Tag: electric vehicles

  • Electric Cars May Help Prevent Childhood Asthma: Study Report

    Electric Cars May Help Prevent Childhood Asthma: Study Report

    Key Takeaways

    1. Increasing electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce childhood asthma cases linked to vehicle emissions.
    2. For every 1,000 new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles sold, a new childhood asthma case is recorded.
    3. Replacing 21% of new fossil-fueled vehicles with EVs could stop the rise in asthma rates.
    4. The needed replacement percentages of ICE vehicles vary by state, from 7% to 42%, based on population and vehicle age.
    5. EVs are already improving public health in states with zero-emission vehicle initiatives, but affordability for lower-income families is crucial.


    A US research has discovered that increasing the number of electric vehicles on the streets can lower the chances of childhood asthma. The findings came after looking at data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gathered between 2013 and 2019.

    New Case Rates

    Harshit Gujrat, Meredith Franklin, and Steve Easterbrook observed that for every 1,000 new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles sold, a new childhood asthma case was recorded. They stated that just replacing 21 percent of new fossil-fueled vehicles with EVs could be “enough to stop the rise in asthma rates linked to new vehicle sales.”

    State-by-State Analysis

    The report highlights that the replacement percentages differ across states. Depending on how many people live there and how many vehicles are already on the road, some states might only need to replace 7 percent of their new ICE cars, while others could need up to 42 percent. This shows that densely populated states with older gas vehicles will gain the most from switching to electric cars.

    Public Health Benefits

    At the same time, the research indicates that EVs are already benefiting public health in the US. States that have zero-emission vehicle initiatives are seeing the bulk of these health improvements.

    The study urges that lawmakers should find methods to make EVs more affordable for lower-income families. Nonetheless, it warns that electric cars aren’t the only way to enhance children’s health.

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  • EVs, Including Tesla, Depreciate Faster Than ICE Vehicles

    EVs, Including Tesla, Depreciate Faster Than ICE Vehicles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Electric vehicles (EVs) have a higher depreciation rate, losing about 58.8% of their value after five years compared to the industry average of 45.6%.
    2. Luxury electric cars suffer the most in resale value, with models like the Jaguar i-Pace and Tesla Model S seeing losses of over 65%.
    3. Notable depreciation rates for other EVs include the Tesla Model X at 63.4% and Porsche Taycan at 60.1%, while the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric depreciate less at 55.9% and 58.0%.
    4. Lower prices for used EVs may attract buyers, but high depreciation could deter new buyers, impacting overall EV adoption.
    5. Rapid technology changes, consumer concerns about battery life, aggressive pricing strategies, and lower market demand contribute to the quick depreciation of electric vehicles.


    Electric vehicles are often seen as a more eco-friendly option, but they might not be as kind to your wallet, especially for those looking to sell their cars later. A recent study by iSeeCars revealed that battery-operated vehicles experience the highest depreciation, losing about 58.8 percent of their value after five years, in contrast to the average depreciation rate of 45.6 percent in the car industry.

    Luxury Models Take a Hit

    The luxury electric cars are usually the biggest losers in terms of resale value. Yet, only two electric vehicles managed to depreciate less than the average for their category. The Jaguar i-Pace, Tesla Model S, and Nissan Leaf suffered significant losses of 72.2 percent, 65.2 percent, and 64.1 percent of their original prices (MSRPs), respectively.

    Notable Depreciation Rates

    Additional electric vehicles that saw steep declines in value include the Tesla Model X at 63.4 percent, the Tesla Model Y at 60.4 percent, the Porsche Taycan at 60.1 percent, and the Kia Niro EV at 59.2 percent. On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Kona Electric were the least affected, with depreciation rates of 55.9 percent and 58.0 percent, respectively.

    Lower prices for used electric cars might spark more interest in pre-owned models. However, potential buyers of new electric vehicles could think twice about investing in them if these cars don’t retain their value, which could hinder the growth of EV adoption.

    Factors Behind Depreciation

    One reason for the quick depreciation of electric cars is the rapid pace of technology changes in this relatively new market. Consumers are also worried about battery life and how it affects driving range as time goes on. Additional factors include aggressive pricing strategies from electric vehicle manufacturers and lower demand in the market.

    For its findings, iSeeCars analyzed data from over 800,000 used cars that were sold five years after their initial purchase, specifically looking at sales from March 2024 to February 2025.

