European Carmakers Seek EU Relief Amid Plunging EV Sales Source : https://evlife.my/blog/european-carmakers-seek-eu-relief-amid-plunging-ev-sales European carmakers are urgently appealing to the European Union for relief measures as electric vehicle (EV) sales experience a significant downturn. The decline in sales has been attributed to a combination of economic uncertainties, rising production costs, and increased competition from non-European manufacturers. Economic Challenges and Market Competition The European automotive industry, which has heavily invested in the transition to electric mobility, is now facing unexpected hurdles. Economic challenges, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, have led to higher production costs. Additionally, the influx of competitively priced EVs from Asia has intensified market competition, making it difficult for European manufacturers to maintain their market share. Carmakers' Appeal for Support In response to these challenges, leading carmakers have called on the EU to implement supportive measures. These include financial incentives for consumers, subsidies for manufacturers, and policies to enhance the competitiveness of European EVs. Industry leaders argue that without such support, the region's ambitious climate goals and the future of its automotive sector could be at risk. Potential Impact on Climate Goals The decline in EV sales is particularly concerning given the EU's stringent climate targets. The automotive sector plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, and a slowdown in EV adoption could hinder progress towards these goals. Policymakers are now under pressure to find a balance between supporting the industry and ensuring the continued push towards greener transportation solutions. Looking Ahead As the situation unfolds, stakeholders across the industry are closely monitoring the EU's response. The coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of Europe's EV market and its ability to compete on a global scale.

CATL Unveils Revolutionary 600 kWh EV Battery and Introduces Battery Swap for Heavy Trucks in Europe Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/catl-unveils-revolutionary-600-kwh-ev-battery-and-introduces-battery-swap-for-heavy-trucks-in-europe Hanover, Germany – In a groundbreaking announcement at the IAA Mobility event, Chinese battery giant CATL has unveiled its latest innovation: the Tectrans – T battery, designed specifically for heavy-duty trucks. This new battery boasts a massive capacity of 600 kWh and can recharge up to 70% in just 15 minutes. The Tectrans – T battery comes in two versions: the Long Life Edition, with an impressive lifespan of 2.8 million kilometers and 15 years, and the Superfast Charging Edition, which supports 4C charging. The Long Life Edition offers a maximum range of 500 km, while the Superfast Charging Edition, although with a shorter lifespan of 1.2 million kilometers and 8 years, provides rapid recharging capabilities. CATL also introduced its battery swapping solution for heavy-duty trucks, facilitated by QIJI Energy. This innovative approach aims to minimize depreciation costs and enhance the efficiency of electric trucks. With partnerships already established with major European truck manufacturers such as Daimler Truck AG, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and Volvo A/B, CATL is set to revolutionize the heavy-duty truck industry in Europe.

Norway Reaches Milestone: Electric Cars Outnumber Gasoline Vehicles Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/norway-reaches-milestone:-electric-cars-outnumber-gasoline-vehicles In a groundbreaking development, Norway has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards a sustainable future. For the first time, the number of electric cars on Norwegian roads has surpassed the number of gasoline-powered vehicles. This historic shift underscores Norway's leadership in the global transition to electric mobility. According to an analysis by Bilbransje24, a Norwegian auto industry publication, and data from Norway’s Road Traffic Information Council (Opplysningsrådet for Veitrafikken, OFV), the country now boasts 751,450 electric cars in service, compared to 755,244 petrol-only cars. With electric vehicles (EVs) selling at a rate of approximately 10,000 per month, and petrol-only cars at a mere few hundred, the crossover point was inevitable. Norway has long been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, with an impressive 94% market share for new EV sales in August 2024. The country aims to end sales of new gasoline cars by 2025, a target it is well on track to meet. This achievement is a testament to Norway's robust policies and incentives promoting electric vehicles, making it a model for other nations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. While diesel vehicles still remain the most common on Norwegian roads, with just over a million in service, their numbers are also declining. The rapid growth of electric vehicles is outpacing the decline of diesel, indicating a strong shift towards cleaner transportation options. This milestone is not just a win for Norway but a significant indicator of the global shift towards sustainable transportation. As more countries adopt similar policies and incentives, the world can look forward to a greener, more sustainable future.

