Category: EV vehicles

June 17, 2024
Xiaomi Developing Hybrid SU7 with Extended Range
Xiaomi Motors has secured over 100,000 locked orders and successfully delivered nearly 10,000 cars in June. The launch of Xiaomi’s first electric car has been a triumph. However, the company is already developing another model, potentially a hybrid version of the Xiaomi SU7. This information was unintentionally revealed by a company official through a screenshot that included job descriptions and requirements.
Hybrid Vehicle Development
Xiaomi is reportedly working on its inaugural hybrid vehicle. Job postings suggest that the company is hiring personnel for the hybrid vehicle development project. Specifically, they are looking for engineers skilled in “vehicle thermal management technology route planning and program formulation.” The ideal candidates should possess over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry, with at least 10 years in thermal management integration, and should have led the development of more than two hybrid or extended-range vehicles.
Upcoming Models and Rumors
Unfortunately, detailed information about Xiaomi’s hybrid car development is scarce. Xiaomi Chairman Lei Jun previously dodged questions about the new car during a Douyin live broadcast. Nonetheless, rumors suggest that Xiaomi’s second car will be an SUV model, expected to debut by the end of this year and hit the market in 2025.
In addition, Xiaomi plans to introduce a more budget-friendly model, with a projected price of around 150,000 yuan, aiming for an official launch in 2026.
Tags: Hybrid Vehicle Development, Xiaomi Motors, Xiaomi SU7 EV
June 15, 2024
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Tests Approved in Shanghai for 10 EVs
Shanghai has approved the testing of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software on ten vehicles, potentially setting the stage for a broader deployment in China, as reported by The Shanghai Observer, a government-backed publication. This step could heighten competition within the world’s largest automotive market.
Potential Competitive Advantage for Tesla in China
If Tesla’s FSD proves successful in China, it could significantly alter the competitive dynamics in the market. Tesla would stand to gain a competitive advantage over local competitors by offering a more sophisticated driver-assistance system. This could also spark a price war centered around providing more affordable advanced driver-assistance features.
Groundwork for Broader FSD Rollout
Tesla has been preparing for a more extensive FSD rollout in China for the past four years by offering a limited version of FSD as a subscription service. In April, CEO Elon Musk visited Beijing, reportedly to discuss the planned launch. Further, news surfaced in May that Tesla was gearing up to register FSD with Chinese authorities.
Commitments Beyond FSD
Tesla’s dedication to the Chinese market extends beyond just FSD. In May, Chinese state media reported that Tesla is building a Megapack energy storage battery factory in Shanghai. Additionally, The Shanghai Observer notes that Tesla has signed a contract with Shanghai Lingang, indicating efforts toward local commercialization.
Tags: China Expansion, Shanghai Testing, Tesla FSD
June 14, 2024
Elon Musk Teases New Tesla Models as Sales Drop
In a bid to potentially revive waning sales, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted at the introduction of new electric vehicles during the company’s annual shareholder meeting on Thursday. This announcement followed the shareholders' approval of Musk’s substantial $56 billion compensation package.
Musk showcased a slide featuring three new illustrations for upcoming vehicles
With a product range seen as outdated and a decline in sales figures, Tesla is in dire need of a product update. Although details were sparse, Musk did present a slide revealing illustrations of three new vehicles covered in white sheets, igniting speculation and anticipation.
New Products in the Pipeline
“We obviously have some new products we’re working on behind the scenes,” Musk stated, showing optimism that these new additions would be “pretty special.” The silhouettes provided some hints: a tall, boxy van-like vehicle alongside two lower, sleeker designs.
One potential candidate among the veiled vehicles could be Tesla’s eagerly awaited robotaxi, which is set for unveiling on August 8th. Additionally, Tesla has previously announced an accelerated rollout of new models, including more affordable options, expected to debut in late 2024 or early 2025.
Previous Teases and Future Plans
This isn't Tesla's first instance of hinting at new arrivals. In their April “Master Plan Part 3” document, the company suggested the possibility of Tesla-made compact cars, commercial vans, and even buses, although their status remains “to be determined.”
