Category: EV vehicles

  • Tesla Sales Drop as Chinese Electric Cars Surge in Popularity

    Tesla Sales Drop as Chinese Electric Cars Surge in Popularity

    Tesla moved 1.79 million vehicles to buyers last year, which is a small drop from 1.8 million in the year before. The production numbers also dipped a bit, landing at 1.77 million vehicles. Even the much-anticipated Cybertruck, Tesla’s cutting-edge pick-up, fell short of sales expectations. Alongside the Model S and Model X, the Cybertruck represented less than 5% of overall sales. The Model 3 and Y still reign supreme as Tesla’s top sellers, making up the bulk of their sales.

    Electric Vehicle Market Struggles

    Tesla’s difficulties are not unique; the entire electric vehicle sector is facing a downturn. Global obstacles like ongoing inflation, increasing interest rates, and persistent supply chain issues are affecting what consumers want. Additionally, shifts in subsidy regulations in various countries are further slowing down electric vehicle sales.

    BYD’s Rising Success

    In contrast to Tesla’s challenges, BYD is experiencing remarkable growth. The Chinese automaker sold a stunning 4.27 million vehicles in 2024, up from 3 million the prior year. A major part of this achievement is the rising appeal of plug-in hybrids in China, with BYD selling 2,485,378 of these models in 2024 alone, thanks to favorable government subsidies.

    Volkswagen’s Troubles

    On the flip side, the German automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) faces its own set of problems. VW projects it sold 9 million vehicles in 2024, which is 200,000 units less than in 2023. Besides the troubles affecting the broader electric vehicle market, Volkswagen grapples with high production expenses in Germany, lower productivity rates, and heavy reliance on the Chinese market. In China specifically, VW has seen a sharp decline in sales due to fierce competition from local companies like BYD.

    Data Protection Issues

    To complicate things further, Volkswagen is also dealing with data protection concerns. A recent security flaw was found at VW’s subsidiary, Cariad, which develops software for VW vehicles. Sensitive location data for about 800,000 VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles was left exposed for months.

    New Competitor Emerges

    Meanwhile, another competitor is emerging in the electric vehicle arena. Xiaomi, known primarily for its smartphones, made its entry into the e-car market in 2024. In its first year, around 130,000 Xiaomi SU7 vehicles were sold. The company plans to ramp up its efforts in 2025, aiming to double its sales numbers.

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  • New Zinc Battery Beats Lithium-Ion in Every Performance Category

    New Zinc Battery Beats Lithium-Ion in Every Performance Category

    Dowanol is a flexible solvent that works with almost all types of resins and oils. It has low toxicity, a small impact on the environment, and is very affordable, costing just $10 per liter. Recent research from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, has uncovered a potentially revolutionary application for this widely accessible compound.

    Addressing Battery Shortcomings

    Essentially, all the issues that are hindering the broad use of zinc-sulfur batteries in electric vehicles, large energy storage systems, and portable devices can be resolved by using 1-methoxy-2-propanol, which is the scientific name for Dowanol. This improvement was made possible by adding another component, zinc iodide.

    Improved Battery Performance

    Tests in the lab revealed that these battery cells demonstrate improved conductivity and solid stability. In addition, the formation of dendrites—crystalline structures that can lead to short circuits and, in extreme cases, dangerous fires—can be significantly reduced.

    Boosted Energy Density

    On top of that, the already remarkable energy density of zinc-sulfur batteries has been enhanced by an additional 20%. This leads to an energy density of nearly 470 Wh per kilogram, which is nearly equal to the best solid-state batteries currently available and much better than standard lithium-ion batteries.

    Cost-Effective Production

    Furthermore, making zinc batteries is already quite economical. Their cell design is relatively simple, and the raw materials—zinc and sulfur—are easy to find at low costs, typically just a few dollars per kilogram. The use of the widely accessible and inexpensive Dowanol further increases the economic viability of this new battery technology.

    Attractive Features for Applications

    The combination of improved safety, lightweight characteristics, and high capacity makes these batteries especially appealing for electric vehicles and other uses. The main hurdle now is to transform these encouraging research results into a commercially successful, mass-produced zinc battery for the general market.

    Case Western Reserve University, Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

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  • Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough Matches Lithium’s Energy Density

    Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough Matches Lithium’s Energy Density

    The scientific effort to create affordable sodium-ion batteries as a potential substitute for lithium-based battery packs used in electric vehicles and energy storage is reminiscent of the intense research and development that fueled LFP batteries over the last decade.

