Author: Jackson Han

Global energy demand surged in 2024, fueled by rising electricity consumption, according to a new report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Electricity use jumped by nearly 1,100 terawatt-hours (TWh), marking a 4.3% increase—almost twice the annual average growth rate of the past decade. The spike in electricity demand was attributed to multiple factors, including the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, soaring global temperatures that drove record cooling needs, increased industrial activity, and the rising energy consumption of data centers and artificial intelligence applications. Renewables Lead Energy Expansion The IEA’s Global Energy Review highlighted the critical role of renewables…

BYD has set a sales target of 5.5 million vehicles for 2025, marking a 29% increase from the 4.27 million units sold in 2024, company chairman Wang Chuanfu told a small group, according to a report by Chinese media outlet LatePost. The target includes over 800,000 vehicles for overseas markets, nearly doubling its 2024 overseas sales of 417,204 units. BYD, which has exceeded its external sales targets each year since 2021, typically sets both internal and external goals, with the internal figure being more aggressive, LatePost reported. “2025 is a big year for BYD’s products, with nearly 20 new models…

The BYD Sealion 05 EV is the latest addition to BYD’s Sealion lineup, offering a blend of practicality, advanced technology, and a competitive driving range. Designed as a compact electric SUV, the Sealion 05 EV is built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo architecture and features a modern, minimalistic design with a spacious interior. The model is targeted at overseas markets, continuing BYD’s strategy of expanding its electric vehicle presence globally. Design and Dimensions The BYD Sealion 05 EV follows the brand’s Ocean Aesthetics design language, characterized by sleek headlights connected by an LED strip and a streamlined front end. Its…

Xiaomi’s highly anticipated YU7 electric SUV is nearing launch, following its certification by China’s MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology), according to a leak from Digital Chat Station. The YU7 marks the company’s second-generation EV, following the SU7 sedan, and is expected to introduce new design elements and advanced driving technology. See also: Xiaomi’s EV Revenue Surges 72% in Q4, Aims for 350,000 Deliveries in 2025 Leaked images suggest that the YU7 adopts a sporty SUV form factor, featuring carbon-fiber accents on the rear spoiler, side mirrors, and headlights. The vehicle is expected to come in multiple trims, including…

Chinese researchers have developed a highly efficient method for recycling materials from lithium-ion batteries, achieving near-total recovery of key metals. The project, a collaboration between Central South University in Changsha, Guizhou Normal University, and the National Engineering Research Center of Advanced Energy Storage Materials, introduces an environmentally friendly process that avoids harsh chemicals. The new method employs micro batteries to break down lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese before extracting them using glycine, an amino acid. The use of glycine eliminates the need for aggressive acids or alkalis, reducing toxic by-products and making the process significantly more sustainable. See also: Extend…

Huawei and SAIC Motor will officially unveil their joint automotive brand, Shangjie, on April 10, according to a report by local media outlet Cailian, citing industry sources. The brand will be the fifth under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) and is expected to introduce new vehicle models at the launch event. Shangjie’s first model is reportedly based on the SAIC Roewe ES39 and is likely to utilize an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain. “The model will be officially launched within this year,” an industry source close to Huawei was quoted as saying in the Cailian report. See also: SAIC…

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued a tender to procure 660 electric buses, aiming to more than double the country’s fleet of battery-powered public transport vehicles by the end of 2027. The tender includes 360 single-deck and 300 double-decker buses, according to local media reports. To qualify, vehicles must meet stringent safety and operational requirements, including an automatic fire suppression system, a collision detection system, and passenger information displays. See also: Singapore Unveils Incentives to Boost Adoption of Electric Heavy Vehicles The fire suppression system is designed to detect and extinguish fires while triggering an audio and visual alarm…

Nio  is preparing to launch a major new model in the fourth quarter as it pushes for profitability and expands its global footprint, CEO William Li said according to a report by LatePost. “The Nio brand has a total of six new products this year, and we are very confident that we can return to the center of the stage and gain enough share in the markets we are in,” Li said. The company plans to introduce nine new models across its brands—Nio, Onvo, and Firefly—this year. Among them, the highly anticipated fourth-quarter model is designed with competitive cost settings and will…

Nio posted a record net loss in the fourth quarter, as selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses reached an all-time high, despite a slight improvement in gross margins, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker said in its earnings report. The company’s net loss widened to RMB 7.11 billion ($974 million), marking a 32.5% increase from a year earlier and a 40.6% rise from the third quarter. On an adjusted non-GAAP basis, net loss stood at RMB 6.62 billion, up 37.9% year-on-year and 50.1% sequentially. See also: Nio, CATL Sign Strategic Deal to Boost Battery Swap Services Revenue for the quarter…

Li Auto has filed regulatory updates for its current lineup, with plans to introduce upgraded versions in May, according to filings published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The updated models—Li Mega MPV and the Li L9, Li L8, Li L7, and Li L6 SUVs—appear in MIIT’s information change filing catalog rather than the new model filing catalog, indicating no changes to core components. See also: Li Auto Reports In-Line Q4 Revenue as Net Income Rebounds, Gross Margin Declines The main upgrade involves replacing larger LiDAR sensors with smaller ones, extending advanced driver assistance (AD) capabilities to…

The Chinese government has delayed approval for BYD to establish an electric vehicle (EV) plant in Mexico, citing concerns over potential technology leaks to the United States, the Financial Times reported on Friday. Chinese automakers require authorization from the Ministry of Commerce to manufacture vehicles overseas, but BYD has yet to receive clearance, two sources familiar with the matter told the publication. Authorities are reportedly concerned that BYD’s advanced smart car technology could become accessible to Mexico and, by extension, the U.S. See also: BYD Unveils Super e-Platform with 1,000-kW Charging, Adding 2 km of Range Per Second “The commerce…

Hesai Group, China’s largest LiDAR manufacturer, plans to establish its first overseas factory next year as customers seek to mitigate geopolitical risks, Chief Financial Officer Andrew Fan told the Financial Times. Hesai aims to break ground on the project by year-end, targeting production in 2026. The facility is expected to create “hundreds of jobs locally,” though the company has not disclosed its location. “Our clients who are hoping to diffuse the risks have found it a wise approach,” Fan said, emphasizing the need for a diversified supply chain to guard against logistical disruptions. See also: Mercedes-Benz Selects China’s Hesai for…