Author: Todd Gilbert

Fang Cheng Bao, a sub-brand of China’s BYD, launched the Tai 3 sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Tuesday, its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and the most affordable model in its lineup to date. The entry-level version is priced from RMB 133,800 ($18,300), a reduction from its earlier pre-sale price. The Tai 3 is offered in five variants, including two rear-wheel-drive options priced at RMB 133,800 and RMB 139,800, and three four-wheel-drive versions starting at RMB 153,800, RMB 163,800, and RMB 193,800. The model is positioned as a family SUV, broadening Fang Cheng Bao’s product scope, which previously focused on off-road…

General Motors (GM) will temporarily lay off approximately 200 workers at its Factory Zero electric vehicle plant in Detroit, as the automaker adjusts production in response to moderating demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. The decision affects about 4% of the plant’s 4,500 employees and reflects shifting market dynamics, a GM spokesperson confirmed. “This move is not related to Trump’s tariffs but rather to the automaker adjusting its production to align with market dynamics,” the source told U.S. News. See also: Trump Meets General Motors CEO as Automaker Plans $60 Billion Investment Amid Tariff Uncertainty Factory Zero,…

May Mobility has announced that its RAPID AV pilot program in Arlington, Texas, has surpassed 100,000 rides. Since its launch in March 2021, the autonomous vehicle service has been providing free transportation to students and staff at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), covering the campus and downtown areas. The program is part of ongoing efforts to improve mobility solutions for communities, particularly in campus and suburban settings. The RAPID AV service is a partnership between May Mobility, the City of Arlington, Via, and UTA, designed to provide an accessible and efficient transportation option for UTA students, many of…

Germany’s incoming coalition government has pledged to support the country’s automotive industry with new purchase incentives for electric vehicles and is considering converting surplus car plants for defence production, according to a coalition agreement document seen by Reuters. The agreement, reached between Germany’s conservative and Social Democratic parties, outlines a dual approach to industrial policy: accelerating the transition to electric mobility while also adapting industrial capacity to meet growing defence needs in Europe. See also: Germany Funds Two Hydrogen Innovation Centres with €154 Million The coalition plans to offer financial incentives for electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids and battery electric…

Chinese automaker BYD has launched its latest electric sedan, the Qin L EV, with more than 10,000 units sold in the vehicle’s first week on the market. The model, which debuted on March 24, is positioned as an affordable alternative to Tesla’s Model 3 in China, with a starting price of 119,800 yuan (approximately $16,500). Comparable in size to the Tesla Model 3, the Qin L EV measures 4,720 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. While offering a similar footprint, the Qin L undercuts the Model 3 in…

Hyundai has revealed a fully redesigned version of its hydrogen-powered Nexo at the Seoul Mobility Show, signaling the automaker’s continued commitment to fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology despite limited global infrastructure. Inspired by the Initium concept shown in late 2024, the production Nexo adopts a boxier profile under the brand’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language. The vehicle’s bold aesthetic has drawn comparisons to the Pontiac Aztek, though Hyundai appears to be embracing the unconventional look as part of its strategy to stand out in the alternative fuel segment. See also: Hyundai to Establish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plant in Ulsan,…

Volvo Trucks North America will integrate Greenlane’s public charging network into its Volvo Open Charge service, marking a key step in the development of electric truck infrastructure across the United States, the companies said on Thursday. The partnership begins with the opening of Greenlane’s first flagship charging location for electric trucks in Colton, California, near San Bernardino. The site will feature more than 40 public chargers for heavy-, medium-, and light-duty zero-emission vehicles. Additional locations are planned for Long Beach, Barstow, and Baker, all positioned along the I-15 corridor between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. See also: Volvo Trucks Expands…

Li Auto has set a sales target of 700,000 vehicles for 2025, representing a 40% increase from last year’s 500,508 deliveries, Chinese financial news outlet 21jingji reported, citing multiple independent sources. The company remains cautious about the sales outlook for its new battery electric vehicle (BEV) models launching this year, with a modest full-year target of 50,000 units, according to an insider. However, Li Auto has provided suppliers with a higher projection, expecting BEVs to account for over 20% of total sales—translating to more than 140,000 units. See also: Li Auto to Open-Source Halo OS, Challenging Industry Standard AUTOSAR “This…

Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Ehang has received operating licenses for its EH216-S aerial vehicle, clearing the way for paid passenger services, the company announced. Ehang’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Guangdong EHang General Aviation, and its joint venture, Hefei HeYi Aviation, were awarded the first Air Operator Certificates for pilotless civil aerial vehicles by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The approval enables commercial manned flight services, including low-altitude tourism and city tours, at operational sites in Guangzhou and Hefei. See also: EHang Forms Joint Venture for eVTOL Production in China, Completes First Urban Test Flight in Europe…

Zeekr Group reported delivering a total of 40,715 vehicles across its Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands in March, marking a 30.18% increase compared to February’s 31,277 deliveries. The company also saw a 24.58% year-on-year growth from 32,683 vehicles delivered in March 2024. The Zeekr brand alone delivered 15,422 units in March, an 18.52% increase from the previous year and a 9.85% rise over February. Meanwhile, Lynk & Co, which recently became 51% owned by Zeekr, delivered 25,293 vehicles in March, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 28.58% and a 46.73% increase from February. See also: Zeekr to Launch 1.2-MW Ultra-Fast…

BYD has reduced prices on three hybrid models in its Ocean series, following the launch of its Smart Driving Edition updates, according to information shared by a company executive on social media. The non-Smart Driving version of the Seal 06 DM-i hybrid sedan is now priced at RMB 89,800 ($12,360), down 10% from its official guide price of RMB 99,800. The non-Smart Driving version of the entry-level Seal 07 DM-i hybrid sedan has been reduced by RMB 10,000 to RMB 129,800, while the Song Plus DM-i hybrid SUV saw its price drop by RMB 16,000 to RMB 119,800. See also:…

Porsche Engineering has introduced an innovative “alternating current battery” concept for electric vehicles, integrating multiple components into a single system. Alongside this development, the company has also designed a new high-performance battery control unit. Traditionally, an electric drivetrain consists of a high-voltage battery, power electronics for converting DC to AC, and an onboard charger for AC charging. However, Porsche Engineering has reimagined this structure by dividing the high-voltage battery into 18 individual modules, each of which can be controlled separately through power semiconductor switches. This modular arrangement enables direct generation of the three-phase AC voltage required for the traction motor…