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  • Volkswagen Overtakes Tesla in Europe EV Sales Amid Rising China Competition

    Volkswagen Overtakes Tesla in Europe EV Sales Amid Rising China Competition

    Key Takeaways

    1. Volkswagen remains the leader in the European EV market with a 180% increase in registrations, totaling 19,565 units.
    2. Tesla’s market share has declined to 9.6%, with the Model Y sales dropping 56% and the Model 3 sales down 14%.
    3. Analysts suggest Tesla’s market share drop is tied to the launch of the new Model Y rather than Elon Musk’s political involvement.
    4. Other brands like BMW, Audi, Renault, and Kia also saw significant sales increases, indicating strong competition in the market.
    5. Chinese EV brands are gaining ground, collectively selling over 4,000 more units than Tesla in February 2025.


    The numbers are out for the European EV market for February 2025. Data from JATO Dynamics shows that Volkswagen has maintained its leading position across 28 countries, as the overall market volume increased by 26 percent year-on-year, rising from 130,739 to 164,148 units.

    Tesla’s Market Share Decline

    One of the most notable updates is Tesla’s drop in market share, now at 9.6 percent. The Model Y recorded only 8,800 units sold, which is a steep 56 percent decline. The Model 3 didn’t do any better, seeing a 14 percent decrease in registrations, totaling 6,800. Overall, the company lost 44 percent of its BEV market share, placing it in second position.

    Analyst Insights

    Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has been getting more involved in American politics. However, Felipe Munoz, an analyst at JATO Dynamics, suggests that the decrease in market share is more related to the launch of the new Model Y rather than Musk’s political activities. He highlights the difference in the volume drop between the Model Y and Model 3 as significant.

    Volkswagen’s Continued Success

    Volkswagen led the registration numbers again with 19,565 units, marking a remarkable 180 percent increase compared to last year. BMW also showed an improvement, increasing by 20 percent with 13,475 units sold. Other brands that saw gains include Audi with a 70 percent rise, Renault at 96 percent, and Kia up by 56 percent, in that order.

    Competition from Chinese Brands

    At the same time, Tesla faces increasing challenges as Chinese brands have begun to take market share. Collectively, these brands sold over 4,000 more units than Tesla. Even though both groups sold fewer units than in January, this shift is significant because Tesla had outsold the Chinese brands by nearly 5,000 registrations in the first month of the year.

    JATO Dynamics’ data indicates a changing landscape in the EV market, with competition heating up as various brands adapt and evolve.

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  • California Surpasses Gas Pumps with More EV Charging Stations

    California Surpasses Gas Pumps with More EV Charging Stations

    Key Takeaways

    1. California has over 178,000 EV charging stations, surpassing the 120,000 gas pumps available.
    2. The growth of charging stations is driven by business owners seeking to attract customers and increase sales.
    3. California leads the US in EV adoption with 3026 electric vehicles per 100,000 residents.
    4. Approximately 25% of new vehicles sold in California are electric.
    5. The state plans to ban the sale of new fossil fuel-powered cars by 2035 and has invested over $1 billion in expanding EV infrastructure.


    California is once again showing why it is leading the way in the electric vehicle (EV) movement across the US. The state’s charging network has expanded significantly and now competes with traditional gas station refueling options, as the number of EV chargers has surpassed that of gas pumps.

    Expanding Access for EV Owners

    State energy figures reveal that EV drivers in California can find over 178,000 charging stations, while there are approximately 120,000 gas pump nozzles for those who prefer internal combustion engines (ICE). This number doesn’t even include home charging setups, which are thought to total around one million.

    Business Incentives Drive Growth

    Professor Gil Tal from the UC Davis Research Center notes that the surge in charging stations is mainly due to business owners installing them to draw in customers and increase sales. He stated, “We see commercial retail places that know that if you stop to charge by their place, you are most likely to spend a little bit more money while waiting for your car to charge.”

    California’s Dominance in EV Adoption

    California stands out in the US for its EV adoption rates, boasting 3026 electric vehicles for every 100,000 residents, based on 2024 statistics from Visual Capitalist. Washington follows in second place with 1805 EVs per 100,000 people.

