Author: Jackson Han

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD  has initiated a recall of some of its electric vehicles in China due to a software issue, marking the first such recall in recent years. According to an announcement on China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) website today, BYD will recall 16,666 Seagull EVs manufactured between April 7, 2023, and May 31, 2023, with the recall set to begin on May 20. The recall is related to a software issue with the camera driver in the multimedia display assembly, which may cause some vehicles to experience a problem where the reverse screen cannot…

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has reportedly received tentative approval in China, marking a significant milestone for the electric vehicle maker. The news comes as Tesla CEO Elon Musk arrived in China during the ongoing Beijing Auto Show, where he is expected to make further announcements regarding the company’s plans in the country. According to the Wall Street Journal, Chinese officials have indicated that Beijing has tentatively approved Tesla’s FSD plans, clearing several critical regulatory hurdles that have delayed its release in China. One of the key hurdles was related to Tesla’s mapping and navigation functions in the country, which…

At the Beijing Motor Show, BYD showcased its new Ocean M electric car concept, set to hit the Chinese market in the third quarter of 2024. Priced between approximately 150,000 and 200,000 yuan (19,300 to 25,800 euros), the hatchback model is slated for production. While BYD has not confirmed whether the Ocean M will be available in Europe, industry observers, including Car News China, speculate that its design hints at a potential European market launch. The Ocean M is built on a new electric platform, possibly succeeding the current e-platform 3.0. BYD has revealed limited technical details, noting that the…

CATL is targeting small-volume production of all-solid-state batteries by 2027, marking the first time the battery maker has announced a mass-production timetable for the new batteries. CATL’s chief scientist Wu Kai revealed at the China International Battery Fair (CIBF) 2024 event that the company’s all-solid-state battery development currently stands at a 4 on a scale of 1-9 for technology and manufacturing maturity. The goal is to reach a score of 7-8 by 2027, allowing for small-batch production. However, high-volume production still faces challenges, particularly regarding cost. Wu highlighted the advantages of all-solid-state batteries, noting their potential for higher energy density…

At the 2024 Beijing auto show, Zeekr has revealed its latest innovation: the SEA-M architecture and the Zeekr Mix, the first model to be based on it. This new architecture is part of Zeekr’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) and is designed to support a wide range of products, from passenger cars like robotaxis and MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) to commercial vehicles for logistics. According to Zeekr, they have invested over RMB 7 billion ($970 million) to develop the SEA-M architecture, which combines ultimate space, vehicle safety, and swift handling. The architecture aims to create an intelligent “living room” on wheels, with…

Li Auto, a major Chinese automaker, has slashed prices by approximately 5% on four of its five models, intensifying a price war in the country’s automotive market. The company also announced refunds for customers who had purchased these models earlier this year, following similar moves by Tesla and BYD. As the leading seller of extended-range hybrids in China, Li Auto’s decision to reduce prices follows a trend in the industry. U.S. automaker Tesla and BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker, have recently lowered prices for their models, sparking increased competition. Li Auto’s price cuts apply to its L7,…

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has granted its Thai dealer Rêver a license to construct a factory for electric buses and trucks in Thailand, as reported by local newspaper The Nation. The agreement, outlined in a recent letter of intent, marks a significant step in expanding BYD’s presence in Southeast Asia’s burgeoning electric vehicle market. While specific details regarding the factory’s timetable and production capacity remain undisclosed, the move aligns with BYD’s broader strategy to bolster its manufacturing footprint in Thailand. In March 2023, BYD commenced construction on an electric car factory in Rayong province, with a planned annual capacity…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio has refuted rumors of new layoff plans, following discussions sparked on Chinese social media today. In a post on its mobile app, Nio stated that recent claims by foreign bloggers regarding new layoffs were unfounded. Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li expressed that he was unaware of any such plans when asked about the issue. The company is scheduled to hold a launch event on April 20 to unveil its full-domain intelligent driving system, according to the post. Speculation about new layoffs began circulating on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with some bloggers…

Nio announced today that its Jia Dian (加电) mobile app has exceeded 5 million registered users, solidifying its position as a key player in the country’s EV charging landscape. Launched in September 2019, the app has become popular among EV owners for its wide range of features and comprehensive coverage of public charging infrastructure. The Jia Dian App, which translates to “add power,” boasts compatibility with 90 percent of public charging piles in China, offering services such as scanning charging QR codes, smart path planning, route navigation, and community interaction. Nio Power, the company’s energy replenishment platform, facilitates access to…

Kenya is setting its sights on becoming a global leader in the transition from diesel to electric buses, with plans for all public transport buses in the country to be electric by 2027. The government’s efforts are bolstered by the opening of a new plant for electric buses, marking a significant step towards achieving this ambitious goal. The announcement was made by Kenya’s Minister of Trade, Rebecca Miano, at the inauguration of the country’s first assembly line for electric buses. The company BasiGo has commenced the manufacturing of electric buses of the E9 Kubwa model at this plant and aims…

Fang Cheng Bao, the personalized sub-brand of BYD, has introduced its latest crossover SUV model, the Bao 8, along with two intriguing concepts, the Super 3 and Super 9, as part of its showcase leading up to the 2024 Beijing auto show. The new models were revealed at Fang Cheng Bao’s spring launch event in Shenzhen, marking the debut of its complete product lineup, including its initial model, the Bao 5. The Super 3 concept previews the upcoming SUV, the Bao 3, while the Super 9 concept presents a 2-seat supercar vision. Fang Cheng Bao has announced plans to exhibit…

Nio is gearing up to launch its updated ET7 sedan at the upcoming Beijing auto show, with deliveries set to begin on April 30. The company announced that reservations for the 2024 ET7 opened today, offering customers who pre-order the model before the official launch on April 25 RMB 3,000 worth of Nio Credits. According to Nio, the 2024 ET7 will feature significant upgrades, including a new interior with two large screens in the rear. Show cars of the updated ET7 are already being shipped to Nio’s showrooms in China, with test drives scheduled to be available on April 25.…