Tag: Electric Cars

  • China’s Plug-in Sales Soar by 46% in 2023, Driving Electric Car Market Growth

    China’s Plug-in Sales Soar by 46% in 2023, Driving Electric Car Market Growth

    China has once again proven itself as the global powerhouse in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with a whopping 8 million new plug-in electric cars hitting the roads in 2023. This achievement not only sets a new benchmark for the country but also underscores the rapidly growing appetite for greener transportation options among Chinese consumers.

    Electric cars now account for 37% of all car sales in China

    The latest data reveals a significant 46% surge in plug-in car sales compared to the previous year, highlighting the unrelenting momentum of China’s EV market. This surge is fueled by a remarkable blend of all-electric cars (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), both registering record highs in sales. BEVs, leading the charge, witnessed about a 31% increase, while PHEVs, with their growing popularity due to larger battery capacities, saw an astounding 80% jump in registrations.

    BYD is the leading Chinese EV maker

    The electric revolution in China isn’t just about numbers; it’s a clear sign of the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and making electric mobility mainstream. With electric cars now accounting for 37% of all new car sales in China, the country is setting the pace for the global transition to sustainable transportation.

    The dominance of domestic brands like BYD, which has captured a significant share of the market, alongside international players like Tesla, showcases a competitive and vibrant EV ecosystem. Models such as the BYD Song Plus and Tesla Model Y have become consumer favorites, topping the sales charts and driving the market forward.

    Continued growth and a greener future

    As we look ahead, expectations are high for continued growth, albeit at a more measured pace. The industry is optimistic about reaching a new milestone of 10 million sales in 2024, reflecting confidence in the enduring appeal and potential of electric vehicles. With each passing year, China is driving closer to a greener, more sustainable future on the roads, demonstrating what’s possible with innovation, investment, and a shared vision for a cleaner planet.

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  • Lotus Prepares for an Electric Shift with the New Type 135 Sports Car

    Lotus Prepares for an Electric Shift with the New Type 135 Sports Car

    Lotus Sets Sights on Electrification with New Type 135 Sports Car

    Lotus, the iconic British brand, is preparing for a bold pivot towards electrification. By 2027, the company plans to phase out the Emira and introduce the electric Type 135 sports car. This new model, positioned as a more accessible alternative to the high-end Evija, is expected to have a price tag of approximately $95,345.

    A Two-Seater Sports Car Preserving the Essence of Lotus

    Mike Johnstone, Lotus Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasizes the importance of a two-seat sports car in preserving the essence of the Lotus brand. It goes beyond simply having a car with a Lotus badge; it’s about capturing the spirit and innovation that define the marque.

    Engineering Marvel: The Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture

    The Type 135 is not your average electric vehicle. It is set to be an engineering marvel, built on the Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture (LEVA). This innovative chassis is claimed to be 37% lighter than the one used in the Emira, although the final weight will increase due to the inclusion of a substantial battery pack.

    Power and Versatility: One- and Two-Motor Setups

    Lotus promises versatility with the Type 135, offering both one- and two-motor setups. The one-motor configuration will deliver 469 horsepower, while the two-motor setup will provide a whopping 872 horsepower. This flexibility allows for both rear- and all-wheel drive options, leaving room for a high-tech torque-vectoring AWD system similar to that found in the Evija.

    Redefining Electric Sports Car Dynamics

    The Type 135 aims to redefine driving dynamics for electric sports cars. Unlike many EVs that house batteries under the floor, Lotus plans to stack them behind the driver. This design choice ensures a lower seating position, providing a more authentic sports car experience that Lotus fans have come to expect.

    Production Rooted in England

    Production of the Type 135 will take place in England, marking a significant move as Lotus’ other models, the Emeya sedan and the Eletre SUV, are manufactured in China. With an annual sales target of 10,000 to 15,000 units worldwide, Lotus is poised to electrify the sports car market by blending traditional driving joy with modern electric efficiency. As Lotus prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter, the automotive world eagerly awaits its arrival.

