus has announced that it is temporarily halting the development of its electric air taxi project, CityAirbus, in Donauwörth, Germany, signaling difficulties for the once-promising technology. This move comes as German air taxi startups Lilium and Volocopter also face financial struggles and file for insolvency. The air taxi industry, once widely anticipated to revolutionize urban mobility, is grappling with significant setbacks. See also: Swiss Startup H55, UK’s AeroVolt Partner to Expand Electric Aviation Infrastructure and Training Airbus Helicopters confirmed the suspension to Bayrischer Rundfunk, though the company emphasized that the project has not been entirely canceled. The break comes as…

Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary SEAT is facing a difficult decision if the European Union does not reduce its tariff on China-made electric vehicles by the end of March. The company has warned that it will be forced to cut production and lay off around 1,500 workers unless the additional tariff is addressed. Since October, SEAT has been subject to a 20.7% tariff on its CUPRA Tavascan, a model manufactured at Volkswagen’s majority-owned plant in Anhui, China. This is in addition to the existing 10% tariff already imposed on China-made EVs sold in Europe. The additional charges have significantly impacted the brand’s…

Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has launched a new initiative to combat malicious online attacks against the brand by offering rewards for tips. The company’s legal department announced today that it will provide financial incentives ranging from RMB 10,000 to RMB 1 million (approximately $140,000) for valid information or evidence related to cyberattacks. See also: Nio to Launch New Models and Facelifts Across All Brands in 2025 Nio founder and CEO, William Li, discussed the initiative in a live video on the short video platform Douyin, where he highlighted the challenges of countering online rumors and cyber violence.…

BYD has officially launched the Atto 2 electric vehicle (EV) in Europe, offering two trim levels as it prepares for sales in the region. The model, known as the Yuan Up in China and other markets, features a 7.9-second acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h and supports 65 kW DC fast charging. The Atto 2 is positioned between BYD’s Dolphin hatchback and Atto 3 crossover. Built on the e-Platform 3.0 modular architecture, the small SUV features a high bonnet, plastic body cladding, and blacked-out pillars that create a floating roof effect. The model is available in four exterior colors: green,…

Xpeng expects to achieve a single profitable quarter for the first time in 2025, as the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker maintains strong delivery momentum, Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng said in an interview with LatePost. “We expect to be able to break even for a single quarter sometime in 2025,” He said, marking the first time Xpeng has provided a timeline for reaching profitability. See also: Xpeng’s Roadmap to 2025: 380,000 Deliveries, Flying Cars, and Global Market Expansion His remarks come as Xpeng reported steady sales growth, delivering 30,350 vehicles in January—its third consecutive month exceeding 30,000 units. While…

BYD plans to hire 20,000 employees in Zhengzhou, Henan province, during the first quarter of this year. The new hires will be in key areas such as research and development (R&D) and manufacturing, according to a report from government-run Henan Daily. BYD’s Zhengzhou production base, which currently employs around 60,000 workers, is set to increase its production capacity in 2025. In 2024, the facility produced 545,000 vehicles, marking a significant 169.8% year-on-year growth. The expansion comes as BYD prepares to reveal its new vehicle intelligence strategy. Set for February 10, the launch event will focus on the company’s smart driving…

Nio recorded a sharp increase in battery swap services during the Chinese New Year holiday, driven by peak travel demand, the company said in a report from its energy unit, Nio Power. On February 3, near the end of the holiday period, Nio completed a record 136,720 battery swaps in a single day. This surpassed the previous peak of 119,848 swaps recorded on January 25, just before the holiday began. Between January 22 and February 5, Nio provided a total of 1,716,746 battery swaps, marking a 44% increase compared to the previous year. During this period, the company recorded over…

Onvo, a sub-brand of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio, has expanded its car-buying promotions in February, offering larger incentives than before, as competition in China’s auto market heats up following Tesla’s recent price cuts. Onvo announced on its social media platforms that customers purchasing its L60 model by February 28 can benefit from a zero percent down payment and a three-year interest-free financing program, saving up to RMB 14,840 ($2,040). New buyers will also receive three years of free access to the NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) feature, valued at RMB 11,520. See also: Nio’s Sub-Brand Onvo Nears Launch of…

Tesla has reintroduced an RMB 8,000 ($1,100) insurance subsidy for all Model 3 variants in China, marking the first major price adjustment in the market following the Chinese New Year. The limited-time offer, running from February 5-28, applies to customized orders, existing inventory, show cars, and test vehicles, provided customers purchase insurance from Tesla-affiliated providers. The subsidy follows a recent price increase in January, when Tesla raised prices on all Model 3 variants by RMB 3,600. With the latest incentive, the starting prices for the rear-wheel-drive, long-range all-wheel-drive, and performance all-wheel-drive versions are reduced to RMB 227,500, RMB 267,500, and…

Xiaomi EV, the car-making division of Xiaomi, has reported that deliveries of its first model, the SU7 electric sedan, exceeded 20,000 units in January 2025, continuing a trend of four consecutive months with deliveries surpassing the 20,000 mark. The company did not specify exact delivery figures beyond the monthly totals. In a statement posted on Weibo, Xiaomi EV revealed that its SU7 sedan, which was launched on March 28, 2024, has been well received. “We are committed to expanding our capacity to meet demand and aim to deliver 300,000 units in 2025,” the company stated. See also: Xiaomi Recalls 30,931…

