Category: EV vehicles

  • BYD Shenzhen’s Maiden Voyage to Brazil with 7,000 Electric Cars

    BYD Shenzhen’s Maiden Voyage to Brazil with 7,000 Electric Cars

    Key Takeaways

    1. BYD’s latest car carrier, Shenzhen, is on its way to Brazil with over 7,000 vehicles on board and is set to arrive at Itajai Port in about 30 days.
    2. Shenzhen is the largest car transporter in the world, capable of carrying 9,200 vehicles and equivalent in size to 20 soccer fields.
    3. The ship is named after the Chinese city of Shenzhen, a key production center for BYD, and features 16 decks.
    4. BYD currently operates four car carriers and is expanding its fleet to enhance vehicle export logistics and compete with Tesla.
    5. The automaker is preparing to launch its fifth vessel, the Changsha, with the same capacity as Shenzhen, and has introduced a sixth ship named Xian, with pending details.


    BYD has sent its latest car carrier, named Shenzhen, to Brazil, carrying over 7,000 vehicles on board. The official handover to the carmaker took place on April 22, 2025. The ship is expected to arrive at Itajai Port in about 30 days.

    Impressive Size

    This vessel is recognized as the largest car transporter worldwide, though it wasn’t fully loaded when it departed on April 27 from Taicang, Jiangsu province in China. It has the capacity to hold 9,200 vehicles, and its cargo hold is equivalent to 20 standard soccer fields.

    Named After a City

    In line with BYD’s tradition of naming ships, Shenzhen is named after the Chinese city which is a key production center for the automaker. The ship measures 219.9 meters in length and 37.7 meters in height, featuring a total of 16 decks.

    Expanding the Fleet

    Currently, BYD operates four car carriers as it seeks to broaden its global reach and compete with Tesla. The company aims to enhance the efficiency of vehicle export logistics by managing operations internally. Other ships in the BYD fleet include the Explorer No. 1 (owned by a different company), the Hefei with a capacity for 7,000 cars, and the Changzhou.

    BYD is preparing to launch its fifth vessel, the Changsha, which will have the same capacity as the Shenzhen. Additionally, the automaker has introduced the sixth ship, named Xian, but details about its specifications are still pending.

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  • New Toyota BZ7 Flagship Electric Sedan Unveiled

    New Toyota BZ7 Flagship Electric Sedan Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Toyota unveiled the bz7 at the Auto Shanghai 2025 event in collaboration with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co (GAC).
    2. The bz7 is a flagship electric sedan, measuring nearly 200 inches (~5,080 mm) in length, and features a design similar to the 2024 concept model.
    3. Key design elements include conventional door handles, white leather seating, wooden trim, ambient lighting, and a large infotainment screen with Huawei’s HarmonyOS.
    4. Toyota plans to launch the bz7 in China within the next year, with an estimated starting price of CNY 170,000 (~$23,400).
    5. There is uncertainty about the bz7’s availability in other regions, including the US, where Toyota already sells the bZ4X.


    Toyota has introduced the bz7 at the Auto Shanghai 2025 event. This fresh model has been created in partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co (GAC). It adds to Toyota’s lineup of battery electric vehicles, which already includes the bZ4X and the bZ3.

    Details About the bz7

    Currently, Toyota has shared just a few specifics about the new bz7. The company has labeled this electric sedan as a flagship model, and its length is almost 200 inches (~5,080 mm). The design of both the exterior and the interior of the bz7 closely resembles the original concept that was showcased in 2024. Notably, it sports a lidar sensor positioned on the front of the roof, along with a front light bar and headlights that remind one of the Toyota Prius.

    Design Changes and Interior Features

    One notable difference from the concept version is the introduction of conventional door handles. Inside the electric vehicle, you’ll find white leather seating, wooden trim, and ambient lighting. Additionally, there’s a more extensive infotainment screen equipped with Huawei’s HarmonyOS. Further information about the electric vehicle, particularly its powertrain, has not been disclosed yet.

