Author: Jackson Han

China’s capital, Beijing, has adopted new measures to accelerate the adoption of autonomous driving technology, with plans to eventually permit driverless public buses and taxis, state media reported on Tuesday. The new regulations, effective from April 1, allow autonomous vehicles that meet road testing and safety standards to apply for road trials, the Beijing Daily stated. The city aims to foster autonomous vehicle use for private cars, urban buses, trams, and taxis while promoting the development of intelligent road infrastructure to support advanced transportation systems. The central Chinese city of Wuhan also announced similar regulations to enhance intelligent connected vehicle…

Dongfeng Motor has officially entered the Mexican market, marking a significant expansion of its overseas presence. The Chinese automaker recently launched more than 10 models in Mexico, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid vehicles, such as the all-electric E70 and the Huge HEV hybrid SUV. This move underscores Dongfeng’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Latin America. The company also showcased its advanced technologies, including hybrid engines and fast-charging capabilities, highlighting its dedication to providing efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. As part of its strategy, Dongfeng plans to increase investments in new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the region…

Nio’s third sub-brand, Firefly, will focus on capturing the Chinese and European markets with its boutique small electric vehicles (EVs), starting with a launch in China in the first half of 2025, followed by Europe a quarter later, according to Daniel Jin, president of the Firefly brand. Initially envisioned as a simultaneous global release, Firefly’s debut will prioritize China to ensure quality control, Jin stated in an interview with local media outlet 36kr. The Firefly brand will be officially launched at the Nio Day 2024 event on December 21, where its first model, sharing the same name, will be unveiled.…

Nvidia is encountering significant headwinds in its automotive ambitions as delays in the production of its next-generation Thor chip prompt some Chinese automakers, including Xpeng, to reconsider their reliance on the U.S. semiconductor giant, according to a report by Chinese media outlet 36kr. Initially slated for mass production by mid-2024, the Thor chip, unveiled in September 2022, is now delayed. Nvidia’s revised timeline suggests that only an entry-level version of the chip will be available by mid-2024, with full-scale deployment expected later. The setbacks come at a time when Chinese automakers are advancing their in-house chip development, diminishing the appeal…

The Proton e.MAS 7, Proton’s highly anticipated all-electric SUV, has officially launched following an extended teaser phase. Available in two variants – Prime and Premium – the e.MAS 7 combines performance, practicality, and advanced technology to meet the demands of modern EV buyers. The SUV comes in five striking color options: Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Lithium White, and Quartz Rose. However, Proton has kept the interior consistent across all options with an elegant Indigo Blue cabin theme. Under the hood, both the Prime and Premium variants of the e.MAS 7 are equipped with a front-mounted electric motor producing…

Chinese automaker Chery has launched the iCar V23, an all-electric compact SUV combining retro off-road design with advanced electric vehicle technology. Available in three trims, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, the iCar V23 offers a maximum range of 501 km on the CLTC cycle and starts at $13,700. The iCar V23 features a distinctive off-road aesthetic with a smoked front grille adorned by the iCar logo and round headlights. Its boxy silhouette, reminiscent of classic off-road vehicles, is enhanced with modern touches such as hidden door handles, a roof luggage rack, and a rear-mounted storage container.…

DP World has deployed eight fully electric straddle carriers from Kalmar at its London Gateway port, equipped with Kempower’s ultra-high power 500A fast chargers. The project marks a significant step towards electrifying port operations and is the first use of such a charging system for Kalmar electric straddle carriers in Europe. The electric straddle carriers, part of a £12 million investment, operate at the port’s newly opened fourth terminal, which was completed in November 2023 following a £350 million development. The terminal is DP World’s first facility to rely entirely on electric vehicles. The carriers, each weighing 62 tonnes, are…

Xiaomi EV, the electric vehicle unit of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, is preparing to launch its car sales operations internationally as competition in China’s EV market heats up. The company has established an overseas sales preparation team within its international business division and is recruiting for key roles such as market research, project management, and after-sales engineering, local media outlet 36kr reported. Xiaomi EV’s smart driving division is also hiring specialists to address compliance for autonomous driving features in foreign markets, signaling plans to adapt its cutting-edge technology to international standards. Initially, Xiaomi EV plans to test the waters with…

Gotion High-tech, a Chinese battery manufacturer backed by Volkswagen, has revealed plans to establish new battery production facilities in Slovakia and Morocco as part of its strategy to expand its international footprint. The total investment for both projects is approximately 2.514 billion euros ($2.6 billion). The Slovakian plant, with an investment of up to 1.234 billion euros, will have an annual capacity of 20 GWh of lithium batteries. It will be built by Gotion InoBat Batteries (GIB) EnergyX Slovakia, a joint venture where Gotion holds an 80 percent stake, and InoBat Auto jsa owns the remaining 20 percent. Gotion acquired…

Tesla has officially launched its Actually Smart Summon (ASS) feature in China, expanding the availability of this technology to the region after its introduction in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Announced via a Weibo post, the feature allows Tesla vehicles to autonomously drive to the driver, enhancing the convenience of vehicle retrieval from parking spaces. The Actually Smart Summon is part of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) software packages. It is not available to owners using the basic Autopilot (BAP) software. In China, the cost for the FSD package is RMB 64,000 yuan ($8,790), while…