    Price and Performance of LFP Batteries

    The phosphate batteries, which avoid the costly nickel and cobalt, have gradually seen a decrease in price. This has led to the emergence of portable power stations, such as the Anker SOLIX, which are available for under a thousand dollars on Amazon. Additionally, these batteries have shown improvements in energy density and charging capabilities in cold conditions. As a result, LFP batteries are becoming the preferred choice for mass-produced electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

    Advancements in Sodium-Ion Technology

    A similar trend is unfolding with sodium-ion batteries. Sodium is around 50 times cheaper than lithium and is so plentiful that it can be extracted from seawater. After more than ten years of research aimed at developing a practical sodium-ion battery, the first electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems are starting to appear. Major battery manufacturers, CATL and BYD, are focusing more on sodium-ion production, even with the significant decline in lithium prices recently.

    Improving Energy Density

    One of the main drawbacks of sodium-ion batteries has been their energy density, which is gradually improving as more research from labs transitions into production. A recent breakthrough involves a sodium vanadium phosphate compound (NaxV2(PO4)3) developed by scientists from the University of Houston and various French universities, moving from theory to practical use.

    This new vanadium phosphate material enhances the theoretical energy density from the current average of 396 Wh/kg to 458 Wh/kg, which brings it closer to lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, the incorporation of vanadium helps maintain stability during quick charging and discharging cycles while providing a higher voltage of 3.7V compared to the conventional cells currently in use.

    Implications for Future Developments

    Researchers highlight that “the continuous voltage change is a key feature” since it improves the battery’s energy efficiency without compromising the stability of the electrodes. The team even refers to this advancement as “a game-changer” for the future of sodium-ion battery technology and suggests that their specialized process could potentially apply to other electrode materials as well.

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  • Explosives-Laden Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Body Holds Up Well

    Explosives-Laden Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Body Holds Up Well

    In a series of incidents that might be linked, a Tesla Cybertruck was rented via Turo, filled with fireworks, gas canisters, and camping fuel, then exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

    Aftermath of the Explosion

    After the explosion, Elon Musk remarked that the Tesla electric truck, known for its stainless steel structure, was probably the worst choice for the individuals behind the blast. The body panels are almost twice as thick compared to standard sheet metal used in other trucks, which helped to restrict the explosion’s impact.

    Law Enforcement Response

    Authorities have shared images of the Cybertruck, showing that its stainless steel shell indeed played a role in minimizing the damage. The truck bed, packed with explosives, remained intact, and the body suffered little damage. Remarkably, the tires also appeared to be undamaged, avoiding any blowouts or deflation.

    According to a law enforcement source, the construction of the Cybertruck may have been beneficial in containing the destruction from the blast:

    "The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred. Most of the explosion went upward through the truck. Not even the front glass doors of the Trump hotel were broken, despite being right in line with the blast."

    Communication with Authorities

    Elon Musk and the Tesla team were in touch with local law enforcement who were looking into the explosion, providing insights about how the Cybertruck "locked after it exploded due to the nature of the force from the explosion."

    Ultimately, the only person who died was the individual inside the Cybertruck who allegedly caused the detonation, while seven others nearby suffered only minor injuries, thanks to the stainless steel pickup that kept the explosion mostly contained.

    Source: Link

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  • New York Electric Grid at Risk as Demand Surges Rapidly

    New York Electric Grid at Risk as Demand Surges Rapidly

    The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has put out its 2024 Reliability Needs Assessment (RNA), and it’s raising big concerns about the future safety of the state’s electric grid. The report points out that there are reliability gaps that might show up as early as 2033, particularly regarding New York City’s capacity to handle peak electricity use.

    Projected Shortfalls

    The RNA predicts a shortfall of 17 megawatts (MW) in the summer of 2033, which could grow to 97 MW by the next year. These results underline the urgent need for strategic measures to tackle the increasing risks faced by the state’s electrical system as it encounters unique challenges.

    Factors Behind the Risks

    There are several reasons for the rising risks noted in the assessment, such as the growing electrification of transportation and buildings, which is likely to increase the demand for electricity. Large commercial developments, like data centers and chip-making plants, make the situation worse by adding significant energy loads to the grid.

    Moreover, the new legislation in 2023 that requires the closure of small natural gas plants owned by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) in New York City and Long Island will see a reduction of 517 MW of capacity, putting even more pressure on the system’s reliability.

    The Changing Grid Landscape

    The RNA also points out that the grid is changing, shifting from a summer-peaking to a winter-peaking system due to more electrification. As more buildings and vehicles depend on electricity for heating and transport, winter demand is expected to rise sharply.

    This change brings new difficulties for grid operators, especially regarding fuel supplies for gas-fired power plants. On the chilliest days, natural gas companies focus on providing residential heating over electricity needs, which limits the fuel available for power plants, raising concerns, especially since these cold days align with peak winter demand.