    Launch Plans and Pricing

    Toyota plans to launch the bz7 in China; as per a recent press release, the company aims to deliver the electric vehicle to customers within the next year. There are rumors suggesting that the initial price for this model is CNY 170,000 (~$23,400). Although Toyota has not confirmed if it will also introduce the bz7 in other regions such as the US, where it already markets electric vehicles like the bZ4X, it appears unlikely given the present information.

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  • 30% Cheaper Model Y: 55 kWh Battery & Cloth Seats Leaked

    30% Cheaper Model Y: 55 kWh Battery & Cloth Seats Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla plans to introduce more affordable models, including a budget-friendly version of the Model Y, with a design similar to the Model Y and Model 3 but not identical.

    2. The new Model Y, referred to as project E80, is expected to be priced between $20,600 and $26,000, representing a 30% decrease compared to the current Model Y’s pricing.

    3. To reduce manufacturing costs, Tesla will utilize existing production lines and modify the design of the Model 2, which is now on hold due to other projects.

    4. The budget Model Y will feature a smaller battery (50-55 kWh) and fewer comfort features, such as cloth seats and reduced audio systems, to keep costs low.

    5. Despite the lower price point, the basic specifications like range and acceleration are anticipated to remain similar to those of the current Model Y.


    According to the Chief Financial Officer of Tesla and lead engineer Lars Moravy, the company is set to unveil more affordable models that will share a “similar shape and form” to its best-selling electric cars, the Model Y and Model 3, soon.

    New Design Insights

    However, similar does not mean identical. Recent leaks have revealed the framework and specifications for the more budget-friendly Model Y. A drone flying over Tesla’s Fremont factory has captured images of several body frames resembling the Model Y SUV, although the roof appears to be smaller than that of the popular crossover. Additionally, there is a frame that seems to feature falcon wing doors, hinting at a potential facelift for the Model X.

    Another recent sighting shows a disguised vehicle being towed, maintaining the crossover silhouette but with a more sloped rear, similar to what was previously seen at Giga Texas.

    Project E80 Unveiled

    This aligns with Tesla’s plans for the Model 2, its most affordable car, which was said to look like a smaller version of the Model Y. With Tesla’s sales declining and the Model 2 project being put on hold for the launch of the Cybercab, it seems that the design for Model 2 has been modified to fit the existing production lines.

    Lars Moravy mentioned that this approach is aimed at reducing manufacturing expenses to offer the lowest monthly payments for buyers. Instead of creating an entirely new design that would necessitate major retooling or new production lines, Tesla is focusing on leveraging its current setups.

    Pricing and Specifications

    As the first body frames for the smaller, more affordable Model Y may be taking shape, its specs and pricing have begun to surface from China. Known as project E80, the new compact Model Y could be priced between $20,600 and $26,000, depending on the sources from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory. This pricing is more competitive compared to rivals in the crossover market and represents at least a 30% decrease from the Model Y Juniper facelift in China.

    Interestingly, a few weeks ago, rumors surfaced about a budget Tesla vehicle codenamed E41, indicating that the US might see an entry-level Model 3. During the quarterly earnings call, Tesla’s CFO confirmed that the company’s research and development efforts are concentrated on “cheaper models.”

    Features and Specifications

    To achieve this lower price point for the Model Y, besides downsizing the vehicle, insiders suggest that a more basic version will be released. Initially, the battery will be in the range of 50-55 kWh, which should help in lowering production costs significantly. Despite the smaller battery, the range is expected to remain relatively unchanged due to the lighter weight and smaller wheels.

    Many design and comfort features typically found in Tesla vehicles will be absent. Following the trend set by the RWD Cybertruck and Model 3, the cheaper Model Y will likely come with cloth seats that are neither heated nor ventilated. Additional features such as a rear screen, dual-layer acoustic glass, and multicolor ambient lighting will also be removed, and the number of speakers will drop from 15 to seven.

    The automatic trunk gate and panoramic glass roof will also be eliminated, yet there’s no confirmation regarding the distinctive exterior light bars that characterize the new Model Y design. The RWD Cybertruck does not include light bars, indicating that the cheaper Model Y may follow suit if Tesla aims to keep costs low.