    Roughly a quarter of the new vehicles sold in California are electric, but even more charging stations are anticipated to shift the way people view EV ownership. The state plans to prohibit the sales of all new fossil fuel-powered cars by 2035 and has allocated over $1 billion to expand its EV charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

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  • BYD Launches Fifth 9200-Car Carrier to Enhance Export Capacity

    BYD Launches Fifth 9200-Car Carrier to Enhance Export Capacity

    Key Takeaways

    1. BYD is expanding its global presence by introducing a new car carrier, the BYD Changsha, to enhance product distribution outside of China.
    2. The BYD Changsha will join the existing BYD Shenzhen, both capable of carrying 9,200 vehicles each.
    3. BYD names its ships after its production facilities, with previous vessels including the BYD Explorer No. 1 and BYD Hefei.
    4. BYD is the largest new energy vehicle (NEV) maker in China, producing over four million vehicles last year.
    5. Exports from BYD are increasing significantly, with a 125% rise in overseas shipments in early 2025 compared to the previous year.


    BYD keeps pushing forward as it aims to broaden its presence globally. In a recent post on Weibo, the automaker announced that it will soon introduce its fifth car carrier to bring its products closer to customers outside of China.

    New Vessel Announcement

    The company will soon add the BYD Changsha to its fleet of ocean-going vessels. This new ship has the capacity to carry 9,200 vehicles at one time and will join the BYD Shenzhen, which has the same capacity.

    Naming Tradition

    BYD gives its ships names based on its production facilities. The first vessel was the BYD Explorer No. 1, which had a capacity of 7,000 and was leased from another company. However, the first ship that BYD fully owned was the BYD Hefei, which could lift 7,000 cars. Other vessels include the BYD Changzhou, which embarked on its first journey to Europe late last year with 5,000 electric cars onboard.

    Rapid Growth in NEV Market

    BYD has quickly become the largest new energy vehicle (NEV) maker in China. Last year, it produced over four million vehicles, with more than 400,000 sold outside of its home market. Exports from BYD are booming, with 133,361 vehicles shipped overseas in the first two months of 2025, marking a 125 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

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  • UK Car Leasing Company Reaches 100% Electric Fleet Early

    UK Car Leasing Company Reaches 100% Electric Fleet Early

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zenith achieved 100% fleet electrification five years ahead of schedule as part of its EV100 commitments.
    2. The company joined the EV100 initiative in 2020 to eliminate fossil fuel vehicles from its lineup.
    3. CEO Ian Hughes emphasizes the importance of leasing companies in the UK’s transition to net zero.
    4. Zenith is actively supporting clients in their transition to electric vehicles and achieving net zero goals.
    5. The EV100 initiative aims to promote zero-tailpipe emission mobility and make electric vehicles the standard by the end of the decade.


    UK-based car leasing firm Zenith is celebrating after achieving its 100% fleet electrification target five years ahead of schedule.

    Zenith proudly claims a fully electric fleet, accomplishing this milestone five years early as part of its EV100 commitments. The vehicle leasing firm became a member of this initiative in 2020, focusing on removing fossil fuel vehicles from its corporate lineup.

    CEO’s Perspective

    Ian Hughes, the CEO of Zenith’s Corporate and Consumer sectors, shares insights about the company’s push for sustainable transportation: “The effects of climate change are being felt now more then ever before, and we understand the role leasing companies play in the UK’s path to net zero.”

    “Since joining the EV100 in 2020, we’ve put in a lot of effort to drive real change. I feel proud that we’ve reached a key mark, achieving our 100% BEV colleague company car target five years ahead of the original timeline,” he added.

    Supporting Customers in the Transition

    In addition to exceeding its own carbon-emission reduction goals, Zenith is also assisting its clients in transitioning to electric vehicles and achieving net zero.

    The EV100 initiative, created by the Climate Group, strives to hasten the shift to zero-tailpipe emission mobility and aims to make electric vehicles the standard by the end of this decade. Participants in the program commit to electrifying their fleets and offering EV charging facilities for both employees and customers.

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  • Tesla Model S Plaid vs Xiaomi SU7 Ultra: Unexpected Drag Race Result

    Tesla Model S Plaid vs Xiaomi SU7 Ultra: Unexpected Drag Race Result

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has entered the electric vehicle market and sells over 20,000 cars monthly.
    2. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra outperformed the Tesla Model S Plaid in a drag race.
    3. The SU7 Ultra is priced at approximately $72,800, significantly cheaper than the Model S Plaid at around $112,000.
    4. The SU7 Ultra has a power output of 1,526 hp, surpassing the Model S Plaid’s 1,020 hp.
    5. The SU7 Ultra accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.98 seconds, making it the quickest mass-produced four-door sedan.


