Author: Jackson Han

At the recent Paris Intermat show, German equipment manufacturer Kramer showcased its latest environmentally friendly offerings – the 5065e electric wheel loader and 1445e electric telehandler. Designed for noise-sensitive areas like city centers, cemeteries, golf courses, hotels, and suburban parks, Kramer’s electric wheel loader and telehandler operate quietly and emit zero harmful diesel particulate matter and other forms of air pollution. Christian Stryffeler, Kramer’s Managing Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting its new electric vehicles (EVs) in the French market. “That’s why Intermat is an important platform for us,” Stryffeler stated. “We are also looking forward to showcasing our…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has introduced its latest model, the G6 electric SUV, to the European market, marking its third offering in the region. The G6 is now available for order in the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, offering a compelling alternative to other electric SUVs, including the Tesla Model Y, at a more affordable price point. In the Netherlands, the Xpeng G6 starts at 42,990 euros, making it a more cost-effective option compared to the Tesla Model Y, which starts at 45,990 euros for the rear-wheel-drive version with a small battery. The price difference extends to other variants…

Tesla has disclosed that the Cybertruck’s front trunk, or ‘frunk,’ incorporates a ‘learning algorithm,’ shedding light on the reasons behind some of the inconsistent results observed in finger-pinching tests. Concerns have been raised regarding the sharp corners of the Cybertruck posing a potential hazard for users and pedestrians. The Cybertruck has garnered attention through numerous videos showing individuals using the frunk to cut vegetables and fruits. In a recent update, Tesla has improved the frunk’s object detection system. According to the automaker’s release notes: “The powered frunk can better detect obstructions just before it finishes closing.” Cybertruck owners who received…

Bank of America has highlighted the potential impact of Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) technology on the company’s earnings in China, suggesting that it could boost earnings by $2.3 billion by 2030 if widely adopted among the company’s Chinese customers. Elon Musk’s recent unannounced trip to China has sparked speculation that Tesla is laying the groundwork for the release of FSD in the country. This aligns with Tesla’s partnership with internet giant Baidu for navigation and mapping data, as well as clearance of data security and processing requirements by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. While FSD (Supervised) has been…

Following Tesla’s recent announcement of bringing forward the introduction of more affordable electric cars, industry experts anticipate that these vehicles will not be entirely new models. Instead, they are likely to be toned-down versions of the popular Model 3 and Model Y, according to Reuters, citing Tesla investors and analysts. Tesla’s decision to accelerate the launch of these “more affordable models” comes after the company reported declining sales and business figures in its Q1 annual report. Tesla aims to counteract this decline with an early model offensive, utilizing aspects of the next-generation platform and the current platforms. These new models…

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…