Author: Jackson Han

Nio has signed a new cooperation agreement with its battery supplier CATL to develop longer-lasting electric car batteries, aiming for the battery to retain 85 per cent of its capacity after 15 years. This agreement is part of Nio’s efforts to reduce the overall costs of electric vehicles. CATL has developed technologies to extend the service life of vehicle batteries, such as a self-repairing SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) film and special additives. Nio, on the other hand, has developed an intelligent battery cloud system to optimize battery management for a longer service life. Nio’s founder and CEO William Li emphasized…

China’s BYD is set to challenge established automakers in Europe with plans to triple its share in the electric vehicle (EV) market by 2025, following its success in dominating its home market. The company entered the European market in 2021, initially targeting Norway. Last year, BYD sold 15,644 electric cars in Europe, capturing a 1.1% share of the region’s EV market, according to global data collection firm DataForce. See also: BYD Introduces the SEAL U DM-i to European Markets at Geneva International Motor Show 2024 However, BYD views this as just the beginning of its European expansion. Europe CEO Michael Shu…

Li Auto announced plans to unveil new, more affordable variants of its L-series extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models in May, alongside enhanced car-buying benefits for 2024 models starting this month. The company recently debuted the 2024 Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9 on March 1, each maintaining the same nomenclature as the 2023 models but now featuring air suspension as a standard feature. Notably, the 2023 Li L7 Air and Li L8 Air models did not include air suspensions but instead featured CDC suspensions. The Li L9 model does not offer an Air version, and the previous Pro and…

Just unveiled last week, Rivian’s latest offering, the R2, is set to bring a blend of funky styling, attractive pricing, and fun features to the electric vehicle market. One of its standout features is a movie projector housed in the optional rooftop tent, known as the ‘Treehouse.’ In an interview with TechCrunch, Brian Gase, Senior Director of special projects and prototypes at Rivian, confirmed that the R2’s rooftop tent will indeed include a movie projector, powered by one of the vehicle’s power sources. The tent, stored in a black ‘hardshell’ that opens upwards, transforms into a compact rooftop tent. A…

The number of battery-electric cars registered in Germany surged by 39.1 percent to reach 1.4 million in 2023, according to the latest data from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). In comparison, the number of hybrid cars now stands at 2.9 million. However, registrations for diesel and petrol cars experienced a slight decline, with diesel down 2 percent and petrol down 1.1 percent. Fossil fuels still power approximately 44.4 million passenger vehicles on German roads. See also: Tesla Leads Canadian Zero-Emission Vehicle Market in 2023, Despite Overall Drop in Share Germany has a total of 49.1 million registered passenger cars,…

Rivian surprised the automotive world by unveiling its highly anticipated R2 SUV with a starting price of just $45,000. In addition to the R2, the company also introduced another vehicle, the R3, and showcased a new battery cell, the 4695, which will power both cars. The 4695 cell gets its name from its diameter of 46 millimeters and height of 95 millimeters, making it considerably larger than Tesla’s 4680 cells. While Rivian has yet to release detailed specifications for the 4695 cell, its larger size suggests it will hold more energy than Tesla’s cells. Larger cells also typically allow for…

Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Hozon Auto, is set to commence deliveries of its new model, the Neta L, in April, according to CEO Zhang Yong’s announcement on Weibo today. The Neta L, yet to be officially launched, is still undergoing discussions regarding its configuration, as mentioned by Zhang. The model has been anticipated for months, with Neta indicating that it will be available in both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions. See also: Neta Auto Initiates IPO Preparation in Q4 2023, Attracts Over $280 million in Cornerstone Investments In a response…

Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has revealed that its highly anticipated 150-kWh semi-solid-state battery pack will finally be deployed in the second quarter of this year, marking a significant milestone after facing several setbacks. The announcement was made in the company’s fourth-quarter 2023 earnings highlights, shared on its social media platforms in China. This ultra-long-range battery pack is the largest-capacity unit to be mass-produced in the domestic passenger vehicle segment, enabling Nio models equipped with it to achieve an impressive range of up to 1,055 kilometers. See also: Nio Unveils Strategic Roadmap, Including Alps Brand Expansion and Lower-Tier City…

New spy shots have emerged, suspected to be the first model from Nio’s second brand, codenamed Alps, bringing the model closer to production status. He Lei, CEO of local automotive media outlet Xchuxing, shared two images on his site’s forum today, claiming that these images depict Alps’ inaugural model. Reportedly captured during testing in Heihe, Heilongjiang province in northern China, these images offer a clearer view of Alps’ first model compared to previous blurry spy shots, noted He. See also: Nio’s Sub-brand, Alps, Nears Trial Production Milestone with Launch Anticipated in Late 2024 The camouflaged car features a slogan on the…

Baidu has achieved a significant milestone in the field of autonomous driving, with its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, becoming the first in China to offer fully driverless rides across the Yangtze River. This groundbreaking achievement showcases Baidu’s prowess in autonomous technology and marks a substantial expansion of its operational capabilities. Operating in Wuhan, Apollo Go’s service includes an impressive fleet that navigates the complex terrain of the Yangtze River, crossing 11 bridges that connect the city’s north and south banks. Notably, the Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge and Wuhan Baishazhou Bridge serve as demonstrations of Apollo Go’s technological excellence, enhancing…

US-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is set to introduce its R2 electric SUV, marking its first next-generation model following the R1S and R1T. However, several details about the vehicle were inadvertently revealed through the website’s code before the official premiere. The R2 is expected to have a starting price of $47,000 and offer a range of up to 330 miles (531 kilometers), with a planned market launch in 2026. The electric SUV boasts impressive acceleration, capable of going from zero to 60 mph in three seconds, and features seating for five passengers. See also: RJ Scaringe Unveils Fresh Insight of Rivian…

BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has introduced the Seagull, a compact electric vehicle, to the markets of Brazil and Mexico. This marks the arrival of BYD’s most affordable model in South America. The Seagull, part of BYD’s Ocean series, joins the Seal and Dolphin models in the Brazilian and Mexican markets, expanding the company’s footprint in Latin America. BYD plans to introduce the Seagull in additional Latin American markets in the future. See also: BYD Explores Mexican Plant to Boost Local Market Share In Brazil and Mexico, the Seagull is known as the Dolphin Mini, positioned as a…