    Xiaomi has recently entered the electric vehicle market, yet it has already managed to sell over 20,000 cars each month. The excitement surrounding its automotive venture was highlighted when its vehicle outperformed one of Tesla’s top models in a recent performance test.

    Performance Comparison

    The Xiaomi SU7 was designed to rival the Tesla Model 3, but in an unexpected twist, the Ultra version of the SU7 outperformed the Model S Plaid in a drag race, all while being much more affordable. The SU7 Ultra is priced at approximately $72,800, whereas the Model S Plaid costs around $112,000 in China.

    Race Highlights

    In a brief video shared by Tesla Geek on YouTube, the SU7 initially appears to lag behind but quickly gains momentum, ultimately surpassing the pricier Tesla model.

    Specifications Breakdown

    To put things into perspective, the Tesla Model S Plaid boasts a powerful tri-motor AWD system that produces 1,020 hp, while the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra delivers a whopping 1,526 hp with a similar drivetrain setup. The Model S Plaid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds, whereas the SU7 Ultra achieves a similar feat from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 1.98 seconds. Xiaomi asserts that the SU7 Ultra is the quickest mass-produced four-door sedan, capable of hitting speeds of 350 km/h.

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  • Tesla Unveils New Model Y Juniper Refresh Early

    Tesla Unveils New Model Y Juniper Refresh Early

    Key Takeaways

    1. Early Launch: Tesla has begun initial deliveries of the Model Y Juniper refresh in China ahead of the planned March release, signaling a positive outlook for the US launch.

    2. New Features: The updated Model Y features design and interior changes, with a 5% improvement in range due to better power efficiency, but no changes to the powertrain or charging capabilities.

    3. Cost Management: Design decisions aim to keep costs low for the best-selling Model Y, with potential future upgrades as Tesla achieves economies of scale.

    4. Sales Challenges: Tesla’s sales in Europe dropped by 45% in January, leading to a new entry-level Model Y Juniper RWD priced at €44,990, while the longest-range model is available for €49,990 with delayed delivery.

    5. Availability in China: The Model Y RWD can be ordered in China for about $36,310, including a limited-time extended warranty, with uncertainty about future pricing after February 28.


    Tesla has hinted that the Model Y Juniper refresh will be available on February 26, and they have begun the initial deliveries in China today, just as they had promised.

    Early Launch

    Previously, Tesla planned to launch the new Model Y facelift in March, but they have successfully shipped it to customers earlier than expected. This early delivery is a positive sign for the upcoming US Juniper release as well.

    New Features

    Tesla kicked off Model Y deliveries with a promotional video showcasing updates in the vehicle’s design, aerodynamics, and interior. However, they did not mention any improvements to the powertrain, which remains unchanged.

    The range of the new Model Y Juniper is around 5% better than the previous model, but this improvement comes from enhanced power efficiency rather than an increase in battery capacity. The SUV still supports the older 250 kW charging speed and lacks Tesla’s newer 48V low-voltage architecture.

    Cost Management

    Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer, stated that these design choices are made to keep the costs of their top-selling vehicle low. However, they may introduce further upgrades over time as they achieve more economies of scale.

    Tesla will cease the sale of the initial Model Y Juniper Launch Series in China, which included an extended warranty, by the end of the work week. They have already stopped offering it in Europe.

    Sales Challenges

    In January, Tesla’s sales in Europe fell by 45%, likely due to Elon Musk’s contentious political actions there. As a result, European customers can now purchase the entry-level Model Y Juniper RWD starting at €44,990.

    Additionally, Europe has received the new Model Y with the longest range of 386 miles (WLTP) for €49,990. However, those who place a preorder can expect delivery only in May.

    Availability in China

    As of today in China, any customer can visit a Tesla store and order the Model Y RWD for about $36,310. This price includes the Launch Series with an extended warranty until February 28, and it remains uncertain if the new Model Y will become cheaper after that date.