    Conclusion

    In essence, the more affordable Model Y will be a “smaller, to be sure” version of the current Juniper refresh, as Elon Musk commented on the Model 2 a few quarters ago, and it will be a basic model in terms of comforts and design features.

    Basic specifications like range and acceleration are not expected to differ much, while the price is projected to be around 30% lower, which would place it in the desirable $25,000 to $30,000 range in the US after accounting for federal tax credits.

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  • Tesla Model Y: New Larger 3-Row Version with Extra Seats Launching in May

    Tesla Model Y: New Larger 3-Row Version with Extra Seats Launching in May

    Key Takeaways

    1. The latest Model Y currently offers only a five-seat interior option, indicating potential future variants.
    2. Insiders suggest that a six-seat version will be released before a seven-seat version, particularly in China.
    3. The new six-seat Model Y may have a different design compared to typical Chinese models, which often include three rows of full-size seats.
    4. Tesla is planning to start production of a three-row Model Y at Giga Shanghai soon.
    5. The upcoming Model Y with a third row will likely feature an extended wheelbase for increased comfort.


    At the ordering page, the latest Model Y is shown with just one “five seat interior” option in both the US and China. This suggests that Tesla is possibly considering other versions in the future.

    Potential Variants

    Last September, some insiders stated that the Juniper refresh could also include a seven-seat and even a six-seat versions, depending on the market demand.

    Thinking about a new Model Y with seven seats isn’t too far-fetched, since the previous model offered an option with an additional row of two tight seats stored in the trunk floor. Tesla’s lead engineer, Lars Moravy, confirmed the arrival of this model “later this year” during an interview with Jay Leno, shortly after the facelift of the 2026 Model Y in the US.

    Market Differences

    At that time, insiders mentioned that the six-seat version of the Model Y would be released before the seven-seater, especially in China, where this setup is gaining popularity among families. However, the varying seat numbers in the rumors about the new Model Y can coexist without problem.

    Unlike Tesla, which adds extra child seats in the trunk, many Chinese six-seaters, such as the well-liked M4 Yacht Forthing hybrid, typically feature an extended wheelbase. This design includes three rows of two full-size seats each and a foldable child seat in the last row.

    Manufacturing Plans

    Tesla might be working on a similar setup for the Chinese market. A source known for reliable leaks regarding automakers’ future plans has reported that a 3-row Model Y is set to start production at Giga Shanghai as early as this week.

    According to reports, the new Model Y with a third row will also have an extended wheelbase. This indicates that Tesla may be considering a more comfortable option compared to its earlier model, which maintained the same wheelbase regardless of the seating arrangement.

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  • Octopus Energy Offers Unlimited EV Charging for £30 a Month

    Octopus Energy Offers Unlimited EV Charging for £30 a Month

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unlimited charging for electric vehicles in the UK is now available for £30 a month with Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Drive Pack.
    2. Charging must occur between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m., but a boost feature in the app allows for charging outside these hours.
    3. The plan is estimated to cost about two-fifths of fueling a petrol or diesel vehicle, saving drivers money.
    4. The Intelligent Drive Pack is compatible with around 280 electric vehicle brands and does not require battery installations.
    5. Octopus Energy aims to provide predictability, flexibility, and value for electric vehicle drivers with this new package.


    Electric car owners in the UK can now enjoy unlimited charging for only £30 a month thanks to Octopus Energy’s latest plan. The utility company’s Intelligent Drive Pack will provide all the power that electric vehicles need for “less than what you’d pay for a delightful meal out.”

    Charging Times

    This plan is designed for one electric vehicle per customer. However, users must charge their cars between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m., which might seem like a minor inconvenience. If charging outside of these hours is necessary, the boost feature in the company’s app allows for that.

    Cost Savings

    Octopus Energy estimates that the Intelligent Drive Pack costs roughly two-fifths of what it would take to fuel a similar petrol or diesel vehicle, based on the average daily driving distance in the UK, which is 21 miles. This charging option is particularly attractive to electric taxi drivers, who typically drive between 68 to 123 miles daily.