    Potential Solutions

    To tackle these reliability issues, the NYISO suggests various solutions, including adding new capacity resources, expanding transmission infrastructure, and increasing involvement in demand response programs. Completing vital transmission projects on time, particularly the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), is critical for maintaining system reliability. If the CHPE isn’t operational by May 2026, along with other compensatory actions, the report warns that reliability levels in New York City may fall short, jeopardizing the grid’s ability to meet future needs.

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  • Xiaomi SU7 Unveils Limited Edition Color for 15th Anniversary

    Xiaomi SU7 Unveils Limited Edition Color for 15th Anniversary

    Xiaomi will be commemorating its 15th anniversary this year, and to celebrate this significant event, the company has unveiled a new limited edition color for its inaugural electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7. Additionally, a special theme related to the Xiaomi SU7 has been made available for smartphones, which users can download for free from the Xiaomi theme store.

    Xiaomi SU7 Color Options

    When the Xiaomi SU7 was first introduced in 2023, it came in three distinct colors: Aqua Blue, Verdant Green, and Mineral Gray. In 2024, the company expanded the palette with six more options—Meteor Blue, Radiant Purple, Basalt Gray, Lava Orange, and Pearl White. Customers also have the choice of interior colors including Galaxy Gray, Twilight Red, Mist Purple, and Obsidian Black.

    New Anniversary Edition

    The new color introduced for the 15th anniversary is called Brilliant Magenta. Starting today, customers can select this new shade through the Xiaomi Auto App when they wish to purchase the Xiaomi SU7. According to ITHome, the new color is set to hit stores in February.

    Custom Mobile Theme

    As for the Xiaomi SU7 mobile theme, users who opt to download it will receive personalized wallpapers for both the lockscreen and homescreen, as well as icons that reflect the vehicle’s design. To acquire the theme, just search for Xiaomi SU7 in the Xiaomi theme store and initiate the download.

    The SU7 has proven to be a significant success for Xiaomi, especially as it marks the company’s entry into the EV market. The firm had set a sales goal of 100,000 units for 2024, and by mid-November, it had already met that target. By the end of December, reports indicated that around 130,000 orders had been completed.

    Upcoming SUV Release

    In early December 2024, Xiaomi announced that its second electric vehicle would be an SUV named the Xiaomi YU7. The official announcement for this new model is expected to take place in June or July 2025, as stated by Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Tests Model Y Juniper Wipers in Heavy Rain with New Features

    Tesla Tests Model Y Juniper Wipers in Heavy Rain with New Features

    Tesla might soon unveil the Model Y Juniper facelift, potentially as early as next week. This refreshed model is expected to feature a redesigned side mirror, a front that resembles the Model X with its logo, and a new rear light bar.

    New Design Features

    The speculations about these updates arose after a recent sighting of the camouflaged Model Y Juniper driving at high speeds on the highway during heavy rain. In addition to the fresh design aspects, the performance of the facelift’s body on the slick road suggests that it may come with a new, more comfortable suspension. This is something current Model Y drivers have been asking for quite some time now.

    Wiper Functionality

    For the first time, the Model Y Juniper’s wipers were seen in action. However, the focus is not just on how well the wipers clean the windshield at high speeds. Instead, attention is on how the automatic wiper system behaves in autonomous driving mode. Tesla’s wipers have had their share of issues, often working too hard in sunny conditions or failing to adjust to varying rain intensities since they depend solely on the vehicle’s cameras. The wipers on the Model Y Juniper appeared to be cleaning effectively, but we will need to wait until next month, when the refresh is launched from Giga Shanghai, to see how they perform in real-world conditions.

    Rear Light Bar Innovation

    In a clearer observation of the Model Y Juniper facelift, we can see its new rear light bar in operation. Tesla has made an opening in the camouflage tarp for the midsection of the light bar, which seems to function as a third brake light and extends across the rear. This change hints at a more streamlined and aggressive look, reminiscent of the design approach taken with the Model 3 Highland facelift released last year.

    Moreover, a larger 95 kWh battery option is rumored to be part of the package. This, combined with a new 4th-gen Tesla motor, is expected to provide a greater range on a single charge for the Model Y Juniper.

    Powertrain Upgrades

    Under the hood, Tesla may have also upgraded the powertrain with modern 800V high-voltage and 48V low-voltage systems, which were first seen in the Cybertruck. However, it remains unclear whether the Model Y Juniper will also incorporate the Cybertruck’s second-generation 4680 battery, as concerns about its cost and performance have been raised by CATL, suggesting that Elon Musk may be overly optimistic.