BYD now holds 100% of Denza as Mercedes exits Source : https://evlife.my/blog/byd-now-holds-100%7C-of-denza-as-mercedes-exits BYD has achieved full control of premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand Denza, after increasing its stake in the joint venture with Mercedes-Benz to 90 percent in 2022. Denza's operating entity, Shenzhen Denza New Energy Automotive Co Ltd, saw a change in shareholder information on September 14, with Mercedes-Benz dropping out and BYD becoming the sole shareholder, according to China's National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System. A Mercedes executive, Hans Georg Engel, withdrew from Denza's list of directors, according to the database information. That means BYD has bought the remaining 10 percent of Denza from Mercedes, after increasing its stake from 50 percent to 90 percent in 2022. Denza was initially founded in February 2011 as a 50-50 joint venture between BYD and Daimler, China's first Sino-foreign joint venture focused on NEVs. In February 2022, the Daimler brand was rebranded as Mercedes-Benz. Denza initially launched the Denza 300, Denza 400, and Denza 300, three battery electric vehicle (BEV) models, and the Denza X hybrid SUV (sport utility vehicle). Sales of these early Denza models, which are now discontinued, were weak and the brand was not well known. On January 24, 2022, BYD said in an announcement that it had signed an equity transfer agreement with Daimler for Denza, which would increase BYD's stake in the company to 90 percent and reduce Daimler's stake to 10 percent. The deal closed in mid-2022. BYD relaunched the Denza brand in mid-2022 and unveiled the D9 MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) on May 16, 2022, as the first model of the updated brand. Denza D9 was officially launched on August 23, 2022, and deliveries began on October 25 of the same year. Denza subsequently launched two more SUVs, the N7 and N8, but their contribution to the brand's sales was limited. In the January-August period of this year, Denza sold 79,894 units and the D9 contributed 71,342 units, or 89 percent. Since March 2023, monthly sales of the Denza D9 have basically been around 10,000 units. Denza will officially launch the tri-motor Denza Z9GT on September 20, and the model will have a pre-sale price of RMB 339,800 ($47,900).

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao Meets Antonio Tajani to Discuss Electric Vehicles Source: https://evlife.my/blog/chinese-commerce-minister-wang-wentao-meets-antonio-tajani-to-discuss-electric-vehicles Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome to discuss key issues, including the proposed European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The meeting is part of a broader effort by China to persuade EU members to reconsider the tariffs, which could significantly impact trade relations. During the talks, Minister Wang emphasized the importance of maintaining open trade channels and avoiding measures that could lead to a trade war. He highlighted the potential for collaboration in the EV sector, which is crucial for both countries' economic and environmental goals. Minister Tajani, while acknowledging the concerns raised by China, reiterated Italy's commitment to fair trade practices and the need to protect the European automotive industry. He expressed hope for a negotiated solution that would benefit both sides. The discussions also touched on broader economic cooperation, with both ministers agreeing to strengthen ties in various sectors, including renewable energy and technology. This visit comes ahead of a planned trip by Italian President Sergio Mattarella to China in November, signaling the strategic importance of these talks. The outcome of these discussions could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EU-China trade relations, particularly in the rapidly growing EV market.