    Compatibility and Requirements

    The Intelligent Drive Pack works with around 280 electric vehicle brands and requires compatible home charging stations. There’s no need for any battery installations.

    Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Octopus Energy’s Chief Product Officer, stated, “The Intelligent Drive Pack offers a brand new way to save, ideal for drivers seeking predictability, flexibility, and excellent value all in one package. It represents another move towards making electric vehicles the clear choice for everyone.”

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  • Tesla Model 3: 0% APR Financing, Free Colors & White Interior

    Tesla Model 3: 0% APR Financing, Free Colors & White Interior

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has reintroduced a 0% APR financing option for the Model 3 to boost sales amid competition from the Model Y.
    2. The new financing terms are more flexible, offering 0% APR for 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year loans with a 15% down payment.
    3. Buyers can use the federal tax credit as part of the down payment, and the promotional rates are available for well-qualified buyers after April 24, 2025.
    4. Purchasers of the Model 3 Performance version will receive $2,000 worth of additional options for free, enhancing the vehicle’s appeal.
    5. The FSD transfer offer remains available for those upgrading from older Model 3s to the latest hardware for unsupervised FSD capabilities.


    The last time Tesla presented a 0% APR financing offer, it was attempting to enhance Model 3 sales, which were declining due to the new Model Y launch and general issues with the brand.

    New Financing Terms

    Now, the 0% APR financing option for the Model 3 is back, and it’s accompanied by more attractive conditions and some added perks. Previously, last month, the zero interest rate financing was restricted to a 5-year loan with a 15% down payment, even though sales of the electric sedan had dropped leading up to the Model Y Juniper refresh.

    Expanded Financing Options

    The sales of the Model 3 may still need a boost, as Tesla is rolling out a much broader 0% APR financing offer. This time, the zero interest financing is available for all popular loan terms: 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year.

    Buyers of the Model 3 still need to pay at least 15% of the car’s price upfront, but they can utilize the federal tax credit discount for their down payment, Tesla mentions. The company clarifies that these are “promotional rates valid for well-qualified buyers with excellent credit who order Model 3 after April 24, 2025,” indicating that the 0% APR financing might extend until the end of the quarter, similar to the new free FSD transfer offer.

    Special Offers for Model 3 Performance

    To make the deal even better, those purchasing the high-end Tesla Model 3 Performance version will receive $2,000 worth of options at no additional cost. This includes the Deep Blue Metallic and Pearl White multi-coat colors, as well as a black and white interior, each valued at $1,000, when buying a Model 3 Performance.

    Instead of providing a direct $2,000 discount like it does for the new Model Y for buyers coming from older legacy models, Tesla is offering these options for free. However, the FSD transfer offer is still available for those upgrading from an older Model 3 to the HW4 suite of cameras and computer, which will allow operation of unsupervised FSD without any retrofitting.

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  • Slate Auto Launches Affordable Modular Pickup EV Under $20K

    Slate Auto Launches Affordable Modular Pickup EV Under $20K

    Key Takeaways

    1. Slate Auto’s first electric pickup truck, ‘The Blank Slate,’ is designed for customization and affordability, priced under $20,000 after federal EV tax credits.
    2. The truck features a basic design with a 108.9-inch wheelbase, a five-foot bed, and a 52.7kWh battery offering a range of 150 miles, with an option for 240 miles with an extended battery.
    3. The Blank Slate lacks standard features like an infotainment system and automatic windows, but includes a charging mount for a phone.
    4. Buyers can personalize their vehicle with over 45 accessories and multiple color options, and it can be converted into different SUV styles.
    5. Slate Auto’s vehicles are designed in California and Michigan, with assembly happening in the Midwest.