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  • Tesla Introduces Virtual Queuing After Supercharger Fight Video

    Tesla Introduces Virtual Queuing After Supercharger Fight Video

    Key Takeaways

    1. Charging an electric vehicle (EV) can take a long time, leading to interactions and potential conflicts at public charging stations.
    2. Tesla plans to test a virtual queuing system starting in Q2 2025 to manage access to chargers and reduce tensions among drivers.
    3. The proposed queuing system will likely use a first-come, first-served method to organize charging access.
    4. Tesla aims to increase network capacity by 20% year-over-year to help reduce congestion and disputes at charging locations.
    5. It’s unclear how the new queuing system will work with EVs from other manufacturers, raising the potential for conflicts in city areas.


    Charging an electric vehicle can take quite a bit of time, even when using the quickest chargers available. As a result, owners of EVs often find themselves having to engage with others at public charging stations, and sometimes this can lead to tense situations. Following the popularity of a video showing a conflict at a Supercharging location, Tesla has shared plans to test a virtual queuing system at selected sites starting in Q2 2025.

    A New Approach to Charging

    The proposed system is expected to manage the order in which drivers access the chargers, likely utilizing a first-come, first-served method. Although major confrontations are rare, the limited availability of parking and instances of queue-jumping can escalate tensions, making the experience of public charging less than enjoyable for drivers of electric vehicles.

    Expansion Plans

    According to Tesla, the company might implement the virtual queuing solution more broadly depending on user feedback. Additionally, they unveiled plans for a significant 20 percent increase in network capacity year-over-year to help ease congestion and minimize disputes.

    Compatibility with Other Brands

    Currently, it’s not clear how this new system will function with electric vehicles from other manufacturers. Tesla has been slowly allowing these brands to use their Superchargers, which raises the likelihood of conflicts between drivers, particularly in city environments.

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  • Tesla Model Y Juniper: 20-Year Lifespan Outshines Diesel Cars

    Tesla Model Y Juniper: 20-Year Lifespan Outshines Diesel Cars

    A recent study from the UK titled “the closing longevity gap between battery electric and internal combustion vehicles” suggests that concerns regarding the lifespan of electric vehicles (EVs) may be exaggerated.

    Improved Lifespan of Modern EVs

    The research indicates that earlier issues with electric cars, which led to more frequent repairs and shorter lifespans, have been largely resolved in today’s EVs. Their lifespans are now similar to those of gasoline cars, even when used more heavily. This is particularly evident for Tesla vehicles, with some models having already reached over 400,000 miles. Researchers noted, “Tesla’s EVs are expected to cover an average of 204,000 miles over their lifetime, surpassing all other brands regardless of powertrain.”

    Tesla vs. Other Brands

    When calculating the average expected lifespan of Tesla cars, the study found it to be 20.3 years, which is longer than both petrol and diesel vehicles. Among diesel cars, VW’s Skodas are predicted to last the longest at 17.4 years, but they will cover less distance than Teslas. For gasoline vehicles, Audis might last 20.9 years, slightly exceeding Tesla’s lifespan, though they typically have much lower usage, about 143,100 miles.

    Future Considerations for EV Longevity

    However, researchers warn that the electric vehicle sector is still quite new, and the costs of battery replacements need to decrease to truly take advantage of their extended technological lifespan. They stated, “To fully realize the benefits of a longer BEV lifespan, replacement batteries, if necessary, must be affordable relative to the residual value of BEVs without their original batteries.” As of 2020, the price for battery replacement ranged from US$4,000 for a 30 kWh Nissan battery to US$10,275 for a 75 kWh Tesla Model 3. In contrast, ICE vehicle transmission replacements cost between US$1,100 and US$3,400. If battery prices do not decline in a timely manner, owners may decide to dispose of their BEVs prematurely, which could distort comparisons of longevity with ICE vehicles.

    Advancements in EV Warranties

    Taking this into account, both electric vehicle and battery manufacturers are pushing for longer warranties to enhance the second-hand market. Companies like NIO and CATL are striving to establish a standard 15-year battery warranty, increasing from the current average of eight years.

    The technology behind battery cell chemistry has matured to the point where CATL can provide such warranties for swap stations or commercial batteries. If a 15-year warranty for EVs becomes common, the findings of this vehicle longevity study—suggesting that new Teslas, including the forthcoming Model Y Juniper, could last for 20 years—might signal a promising trend for the future.

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