Tesla has confirmed the start of mass production for its refreshed Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” at its Shanghai Gigafactory. The event was celebrated by factory employees, with images showing the first mass-produced vehicles rolling off the assembly line on February 17th. Interestingly, the official announcement followed a day later. The initial models are finished in a new Glacier Blue color… Read more…
Proton begins groundwork to build EVs in Malaysia
Malaysian automaker Proton has started construction of the country’s first plant for EVs. The company will invest 82 million Malaysian ringgit (approximately 18 million euros) in the factory. Read more…
FastCell: German consortium optimises batteries’ fast-charging capabilities
The Chair of ‘Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components’ (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University is working together with partners from research and industry as part of the new ‘SchnelleZelle’ (FastCell) project to optimise the fast-charging capability of prismatic lithium-ion batteries. Read more…
VW hands over first e-Transporters to customers
VW Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) has started deliveries of the electric Transporter and the electric Caravelle in Europe. Both electric models are based on the seventh generation of the VW Transporter, which shares the platform with Ford. The EVs will be manufactured in Turkey. Read more…
Li Auto realigns management as CEO shifts focus to AI, report says
Li Auto president Ma Donghui took on the role of head of smart car strategy, thus freeing up CEO Li Xiang to focus on AI, according to local media.
Li previously said Li Auto’s vision was to become a leading global AI company by 2030.
CATL continues to ramp up battery production in Germany
Chinese market leader CATL has already opened its first battery factory in Europe in 2023. The company is currently working on further scaling up production in Arnstadt, Germany – and is looking for more staff to do so. Read more…
Nio’s upcoming Onvo L80 SUV spied on the streets
Nio sub-brand Onvo is launching its second model this year, the L80. This will follow the L60, the brand’s debut EV, which came in 2024. While the L60 is a two-row five-seat SUV, the L80 will be a three-row six/seven-seat SUV. Today some spy shots of an L80 under heavy camouflage have surfaced in China, showing it at a Tesla… Read more…
Renault helps put out battery fires more efficiently
Renault says that it has made its ‘Firemann Access’ system “freely available” to the automotive industry to improve road safety. Designed for electric vehicles, the system helps first responders fight battery fires. Read more…
Analysis finds Altilium’s CAM outperforms virgin mined materials
Altilium has announced the results of research by Imperial College London, revealing that its recycled cathode materials (CAM) match and outperform virgin mined materials – a critical milestone in the bid to meet net-zero targets. Read more…
Renault and Geely sign cooperation deal in Brazil
The Renault Group and Geely Holding are joining forces for the production and sale of zero- and low-emission vehicles in Brazil. Geely intends to acquire a stake in Renault do Brasil and, in return, will benefit from Renault’s local production, sales and service resources. Read more…
Tesla officially begins production of facelifted Model Y at Shanghai plant
China EV insurance registrations by brand for week ending Feb 16: Nio 1,900, Tesla 7,500, Xiaomi 6,900, BYD 46,800
Xpeng was at 8,100 units, Li Auto 7,500, Zeekr 3,600, Leapmotor 5,200 and Aito 3,000.
Major EV makers saw increased insurance registrations last week, albeit still at a low level.
This $500M EV battery material plant is the first of its kind in the US
Japan’s UBE Corporation has broken ground in Louisiana on what will be the US’s only dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) plant – key components for lithium-ion batteries in EVs and battery storage. DMC is also used in semiconductors. Read more…
Protests erupt at Tesla dealers as China holds FSD hostage in tariff war
It was a rough weekend for TSLA as public protests of CEO Elon Musk and his actions at DOGE overwhelm Tesla showrooms as calls from shareholders to fire America’s most powerful immigrant grow louder. Plus, solid-state batteries and a brand-new, affordable EV from Kia on today’s rapidly escalating episode of Quick Charge. Read more…
Geely, Renault partner to produce low-emission cars in Brazil
Geely Holding will invest in Renault Brazil as a minority shareholder, gaining access to localized production, sales and service resources in Brazil.
Renault’s two production facilities in Brazil will be used to produce these new models for Geely Holding and Renault.
Xiaomi YU7 will have 820 km rating per CLTC, certification confirms
Xiaomi is really taking big steps in the electric car arena in China, with its upcoming YU7 SUV. The most recent regulatory filings have revealed key details about this electric SUV, including its range and battery configurations, painting a picture of a very interesting car. The official launch is expected in June or July 2025, but the specs are already… Read more…
Facelifted Tesla Model Y sees expected delivery date in China moved up to later this month from Mar
The facelifted Model Y has entered a catalog in China with a reduced purchase tax, completing the full regulatory process.
The Model Y is facing more competition, with one potentially strong rival being the Xiaomi YU7.
Hyundai and Kia EVs are set to regain the $7,500 US tax credit
In a rollercoaster turn of events, Hyundai and Kia EVs are expected to again qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. With new models rolling out this year, the Korean auto giants expect another big year in the US in 2025. Read more…
BMW shows off next-gen “Heart of Joy” computer, aimed for production this year
BMW teased a new visionary platform slash computer that will power future Neue Klasse vehicles. Called the “Heart of Joy”, the computer was showcased in a prototype car BMW calls the Vision Driving Experience – meant as a testbed for BMW’s next-gen technology, the prototype will not enter production in this shape. Back to the “Heart of Joy” – the… Read more…
Lectric Presidents’ Day sale offers up to $650 in free e-bike gear from $999, Anker SOLIX C1000 $479, EGO Power+, Aventon, more
Starting off this week’s Green Deals is Lectric’s newly launched Presidents’ Day sale with up to $650 in free gear coming with its e-bike offers. Among the many package sizes we’re seeing this time around, the new XPeak 2.0 Long-Range Off-Road e-bikes are getting their largest bundles to date ($562 in free gear) at $1,699. We also have Anker’s SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station down at $479 while the brand’s Valentine’s Day sale continues, as well as up to 22% discounts hitting the popular EGO Power+ 56V single-stage and double-stage snow blowers, starting from $549. Lastly, Aventon’s Soltera.2 Urban Commuter e-bike can still be scored at $999 while the brand continues with New Year savings. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals from last week are in the links at the bottom of the page, collected together in our Electrified Weekly coverage from over the weekend.. Read more…