    Slate Auto, a new electric vehicle company supported by Jeff Bezos, has launched its first pickup truck named ‘The Blank Slate.’ This name fits well for a simple EV that can be adjusted and converted into an SUV. According to the company’s statement, the pickup’s price will be under $20,000 in the US after applying the federal EV tax credit when it becomes available by late 2026. This price point makes it more affordable than any Tesla and offers much more customization.

    Showcase Event

    The truck was presented on April 24 in Long Beach, California, with the company indicating that the initial models will be available by the end of next year. Slate Auto’s concept for The Blank Slate is to provide buyers with just the basics while keeping the vehicle’s price low, but also enabling them to personalize it later on. The Blank Slate serves as a starting point, featuring a pickup truck design with a wheelbase of 108.9 inches, a five-foot bed that holds 35.1 cubic feet, a front trunk with 7 cubic feet, and a 52.7kWh battery that powers a single motor. It offers around 150 miles of driving range, although there is an optional extended-range battery that increases this to about 240 miles.

    Basic Features

    What it lacks are standard features like an infotainment system, automatic windows, speakers, and other elements usually seen as ‘basic’ in conventional vehicles. However, it does include a charging mount for a phone as a standard feature.

    This is where customization plays a role. Slate Auto provides over 45 accessories, with more to come in the future. There are numerous color choices available, which will be wraps instead of traditional paint jobs. Notably, The Blank Slate can be converted into a regular SUV, an open-air SUV, or a five-seat fastback SUV. While it remains a two-door model, there’s also an option to take off the doors. Buyers can add an infotainment screen, speakers, decals, a spare tire, tower racks, and more.

    Design and Assembly

    Vehicles from Slate Auto are created in California and Michigan, and they are assembled in the Midwest.

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  • Tesla Offers Free FSD Transfers and $2,000 Off New Model Y

    Tesla Offers Free FSD Transfers and $2,000 Off New Model Y

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has not introduced 0% APR financing for the Model Y in the US, unlike in China, but is running promotions to boost shipments after Q1 earnings disappointment.
    2. New Model Y buyers in the US will receive a complimentary FSD transfer from their previous Tesla, applicable to various models.
    3. The Model Y Launch Series and Cybertruck Foundation Series are excluded from the FSD transfer offer.
    4. Tesla offers a $2,000 discount for older Model Y owners considering the Juniper facelift, with specific conditions for eligibility.
    5. The free FSD transfer promotion has been offered in four of the last five quarters and does not apply in Europe.


    Tesla has not yet introduced 0% APR financing for the new Model Y in the US, similar to what it did in China, but is currently running a new promotion to boost lagging shipments after disappointing Q1 earnings.

    Free FSD Transfer for New Buyers

    While buyers of the new Model Y in the US won’t enjoy zero interest rates on their payments, they will receive a complimentary FSD transfer from their previous Tesla. This applies to owners of any model, including the Model 3, older Model Y, Model S, Model X, or even the Cybertruck.

    Exclusions in Promotions

    However, the Model Y Launch Series and Cybertruck Foundation Series editions are not included in this offer, as they originally came with FSD as part of their expensive packages.

    Legacy Model Y owners can pass on the FSD option they previously purchased to their new Model Y. Additionally, to encourage owners of older models who are undecided, Tesla is providing a $2,000 discount on the price of the Juniper facelift.

    Important Details to Note

    Tesla states that the price reduction is aimed at owners who purchased its first SUV early on, although the specific production cutoff date isn’t clear. Therefore, those interested in this promotion will need to wait for an official announcement from Tesla, which can be viewed below.

    “Used vehicles are not included,” Tesla warns, adding that “the promotional credit must be linked to an order under the same Tesla account as your current Model Y by June 30, 2025, or it will be lost.”

    Tesla appears to be making free FSD transfers a regular offering, as this promotion has been available in four of the last five quarters and is now back on the Tesla deals list for the US and Canada. However, this does not apply to Europe, where customers who paid for FSD still cannot use it.

    On another note, the market value of a used legacy Model Y has decreased since the introduction of the new Juniper refresh. Consequently, the trade-in value Tesla gains can be offset by the free FSD transfer offer without causing significant impact to its core business.