Tags: Elon Musk, New Vehicles, Tesla Model 3
June 13, 2024
BYD Reveals Camouflaged Pics of New Seal 06 GT Electric Hatchback
BYD has given a sneak peek of their forthcoming electric hatchback, the BYD Seal 06 GT, through some camouflaged photos that surfaced online. Previously, this new electric hatchback has been listed in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s catalog under multiple names such as “Seal X”, “Seal MINI”, and “Seal 05EV”. The final name is expected to be “Seal 06 GT”, with an official release anticipated in the third quarter of this year.
The BYD Seal 06 GT is a mid-size hatchback with a spacious and comfy interior
The camouflaged photos showcase a sleek hatchback design featuring a closed front grille, a wraparound front fascia, and L-shaped accents. Its overall silhouette hints at a sporty appeal, further highlighted by concealed door handles and a floating roof design. The taillights follow the modern trend of connected taillights.
Based on the leaked measurements, the BYD Seal 06 GT is a mid-size hatchback with dimensions of 4630mm in length, 1880mm in width, and 1490mm in height. The wheelbase is 2820mm, promising a roomy and comfortable interior.
Customization Options
Buyers can choose between 18-inch and 19-inch wheels to customize their BYD Seal 06 GT. Additionally, there will be various front and rear side skirt styles available.
Performance and Range Options
In terms of performance, BYD provides options for both single-motor and dual-motor four-wheel drive configurations. The single-motor variant offers two power levels: 160 kW and 165 kW. The dual-motor setup combines a 110 kW front AC asynchronous motor with a 200 kW rear permanent magnet synchronous motor. BYD is promoting three different driving range options based on the CLTC standard: 505km, 550km, and 605km.
Tags: BYD Seal 06 GT, Electric Hatchback, Performance Options
June 7, 2024
Fatal Accident Blamed on Xiaomi SU7: Company Denies EV Fault
A Xiaomi SU7 has recently been involved in a deadly accident in China. The EV made news in the region for going out of control apparently and causing three people to be injured and one casualty. But while the news reports have claimed that the car was at fault, the brand says otherwise. So here’s everything that we know so far.
Xiaomi SU7 Accident: One Dead, Three Injured
Earlier today (7th June 2024), Xiaomi shared an official statement acknowledging the accident and stating that it is actively cooperating with the police in its investigation. The brand has also launched its own investigation into the Xiaomi SU7, which was involved in this fatal incident. According to local news outlets, the premium EV had suddenly lost control when leaving the parking lot and rushed into other vehicles and pedestrians that were on the non-motorized vehicle lane.
This resulted in one fatality and three injuries. However, Xiaomi claims that the Xiaomi SU7 wasn’t at fault. The company’s statement claimed that the police retrieved the backend data from the car, which confirmed that the EV was in normal condition at the time of the accident. This included its brake pedal and accelerator pedal functioning at optimal conditions. They further added that they are closely working with the police and will disclose any new information in a timely manner.
Xiaomi then responded to Chinese media, criticizing them for their rash coverage of the incident as they used terms like “vehicle out of control” and “brake failure” without having accurate information. Lastly, the company said it is cooperating with the vehicle owner and the victims as well to sincerely deal with the aftermath of this deadly accident. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates when more details are available regarding this matter.
Tags: EV Accident, Investigation, Xiaomi SU7 EV
June 4, 2024
AnTuTu EV Benchmark: Xiaomi SU7 Ranks Top
AnTuTu, the acclaimed benchmarking platform for mobile devices, has made a foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market with a fresh benchmarking app. This application assesses a car’s infotainment system performance by evaluating its chipset, RAM, and storage.
Top Ten Vehicles of May 2024
AnTuTu has published scores for the top ten vehicles tested in May 2024. The leading three spots are occupied by the Zeekr 007 with 1.07 million points, the Xpeng X9 with 965631 points, and the Mercedes EQE with 963130 points.