General Motors in Talks to Source Chinese EV Batteries for U.S. Production Source : https://evlife.sg/blog/general-motors-in-talks-to-source-chinese-ev-batteries-for-u.s.-production In a significant move for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, General Motors (GM) is reportedly in discussions to procure EV batteries from Chinese manufacturers, with the intention of assembling them in the United States. This development, first reported by Bloomberg News, highlights GM's strategic efforts to secure a stable supply of batteries amid increasing demand for electric vehicles. The discussions come at a time when the U.S. government is implementing stricter regulations on Chinese content in EV batteries to qualify for tax credits. These regulations, set to take effect in 2024, aim to reduce dependency on Chinese materials and promote domestic production. GM's potential partnership with Chinese battery makers could be a game-changer, allowing the automaker to leverage advanced battery technology while adhering to new regulatory requirements by assembling the batteries domestically. This approach could help GM maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving EV market. The move also underscores the broader trend of global automakers seeking to diversify their supply chains and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions and trade policies. As the EV market continues to grow, securing a reliable and cost-effective supply of batteries remains a top priority for manufacturers. While details of the potential deal are still under wraps, industry analysts are closely watching the developments, as they could have far-reaching implications for the EV industry and the global supply chain dynamics.

China Advises Carmakers to Retain Key EV Technology Domestically Source : https://evlife.hk/blog/china-advises-carmakers-to-retain-key-ev-technology-domestically China has issued a directive to its carmakers, urging them to keep advanced electric vehicle (EV) technology within the country. This move comes as Chinese automakers, including BYD Co and Chery Automobile Co, expand their global footprint by building factories in countries like Spain, Thailand, and Hungary to avoid tariffs on Chinese exports. The Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom) held a meeting in July with over a dozen automakers, advising them to export knock-down kits for final assembly abroad rather than complete vehicles. This strategy aims to safeguard China's EV industry know-how and mitigate regulatory risks. Additionally, carmakers were cautioned against making auto-related investments in India and were instructed to notify Mofcom and local Chinese embassies before investing in Türkiye. This directive could impact Chinese automakers' efforts to globalize and may affect European nations hoping to attract Chinese investment for economic growth. Despite these challenges, companies like BYD are moving forward with plans to establish factories abroad, such as a facility in Türkiye expected to produce 150,000 cars annually and create up to 5,000 jobs.

Toyota and Nissan to Boost Japan's Battery Production Capacity Source : https://www.evlife.my/blog/toyota-and-nissan-to-boost-japan%27s-battery-production-capacity In a significant move to enhance Japan's position in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Toyota Motor and Nissan Motor, along with other companies, have announced plans to expand the country's battery production capacity by around 50%. This initiative is supported by the Japanese government through a substantial investment of 1 trillion yen (approximately $6.97 billion) . The investment aims to bolster the production of storage batteries, which are crucial for the growing EV market. Toyota, Nissan, and other companies will receive government support to increase their production capabilities. This move is part of Japan's broader strategy to strengthen its supply chain and competitiveness in the global EV market . Toyota plans to ramp up production of solid-state and prismatic batteries, with significant investments in its Hyogo and Fukuoka facilities. Nissan, on the other hand, will focus on increasing the production of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries domestically by 2028 . This initiative is expected to significantly boost Japan's annual battery production capacity, helping the country transition towards a more sustainable and electrified future .