The Wuling Zhiguang EV, a compact electric combi designed for both personal and commercial use, has entered pre-sales in China as a versatile “multi-function tool car.” Combining Japanese kei car-inspired aesthetics with enhanced practicality, this micro-EV emphasizes modular storage, affordability, and urban adaptability. Exterior Design and Dimensions Though styled with kei car influences, the Zhiguang EV surpasses typical kei dimensions, measuring 3,685 mm in length, 1,530 mm in width, and 1,750 mm in height, with a 2,600 mm wheelbase. Its boxy silhouette maximizes interior space, while rear sliding doors open up to 595 mm for easy access. The 90-degree tailgate,…

Zeekr reported a significant drop in deliveries for January, continuing a trend seen among various local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers impacted by seasonal factors. The company delivered 11,942 vehicles in January, marking a 4.75 percent decline compared to 12,537 units in the same month last year. Deliveries were also down 56.08 percent from 27,190 units in December. See also: Zeekr Marks Milestone with 15,000 Overseas EV Deliveries, Expands Global Reach Despite the monthly decline, Zeekr’s cumulative deliveries reached 430,698 vehicles by the end of January. The company attributes the drop to the seasonal dip in the Chinese auto market, especially…

Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis NV, reported deliveries of 25,170 vehicles in January, reflecting a sharp 40.8% decline from December’s 42,517 units. However, the figure marked a 105.02% increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting continued demand for the Chinese automaker’s expanding lineup. See also: Leapmotor International Considers Spanish Plant for B10 Production Amid Political Uncertainty China’s auto market typically experiences seasonal fluctuations, with the start of the year often seeing lower deliveries due to the Chinese New Year holiday. By the end of January, Leapmotor had delivered a cumulative 624,718 vehicles since its inception. The company aims to…

China Central Television (CCTV) has awarded Chery’s Exlantix ET the title of Car of the Year 2024. The announcement was made during the fifth China Auto Awards ceremony, broadcast on CCTV-2 on January 27. The jury comprised representatives from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Dealers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Council for the Promotion of International Trade in the Automotive Industry. Known domestically as the Exeed Sterra ET, the Exlantix ET is set to enter international markets under its global name. Chery’s Executive Vice President, Gao Xinhua, attributed the…

Chery’s Exlantix ET, known domestically as the Exeed Sterra ET, is set to enter international markets under its global name. The SUV features a combination of extended-range (EREV) and battery-electric (BEV) powertrains, incorporating advanced technologies in drivetrain, range extension, and intelligent driving systems. The EREV variant is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged generator with a thermal efficiency of 44.5% and fuel consumption of 5.9 liters per 100 km. It is equipped with a 67-liter fuel tank and a 41-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from Gotion, enabling a total range of 1,500 km under CLTC conditions, with 240 km available…

Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus has introduced four new battery-electric vehicles under its newly launched Rightech brand. The lineup includes two trucks—a 7.5-tonne left-hand drive and a right-hand drive model—along with two battery-electric buses measuring 6 and 9 meters in length. These vehicles will be available in the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe. The Rightech RT75 UK and RT75 Europe are 7.5-tonne battery-electric trucks powered by a 107 kWh battery pack from CATL, offering a driving range of up to 230 kilometers per charge. See also: Wrightbus Delivers 31 Fuel Cell Buses to Regionalverkehr Köln, Expands European Presence Charging from…

General Motors (GM) is shifting its focus toward its Super Cruise driver assistance technology, expecting the feature to generate around $2 billion in annual revenue within five years, the U.S. automaker said on Tuesday. The move comes as GM winds down its autonomous vehicle unit, Cruise, which has suffered heavy financial losses. The company aims to position Super Cruise, its partially automated driving system, as a key growth driver, similar to Tesla’s Autopilot. “The revenue from Super Cruise is much higher-margin than manufacturing vehicles,” said Morningstar analyst David Whiston, adding that the technology could help pave the way for fully…

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, has been named the 2025 World Car Person of the Year, marking the first time the honor has been awarded to a woman and to an executive from a Chinese automaker. A jury of 96 automotive journalists from around the world selected Li for her role in BYD’s international expansion in 2024. Her leadership helped drive the company’s global model debuts and market entries, contributing to BYD surpassing the milestone of producing 10 million electric and hybrid vehicles. See also: BYD Expands Footprint in Japan with Plug-In Hybrid Launch and New EV Models…

Nio has announced its involvement in developing a draft standard for electric car battery swapping systems in collaboration with other industry players within the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies in DIN and VDE (DKE). This initiative aims to promote the reliability, interoperability, and safety of battery swap technology in the German market for electric vehicles. Nio, which is currently the only company offering commercialized battery swapping for electric cars in Germany, has been working on integrating the international industry standard IEC 62840 into the German standards. Battery swapping is already widely used for lighter electric vehicles in…

Xiaomi’s electric sedan, the SU7, has surpassed 150,000 deliveries, according to Lei Jun, the company’s founder, chairman, and CEO, who made the announcement during a live video today. The milestone reflects a strong year for Xiaomi’s EV ambitions, which included surpassing 135,000 deliveries in 2024 and setting an ambitious target of 300,000 vehicles for 2025. See also: Xiaomi’s SU7 Outpaces Tesla’s Model 3 in December Deliveries in China’s Sedan Market The Xiaomi SU7 was officially launched on March 28, 2024, and is available in three versions: Standard, Pro, and Max. The Standard version is priced at RMB 215,900 ($29,800), while…