Several other well-known EV brands also made the list, including the Xpeng P7i in the 8th place, Nio ET7 in the 12th, Polestar 2 in the 14th, and Audi Q4 e-tron in the 17th position.
Xiaomi SU7 EV’s Performance
AnTuTu also revealed the test results of the newly launched Xiaomi SU7 EV, which features the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip as the top three EVs. It comes with 16GB of RAM (12GB dedicated to the Android OS) and 128GB of storage.
With this setup, the Xiaomi SU7 achieved an AnTuTu score of 957833 points. This is slightly lower than the other models with identical SOC and memory configurations, but it technically ranks the SU7 in the fourth position on the top ten list. We may see it in its rightful place in the updated list for July.
Future of EV Benchmarking
As this app is new, it will take time to build a comprehensive database of EV benchmark scores. The initial data provides a snapshot of infotainment system performance across various EV brands, but a more detailed picture will emerge as more vehicles undergo testing.
It will be intriguing to observe how the rankings change and which brands consistently offer the most responsive infotainment experiences.
This new benchmark provides an additional layer for evaluating electric cars, allowing consumers to consider not just range and horsepower, but also the user experience inside the vehicle itself.
Tags: AnTuTu EV Benchmark, Xiaomi SU7 EV
June 3, 2024
GAC to Launch Haobo Hyper GT Electric Car with 800V Charging
GAC is preparing for the worldwide debut of their Haobo Hyper GT electric vehicle on June 6th. This robust sedan is packed with features aimed at capturing the attention of international consumers. The Haobo Hyper GT focuses on long-distance travel and rapid charging capabilities. Utilizing 800V high-voltage supercharging technology, it can cover up to 710 kilometers on a single charge. Remarkably, GAC asserts that a mere 15-minute charge can provide enough energy to drive an additional 450 kilometers.
Fast Charging and Navigation
A standout attribute is the car’s “mapless global communication” intelligent driving system, implying it can navigate globally without relying on local mapping systems. Previous tests in countries such as Italy, Thailand, and China appear to validate this capability.
Performance and Specs
Efficiency does not come at the expense of performance. The rear-wheel drive single motor produces an impressive 340 horsepower and 434 Nm of torque, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
Constructed on GAC’s AEP 3.0 platform, the Haobo Hyper GT is 4880mm in length, 1885mm in width, and 1455mm in height, with a substantial 2920mm wheelbase. An earlier version, the “GT 710 rear-wheel drive high-end intelligent driving 3L version,” was introduced earlier this year at a price of 259,900 yuan (approximately $38,800). This model featured an extensive array of sensors, including a three-laser radar system, 12 cameras, 6 millimeter-wave radars, and an infrared night vision camera for superior environmental awareness.
Market Potential
With its extended range, sophisticated navigation features, and robust performance, the Haobo Hyper GT Global Model seems poised to be a formidable player in the global electric vehicle market. The official launch on June 6th is expected to provide further information regarding pricing and availability in different regions.
Tags: Electric Car, global launch, Haobo Hyper GT
June 1, 2024
BYD Opens First EV Showroom in Riyadh, US Loses Out
Global leading electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has inaugurated its outlet in Saudi Arabia. The company has faced challenges due to strained Sino-US relations and high tariffs, hindering its entry into the US market. The BYD store is situated in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and combines a flagship showroom, a discovery center, and a service center.
Store Features and Offerings
The newly launched BYD store presents a complete range of the brand’s new energy vehicles to local consumers. Attendees at the inauguration event had the chance to closely inspect and test drive three fully electric BYD models: the Han, BYD ATTO3 (also known as Yuan PLUS), and BYD Seal. Additionally, they were able to test drive two plug-in hybrid models: the Qin PLUS and Song PLUS.
Strategic Timing and Goals
BYD’s strong entry into the Saudi EV market is timely and aligns with the Saudi government’s ambitions to reach a 30% prevalence of new electric vehicles. BYD plans to collaborate with Al-Futtaim to further develop the new energy vehicle ecosystem and collectively promote the rapid growth of the local EV industry. Officially launched in February 2024, the BYD brand has garnered positive feedback from Saudi consumers for its NEV offerings. The available models feature exceptional designs and high performance, reflecting BYD’s philosophy.