Toyota to slow EV output to 30% below previous 2026 sales forecast Source : https://evlife.my/blog/toyota-to-slow-ev-output-to-30%7C-below-previous-2026-sales-forecast Toyota Motor plans to significantly slow its production of electric vehicles, cutting its global output forecast for 2026 to 1 million cars, some 30% lower than the previously announced sales forecast for the same year, Nikkei has learned. The Japanese automaker's decision to cut EV production was prompted by the slowdown in the global EV market. Toyota has notified its parts suppliers of the decision. Under the new plan, Toyota aims to produce a little more than 400,000 EVs in 2025 and to more than double production the following year. The Japanese automaker, which has focused on hybrid vehicles, sold about 100,000 EVs in 2023 and around 80,000 EVs from January through July this year. The new 2026 forecast still amounts to a big rise in EV sales, but production will noticeably slow, compared with the previous plan. Last May, Toyota announced a plan to lift its global EV sales to 1.5 million vehicles by 2026. It has said that the number was intended to provide a benchmark to gear up its supply chain for batteries and other products to keep pace with the expected rapid growth of the EV market. Toyota's decision comes as the global EV market has been cooling. According to U.K. research specialist GlobalData, global EV sales reached 9.7 million units in 2023, a 32% increase from the previous year. However, the growth rate has decelerated: In 2022 EV sales rose 65% on the year to 7.4 million cars. U.S. based EV maker Tesla's global sales from January to June fell 7% on the year to 830,000 units. This marks the first time that Tesla's half-year sales have fallen below the previous year's figures. China's BYD sold 720,000 EVs during the same period, an 18% increase, but its sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) jumped 40% to 880,000 units, topping its EVs in terms of both growth rate and total units sold. Toyota is not the only big global automaker revising its EV strategy. Germany's Volkswagen is considering closing a factory in Germany for the first time due to the high cost of its EV investments. U.S. automaker General Motors also plans to postpone production of large EVs at its Michigan plant by two years. Fellow U.S. manufacturer Ford Motor also announced it was halting development of large electric SUVs. Sweden's Volvo Cars has scrapped its goal to make only EVs by 2030. But among Japanese automakers, only Toyota has changed its EV strategy. Honda continues to bolster its EV production, rather than backing down from its goal to produce only EVs or fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) by 2040.

"Star Shield GX Tinted Film" - along with Amber's creativity brings market-leading tinted film solutions Source : https://evlife.sg/blog/%22star-shield-gx-tinted-film%22---along-with-amber%27s-creativity-brings-market-leading-tinted-film-solutions The latest "Star Shield GX" series of thermal insulation films launched by GAMA thermal insulation paper this summer uses cutting-edge ceramic nanotechnology as its core to provide car owners with excellent thermal insulation protection and UV blocking effects. With its elegant and creative amber hue, this new thermal insulation film not only effectively protects against heat and UV rays, but also does not interfere with the vehicle's electronic signals, providing an unparalleled driving experience. According to the information disclosed on the official website of GAMA thermal insulation paper, this series of products has several main features: Innovative technology, ultimate thermal insulation Products are manufactured in the world's leading single-source production facilities and combined with cutting-edge technology to provide you with superior product quality. Star Shield GX series insulation films use unique technology, with infrared and ultraviolet isolation rates as high as 99%, which can significantly reduce the temperature inside the car and reduce the use of air conditioning, thus improving fuel efficiency and protecting the passengers in the car from harmful rays. It reduces damage, achieves the dual effects of energy saving and environmental protection, and maintains a cool and comfortable environment in the car. Advanced technology that does not affect electronic signals Using the latest ceramic nanotechnology, the GX series Star Shield thermal insulation film maintains strong thermal insulation performance and still does not affect the operation of electronic equipment such as GPS, ETC, and ETag. This technology ensures the stability and reliability of electronic communications in the car, so that car owners no longer have to worry about signal problems while driving. High-end aesthetics, perfectly blending performance and appearance Star Shield GX insulation film not only provides excellent thermal insulation function, but also has unique visual effects. The material characteristics of high transparency ensure clear vision for the driver and passengers in the car. Compared with cheap films, the GX series uses more durable materials to ensure color stability and long-term aesthetic effects, perfectly improving the overall texture of the vehicle. It has an elegant amber color in appearance, and its color system gives people the impression of creativity and confidence. It not only symbolizes that it will bring new products to consumers, but also will not change color over time. Enhanced protection and easy installation The thickness of GX series Star Shield insulation film reaches 2 mil, which can better resist the impact of glass breaking compared with traditional 1.5 or 1 mil film. Therefore, its high film shrinkage capability not only makes installation easier, but also provides car owners with a reliable layer of protection. In addition, the product also enjoys a 5-year warranty after installation, allowing car owners to deal with non-human product problems with peace of mind. Through online customer service assistance, not only can we have a clearer understanding of product characteristics before construction and make choices, but we can also answer relevant questions after construction and provide complete after-sales services.