Author: Michael Khan

China’s BYD is set to launch its first plug-in hybrid vehicle in Japan later this year as part of an effort to expand its presence in the country. The Shenzhen-based automaker aims to grow its product lineup in Japan to seven or eight models by 2027, including both fully electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids. See also: BYD Unveils Sealion 07 EV as Fourth Model in Japanese Market Expansion In addition to the upcoming plug-in hybrid, BYD will begin selling the Sealion 7 crossover, its fourth fully electric vehicle, in Japan starting in April. The company is focused on broadening…

Schneider Electric has launched Schneider Charge Pro in Europe, a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging solution designed to support fleet electrification and multifamily housing. The platform aims to simplify installation, reduce power disruptions, and streamline reimbursement processes, while adhering to the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which requires upgraded EV charging infrastructure by 2027. Schneider Charge Pro addresses the challenges of the fragmented market by providing a cost-effective solution for commercial fleet operators and building owners. See also: AmpUp and Tritium Partner to Launch Fast-Charging Station Upgrade Program in North America The solution offers a turnkey approach for…

Nio’s sub-brand Onvo is making strides toward the launch of its second model, internally codenamed “Blanc.” According to He Lei, CEO of automotive media outlet Xchuxing, the Onvo L80 has completed trial production and is entering the Tooling Trial (TT) stage, marking a significant step toward the start of production (SOP). Earlier this month, Onvo’s vice president, Xia Qinghua, revealed that the new model is designed to compete with Li Auto’s Li L8 or Li L9. The vehicle is scheduled for release in the second half of 2025, signaling Onvo’s ambitions to solidify its position in the competitive SUV market.…

Lubi Industries has been awarded a major contract by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to manufacture, supply, install, and commission 1,400 fast DC chargers across India. The 60kW chargers will be installed at BPCL’s retail outlets, contributing significantly to the country’s expanding EV infrastructure. The 1,400 chargers are expected to form a substantial part of India’s growing network of fast chargers, supporting the surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Electric car sales in India saw remarkable growth in 2024, with 99,004 units sold, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in sales reflects the growing consumer…

Tata Motors, India’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is prioritizing locally produced EV batteries to reinforce its position as competition in the sector intensifies. Group CFO P.B. Balaji highlighted the company’s $1.5 billion investment in a domestic battery gigafactory, emphasizing its role in securing the supply chain and reducing costs. “Our focus on building the entire ecosystem positions us as a strong player in this market,” Balaji said during India’s car show, where Tata’s EVs were showcased alongside models from global manufacturers such as BYD and Vinfast. See also: Tata Motors Optimistic on EV Growth as Costs Decline, Competition Heats…

Renault is set to reenter the Indian market with two electric vehicle (EV) models over the next two years, aiming to bolster its presence in the world’s third-largest car market. The French automaker plans to introduce the Kiger EV, a small electric SUV, by late 2026, followed by an electric version of the Triber by March 2027, according to a report from Autocar Professional. The Kiger EV will be built on a dedicated EV platform, a departure from Renault’s traditional approach of modifying existing platforms to cut costs. “India is not an easy market—and many car makers have had to…

Tata Motors is set to debut its luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand, Avinya, with an unconventional approach. Instead of the popular SUV format, the Indian automaker will launch the brand with a Sportback model, followed by an SUV. Speaking at Auto Expo 2025, Martin Uhlarik, Tata Motors’ global head of design, confirmed the brand’s unique strategy, emphasizing the Sportback as a statement of luxury and innovation. “The Avinya concept we showcased two years ago is a manifesto, but the first product to launch will be a Sportback—a five-door, very low and very dynamic vehicle,” Uhlarik told Autocar India. He added…

Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has announced its entry into the Indian market with two premium electric SUVs, the VF6 and VF7, unveiled at the India Auto Show in New Delhi. The move positions VinFast against established players such as Mahindra & Mahindra and China’s BYD, as it seeks to capitalize on India’s growing EV market, the world’s third-largest car market. “We are turning our focus to India – our next growth frontier,” said Pham Sanh Chau, VinFast’s Asia CEO. The Nasdaq-listed automaker, which primarily operates in North America and Vietnam, aims to contribute to India’s push for net-zero carbon…

BYD has introduced the Sealion 7 in India, strengthening its portfolio in one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets. The electric SUV was unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi on January 18, with bookings now open. Local deliveries are set to begin in March, according to the company. The Sealion 7, a rebranded version of the Sealion 07 sold in China, comes in two variants: the Premium, with a single-motor rear-wheel drive, and the Performance, featuring a dual-motor all-wheel drive. The SUV measures 4,830 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in…

German battery cell manufacturer CustomCells has announced a strategic partnership with Austrian battery system specialist Kreisel Electric to develop two custom battery cell designs specifically for off-highway vehicles. The collaboration will focus on creating a high-energy-density variant and another designed with an optimized cost structure, combining both companies’ expertise to offer solutions tailored for industries such as construction and agriculture. Philipp Kreisel, Founder and Managing Director of Kreisel Electric, highlighted the goal of the partnership: “The goal of this collaboration is, of course, to identify the best and most optimal cell for future applications. At the same time, we aim…

Volkswagen Group has chosen to use a cost-efficient adaptation of its Compact Main Platform (CMP) to develop mass-market electric vehicles (EVs) for India, Autocar India reported. The India-specific platform, dubbed the India Main Platform (IMP), will underpin four electric SUVs, including two models each from Volkswagen and Skoda, according to the report. The IMP platform is being designed with regional adaptations to ensure affordability and compliance with India’s regulatory landscape. The platform’s flexibility will also enable the company to position its EVs competitively in a market where pricing plays a critical role. Additionally, SAVWIPL, the company’s local subsidiary, plans to…

Cadillac has set an ambitious goal to become the top-selling luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand in the United States by 2025, according to John Roth, Cadillac’s Vice President. During a recent media briefing, Roth highlighted the brand’s growing momentum, largely driven by the success of the Lyriq, Cadillac’s electric mid-size luxury SUV. The Lyriq experienced a remarkable 210.3% increase in U.S. sales last year, totaling 28,402 units and securing its position as the best-selling electric mid-size luxury SUV in the market. Roth noted that the Lyriq has also been a powerful conquest vehicle, with 76% of its buyers coming from…