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  • Xiaomi SU7 Aims to Double 2024 Sales Target by 2025

    Xiaomi SU7 Aims to Double 2024 Sales Target by 2025

    Xiaomi has launched the SU7 in China, aiming to sell 100,000 units of this electric vehicle in 2024, even though the company had only one factory for its first EV at that time.

    Quick Success

    According to recent reports, the company accomplished this target in just 275 days, reaching the goal by November 13, 2024.

    As of now, the total number of Xiaomi SU7 orders is around 130,000, with a notable 16,328 of those placed in December 2024 alone, based on information from China EV’s DataTracker.

    Future Projections

    Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has expressed confidence that the SU7 (which comes in standard, Pro, and Max versions) could potentially increase sales to at least 300,000 by the end of 2025. This estimate is considered conservative, especially given the current trends in the Chinese automobile market, as noted by reputable electronics industry insider Digital Chat Station.

    Additionally, the company could enhance its reputation as a newcomer in the EV sector with the upcoming YU7 SUV, along with the premium Ultra version of the SU7.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Launches Portable Megapack Chargers for Holiday Congestion

    Tesla Launches Portable Megapack Chargers for Holiday Congestion

    Tesla has one of the largest public charging networks in the world but is working to make holiday travel simpler for electric vehicle (EV) owners. The company is addressing the issue of crowded public rapid charging stations by introducing the MegapackCharger, a portable charging solution.

    What is the MegapackCharger?

    MegapackChargers are like Supercharger stations that Tesla can set up quickly in various locations. Each unit features 8 V3 stalls mounted on semi-truck trailers. This design makes them flexible and easy to deploy in areas where there is a high demand for charging. A standout aspect of the MegapackCharger is its built-in batteries, which can hold up to 3 MWh of energy. This amount is sufficient to charge around 75 vehicles at a rate of 250 kW.

    Connectivity and Setup

    The MegapackChargers utilize SpaceX’s Starlink internet service for connectivity, showcasing the collaboration between the two companies. This connection allows drivers to check the chargers’ availability in real-time on Tesla’s navigation system, similar to how they would with standard Superchargers.

    Although Tesla could place these chargers anywhere, they are mainly being located near existing Supercharging stations that are already linked to the power grid. This strategic placement enables the batteries to recharge via a Supercharger cabinet during off-peak hours, like nighttime.

    Locations and Efficiency

    So far, Tesla has deployed MegapackChargers in states like California, Nevada, and Ohio. These new chargers can provide faster charging speeds compared to the nearby V2 Superchargers, which are limited to only 150 kW.

    Source: Link

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  • Model Y Juniper Refresh Spy Shots: Rear Light Bar Design Revealed

    Model Y Juniper Refresh Spy Shots: Rear Light Bar Design Revealed

    After beginning with several Model Y Juniper refresh trial units in October, Tesla has reportedly achieved a production rate exceeding 200 updated vehicles per day at its Gigafactory in Shanghai, gearing up for mass production that is set to commence in January.

    Launch Preparations

    Preparations for the Model Y Juniper launch are also in progress at Tesla’s facilities in Texas and Berlin. Notably, the German Gigafactory is waiting for a staff meeting next month to discuss production plans for the facelift. These details hint at an upcoming announcement from Tesla regarding the Model Y Juniper and shed light on the various sightings across the US, Europe, and China over the past few weeks.

    Design Insights

    During the Christmas holidays, the Juniper facelift was spotted again, this time being tested on the roads of California and New York. A photograph from Santa Clara shows an intriguing design feature at the back, as there is growing agreement that a light bar will be positioned across the tailgate.

    Instead of being hidden behind the test mule’s camo tarp, a single red light on this prospective Model Y Juniper sticks out through a cutout, appearing to function merely as a third brake light. This doesn’t rule out the possibility that the final rear light bar could illuminate in sections, but until the camouflage is removed, we can’t be certain if Tesla chose to stick with the initially seen design of a continuous light bar across the rear.

    Performance Testing

    Another sighting of the Model Y Juniper was captured on video, featuring the camo-covered prototype navigating through heavy rain, testing its suspension over speed bumps and similar obstacles. The Juniper’s suspension appears to be softer than the current Model Y, which has been a common complaint among owners of Tesla‘s top-selling vehicle.

    The other anticipated upgrades for the Juniper include a larger battery, more efficient motors, and the introduction of a HW4 kit alongside 48V low-voltage and 800V high-voltage systems, similar to the Cybertruck. The 800V powertrain will enable the Juniper refresh to charge approximately 30% quicker compared to the existing Model Y vehicles, especially when using Tesla’s newly introduced V4 Superchargers.

    Source: Link

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