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  • Next-Gen Tin Nanoparticle Battery for Faster Charging and Longevity

    Next-Gen Tin Nanoparticle Battery for Faster Charging and Longevity

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Composite Anode: Researchers developed an anode using tin nanoparticles in a carbon matrix instead of traditional graphite.

    2. Improved Charging and Lifespan: The new batteries charge quickly (in 20 minutes) and last over 1,500 charge cycles.

    3. Higher Energy Density: The innovative anode achieves 1.5 times the energy density of standard graphite anode batteries.

    4. Enhanced Structural Integrity: The tin nanoparticle anode reduces volume expansion, leading to better structural stability.

    5. Versatility in Battery Technology: This new approach shows promise for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, enhancing their performance.


    Batteries play a crucial role in the performance of various modern devices like laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicles, but they often present challenges. Key areas needing enhancement are charging speed and battery life. A team from Pohang University of Science and Technology alongside the Korea Institute of Energy Research has introduced a new composite anode that could address these problems.

    Innovative Material Use

    Rather than relying on graphite, the researchers from South Korea have opted for tin nanoparticles that are embedded in a robust carbon matrix for the anode material. These tin nanoparticles are created through a sol-gel method followed by a heating process known as chemical reduction. This method ensures that the tin nanoparticles are evenly spread throughout the durable hard carbon structure.

    Enhanced Battery Performance

    According to findings published in the journal ACS Nano, these advancements have led to better structural integrity and reduced volume expansion when compared to typical graphite anodes. Consequently, this innovation results in a greater energy density in the battery cells, along with improved electrochemical performance. In simpler terms, these new batteries charge more quickly and have a longer lifespan.

    When a lithium-ion battery utilizes an electrode composed of tin nanoparticles within hard carbon, it can endure over 1,500 charge cycles with rapid 20-minute charging times. Additionally, the energy density achieved is 1.5 times that of standard batteries featuring a graphite anode. This cutting-edge battery technology also demonstrates strong stability and enhanced kinetics in sodium-ion cells.

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  • Kia Electric Cars Gain Access to Tesla Superchargers

    Kia Electric Cars Gain Access to Tesla Superchargers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kia EV owners can now access Tesla’s 21,500 Superchargers, increasing available charging stations to over 40,000 in North America.
    2. Most Kia electric vehicles come with a CCS1 charging port, and NACS adapters will be provided for Supercharger compatibility.
    3. The latest Kia models, like the 2025 EV6 and 2026 EV9, feature NACS charging ports for easier access.
    4. Kia owners can locate Supercharger stations via their vehicle’s infotainment system or a smartphone app, with an option to enroll in the Kia Charge Pass program.
    5. Access to Tesla’s charging network has been moved from January 2025 to spring, allowing Kia EVs to join other brands using Superchargers.


    Kia EV owners have some great news. They now have access to one of the largest public charging networks in North America: Tesla’s fast DC chargers.

    According to a statement from the South Korean automobile manufacturer, Kia customers can now utilize Tesla’s 21,500 Superchargers, increasing the total charging stations available to over 40,000.

    Charging Ports and Adapters

    Most Kia electric vehicles are equipped with a CCS1 charging port. Nonetheless, the company will provide NACS adapters to enable connections to the Superchargers. The latest models, such as the 2025 EV6 and the 2026 EV9, feature NACS charging ports.

    Kia owners can easily find, locate, and navigate to Supercharger stations directly from their vehicle’s infotainment system or via an app on their smartphones. They also have the option to enroll in the Kia Charge Pass program to utilize the charging network.

    Timing and Competition

    The access to Tesla’s network was initially scheduled for January 2025, but it has now been postponed to spring. At this point, Kia EVs can officially join brands like Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Hyundai, Lucid, Nissan, and Genesis in using the Superchargers.

    Kia has also expressed its disapproval of the recent vandalism targeting Tesla’s public charging facilities, highlighting that such acts of destruction hinder the ease of owning an electric vehicle.

    Kia’s commitment to improving the charging experience for its customers is clear.

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