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  • GM Confirms Major Upgrade to Chevrolet Bolt Set for 2025

    GM Confirms Major Upgrade to Chevrolet Bolt Set for 2025

    Big News for Electric Car Fans: Chevrolet Introduces the Bigger and Better Bolt EUV

    Chevrolet has exciting news for electric car enthusiasts! The popular Chevrolet Bolt is not only here to stay, but it's also getting a fantastic upgrade. General Motors (GM) has announced that in 2025, they will release a new version of the Bolt, but with a twist – it will exclusively be the larger Bolt EUV model.

    Chevrolet's Focus on the Roomier Bolt EUV Model

    After the Bolt's sales soared, GM decided to shift its focus to the roomier variant of the Bolt, the EUV model. Initially, there were concerns that the Bolt would be discontinued. However, the overwhelming demand for the EUV model prompted GM to change its plans and keep the Bolt lineup alive.

    The Evolution of the Chevrolet Bolt

    The Chevrolet Bolt first hit the streets in 2016, making a significant impact as an affordable electric car. In 2022, the larger Bolt EUV was introduced. Earlier this year, GM announced its intention to halt production of the smaller Bolt due to its outdated battery technology, which was not generating sufficient profits. However, the introduction of new tax credits led to a surge in Bolt sales, prompting GM to reconsider its decision.

    The Enhanced Bolt EUV: Faster Charging and Better Batteries

    The upcoming Bolt EUV is expected to be even more impressive. One of the significant improvements is faster charging, addressing a common concern among electric car drivers who dislike waiting. Additionally, the Bolt EUV will feature GM's state-of-the-art Ultium batteries, the same batteries used in their newer electric car models. This upgrade will result in enhanced performance while keeping costs down.

    Affordability at Its Finest

    One of the standout features of the Bolt is its affordability. With tax credits and discounts, customers can potentially purchase one for around $20,000. GM intends to keep the new Bolt EUV within the same price range, making it an excellent deal for those in the market for an electric car.

    The Bolt EUV: A Promising Future

    GM is placing its bets on the Bolt EUV, recognizing the growing preference for larger cars. If the Bolt EUV can maintain its affordability, it has the potential to become the next big thing in the electric car market. This strategic move by GM demonstrates how quickly things can change in the automotive industry. With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, the Bolt is riding the wave of success all the way to 2025.

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  • October Sees 14% Surge in UK Electric Car Sales Compared to Previous Year

    October Sees 14% Surge in UK Electric Car Sales Compared to Previous Year

    UK’s Electric Car Adoption on the Rise

    The UK is hitting the fast lane when it comes to adopting electric cars. In a striking uptick, October saw a 14% jump in new passenger car registrations compared to last year, totaling an impressive 153,529 vehicles. It’s clear that the Brits are charging ahead with 15 months of continuous growth, and a noteworthy 20% increase in new car registrations over the past ten months.

    Electric Cars Gaining Ground

    Electric cars, the spark plugs of the industry, are gaining ground even faster, capturing a growing piece of the pie. Last month alone, 38,228 plug-in vehicles were registered, up 33% from the previous year, and now represent nearly a quarter of all new cars hitting the roads.

    Digging a bit deeper, all-electric (BEV) models have enjoyed a remarkable 42 months of uninterrupted growth, with 23,943 new registrations marking a 20% increase from last year. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) aren’t lagging, racing ahead with a 61% surge to 14,285 vehicles. It seems the UK’s appetite for electric is insatiable, with a record-setting deployment of 4,753 new AC charging points in the last quarter to keep these cars running.

    Market Share and Growth

    While BEVs are certainly in the driver’s seat, claiming a 15.6% market share, PHEVs are not far behind at 9.3%. Together, they’ve charged up the market, contributing to over 375,000 new eco-friendly vehicles on UK roads this year – that’s a solid 35% increase.

    Despite this electric boom, none of the standalone all-electric models have cracked the top 10 monthly bestsellers – a testament to the stiff competition in the market. Tesla’s Model Y, however, remains a popular choice, sitting comfortably in the top 10 year-to-date rankings.

    Commercial Sector

    In the commercial sector, electric vans are trailing the passenger segment but have shown an 18% growth. This mirrors a global trend where commercial electric adoption is a bit slower off the mark.

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