BYD has officially entered the Omani automotive market, marking a significant move in its Gulf region expansion. The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer recently held a brand launch event in Muscat, the capital of Oman, and inaugurated three local showrooms. The five models launched in Oman include the Han, Yuan Plus, Seal, Song Plus DM-i, and Qin Plus DM-i. According to AD Huang, general manager of BYD Middle East & Africa, the company’s focus on green mobility aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 for sustainable development. BYD’s three flagship showrooms are located in Wattayah, Al Mouj, and the Mall of…

Tesla’s long-rumored compact model, which was initially speculated to be called the Model 2, might now be released as the Model Q in 2025. According to a report from GlobalChinaEV, this vehicle could start at $25,000 in the U.S. after subsidies, with a debut expected in the first half of 2025. Previously, Tesla’s primary focus for next year was thought to be the “Juniper” facelift of the Model Y, alongside updates to the Model 3, which has seen improvements in comfort and quality through the “Highland” revision. However, new reports suggest that a completely different model may be launched: a…

Xiaomi EV, the electric vehicle arm of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, has revealed its second model, the YU7, ahead of its official launch slated for June or July next year. The SUV’s core specifications have been unveiled through a regulatory filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), bringing the YU7 closer to its anticipated market entry. The YU7, identified by the model number XMA6500LBEVA1 in the MIIT catalog, will be produced at Xiaomi EV’s factory in Yizhuang, Beijing. The vehicle spans 4,999 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, and stands 1,600 mm high, with a wheelbase…

Caterham, the British sports car maker, is advancing its electrification plans, announcing a collaboration with Taiwan-based Xing Mobility for an innovative battery system in its first all-electric sports car. This follows the earlier confirmation of an electric motor supplied by Yamaha for the upcoming model. The Xing Mobility battery pack employs immersion cooling technology, with cells submerged in a dielectric liquid to enhance heat dissipation. According to Caterham, this design provides a significant performance edge over conventional liquid-cooled systems. With an energy density of 200 Wh/kg, the battery aims to deliver competitive range and efficiency for the lightweight sports car.…

China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD, is set to report further gains in market share as November sales figures are released, positioning the company to surpass its annual target and outpace global automotive giants Ford and Honda in 2024 sales. BYD delivered 3.76 million vehicles in the first 11 months of 2024, including 506,804 units sold in November. With robust domestic demand and an expanding international footprint, the company is on track to exceed its 4-million-unit target for the year. Strong sales of its innovative plug-in hybrid and fully electric models have enabled BYD to capture 16.2% of the…

Tesla saw a rebound in its China-made vehicle sales in November, following a decline in October. The company sold 78,856 vehicles in November, which includes both domestic sales and exports, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). This represents a 15.49 percent increase from October’s 68,280 units, but a 4.34 percent decrease compared to 82,432 units sold in November 2023. Tesla China’s October sales marked the lowest level since April, dropping 22.69 percent from September’s 88,321 units. The company’s Shanghai factory produces the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover, which are sold locally in China…

Baidu’s autonomous vehicle service, Apollo Go, has received approval to conduct robotaxi trials in Hong Kong, marking a significant expansion outside mainland China. The Hong Kong Transport Department issued the first pilot license for an autonomous vehicle on December 8, 2024, allowing Apollo Go to operate 10 robotaxis on North Lantau Island. Although the statement did not directly name Baidu, the license was granted to Baidu Apollo International Ltd., the operator of the Apollo Go platform. The license, valid until December 8, 2029, permits the operation of one autonomous private vehicle at a time on designated roads. During the trial…

BYD has launched its new car carrier, the BYD Changzhou, marking an important step in expanding its transportation capabilities for the export of new energy vehicles (NEVs). The vessel, which is BYD’s second ro-ro ship, began operations after its delivery, as announced by Wang Junbao, general manager of BYD Corporate Division, on Weibo. The BYD Changzhou, which departed from the ports of Lianyungang and Taicang in Jiangsu province, is on its way to Europe, carrying nearly 5,000 BYD NEVs. Wang highlighted the environmental benefits of the vessel, stating that it would contribute to cooling the planet by 1°C, though no…

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) and BYD maintained their positions as the world’s largest EV battery manufacturers during the January-October 2024 period, as global electric vehicle battery installations surged by 25% year-on-year to 686.7 GWh, according to data released by South Korean market research firm SNE Research. CATL, the industry leader, reported a remarkable 28.3% increase in battery installations, reaching 252.8 GWh during the period. This solidified its dominance with a 36.8% global market share, up from 35.9% in the same period last year. The Chinese battery giant remains the only supplier to hold more than 30% of the…

Tesla has ramped up its marketing efforts in China as it aims to capitalize on the year-end car-buying season. Vice President of External Affairs, Grace Tao, has made multiple public statements highlighting the safety features of Tesla vehicles, with an assertive tone that reflects the company’s focus on building consumer confidence in its products. In a recent Weibo post, Tao emphasized that the Model 3 had received the highest 5-star ratings for both the China Electric Vehicle Fire Safety Index and the automotive fire safety certification. She pointed out that Tesla has never issued a global recall due to fire…