Consumer Reception and Market Impact
According to recent research by Ipsos, up to 62% of Saudi consumers are attracted to BYD’s advanced technology and have a strong affinity for the brand. While BYD remains absent from the US market due to restrictive tariffs, its operations in Saudi Arabia are flourishing.
Tags: Al-Futtaim, BYD Saudi Arabia, Smart Electric Vehicles
May 31, 2024
Ninebot C85c & C80c Electric Motorcycles Launched: Top Features
The Ninebot C85c and C80c electric motorcycles have recently been introduced in China. These new additions to the Ninebot C series include a 72V 22Ah battery for the C85c and a 60V 22Ah battery for the C80c.
Features
The Ninebot C85c/C80c sports a design inspired by UFOs. They come with a translucent front panel and lightsaber suspension lights. Available in various color combinations like crystal pink/warm, carbon green/ether, and white/ultra-pure gray, the bikes also include RGB lighting effects and triple positioning anti-theft features.
Both models are equipped with the Ridey Fun Air intelligent driving system. The large smart screen central control offers functions such as music track switching, navigation, and call reminders. Additional features include mole control, hill parking, and a TCS traction control system for improved handling in extreme conditions.
Technical Specifications
The Ninebot C85c features a carbon crystal (lead-acid) battery rated at 72V 22Ah, providing a range of 72km. The C80c, with its 60V 22Ah battery, offers a range of 64km. The C85c can reach speeds up to 52km/h, while the C80c tops out at 47km/h. The C85c is equipped with front and rear disc brakes, whereas the C80c has front disc and rear drum brakes. Both models come with a five-level adjustable rear shock absorber and a 24-liter seat bucket, along with keyless unlocking and OTA software updates/upgrades.
Pricing & Availability
The Ninebot C85c electric motorcycle starts at 5,399 yuan ($745), while the price for the C80c has yet to be announced. Customers can purchase the Ninebot C85c from various retail platforms in China, including JD.com.
Tags: Electric Motorcycles, Ninebot C80c, Ninebot C85c
May 31, 2024
Bestune Pony EV Unveiled: Cheaper than Hongguang MINI at $3,713
FAW has debuted the Bestune Pony, a compact electric vehicle, in China. This micro-electric car is the first of its kind under the FAW Bestune brand. Launched on May 28, the Pony is positioned as a budget-friendly competitor to Wuling Motor’s Hongguang MINI.
Specifications and Performance
The Bestune Pony is driven by a rear-mounted single electric motor, producing a peak power of 20kW and 85Nm torque. It is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery, offering two driving ranges: 122km and 170km. There are three variants available: the Cute Horse (122km range) and two versions of the Vitality Horse. The car is available in several colors, including Jasmine White, Peach Pink, Bubble Blue, Cheese White, Tianpian Blue Pearlescent, and Camellia Green.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Bestune Pony is fitted with a 7-inch LCD instrument panel and a double-spoke steering wheel. The central console hosts multiple physical buttons and knob shifting. The car’s system features include a rear parking radar, USB interface, Bluetooth, and a tire pressure alarm. The suspension system comprises a front McPherson independent suspension and a rear three-link, non-independent suspension.
Design and Dimensions
The exterior of the Bestune Pony boasts a charming design with quad headlights and a closed front grille. It features a two-tone body and vibrant paint options. This three-door hatchback accommodates four seats inside. It rides on 12-inch wheels with 145/70 R12 tires. Braking is handled by front disc and rear drum brakes. The compact EV measures 3,000 mm in length, 1,510 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 1,953 mm. It has a 29-degree approach angle, a 43-degree departure angle, and a minimum ground clearance of 130 mm.
Pricing & Availability
The FAW Bestune Pony’s price varies depending on the color variant, with Jasmine White being the most affordable. The starting price for the Bestune Pony is 26,900 yuan ($3,713).
Tags: Affordable EV, Bestune Pony, Compact Electric Vehicle