Volkswagen looking to deepen partnership with U.S. EV maker Rivian Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/volkswagen-looking-to-deepen-partnership-with-u.s.-ev-maker-rivian Volkswagen, opens new tab is considering ways to deepen its partnership with U.S. electric car maker Rivian, the German company's CEO told Spiegel magazine in comments published on Friday. "For example, we are thinking about sharing modules and bundling purchasing volumes," Oliver Blume said. "The Volkswagen group offers great opportunities for a small brand like Rivian." In a statement, the German group said that, in case the joint venture would be established successfully, Volkswagen “intends to make further investments in shares of Rivian Automotive, Inc., or in the joint venture in the total amount of 4 billion USD”. “The additional investment in shares of Rivian Automotive, Inc., would be made in two tranches of 1 billion USD each in 2025 and 2026 and would be contingent on Rivian Automotive, Inc., and the joint venture achieving certain milestones. With respect to the joint venture Volkswagen would provide a payment in the amount of 1 billion USD upon foundation of the joint venture in 2024 and grant a loan in the amount of 1 billion USD in 2026,” VW added.

Chinese investors consider buying Volkswagen’s German plants to expand EV production in Europe Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/chinese-investors-consider-buying-volkswagen%E2%80%99s-german-plants-to-expand-ev-production-in-europe Chinese officials and automakers are eyeing German factories slated for closure and are particularly interested in Volkswagen’s sites , a person with knowledge of Chinese government thinking told Reuters. Buying a factory would allow China to build influence in Germany’s prized auto industry, home to some of the oldest and most prestigious car brands, the person said. Chinese companies have invested across a range of industries in Europe’s biggest economy, from telecommunications to robotics, but have yet to set up traditional car manufacturing there despite Mercedes-Benz having two large Chinese shareholders. Any such move could mark China’s most politically sensitive investment yet. VW has long been a symbol of Germany’s industrial prowess, now threatened by a global economic slowdown hitting demand and creaking transition to green technologies. Building cars in Germany for sale in Europe would allow China’s EV makers to avoid paying EU tariffs on electric cars imported from China and could pose a further threat to European manufacturers’ competitiveness. While bids could come from private companies, state-owned businesses or joint ventures with foreign players, Chinese authorities reserve the right to approve certain investments abroad and are likely to be involved in any offer from early in the process. Investment decisions would hinge on the new German government’s stance towards China after an election in February, the person said. The two economies became deeply intertwined during Angela Merkel’s 16 years in office, fuelled by investments and exports from German carmakers to China. But relations have cooled as the current coalition pushes to reduce dependence on China. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has described President Xi Jinping as a “dictator”, and China as a rival. A source from Germany’s foreign office said China had evolved to become a systemic rival. Volkswagen is exploring alternative uses for its Dresden and Osnabrueck factories under a cost-cutting drive to pare back its German operations. Europe’s biggest automaker, which owns brands including Porsche, Audi and Skoda, has suffered a fall in sales in the face of rising competition from Chinese companies. VW executives wanted to close several plants but faced resistance from unions. In a deal struck before Christmas they agreed to end production in Dresden, a 340-worker plant making the electric ID.3, from 2025, and Osnabrueck, where 2,300 employees produce the T-Roc Cabrio, from 2027. VW would be open to selling the Osnabrueck factory to a Chinese buyer, a person familiar with the company’s thinking told Reuters. “We are committed to finding a continued use for the site. The goal must be a viable solution that takes into account the interests of the company and employees,” a spokesperson said, declining to comment specifically on speculation about an offer. Chinese companies are concerned about how they would be received by German unions, which hold half the seats on German companies’ advisory boards and seek far-reaching site and job guarantees, the person familiar with China’s thinking said. Stephan Soldanski, a union representative from Osnabrueck, said workers at the plant would have nothing against producing for one of Volkswagen’s China-based joint venture partners. “I could imagine that we would produce something for a China joint venture .... but under the VW logo and under VW standards. That is the key condition,” he said. China seeks to open doors A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said companies that want to invest in Germany should be allowed to do so. “China has introduced a series of opening-up measures to create new business opportunities for foreign companies ... It is hoped that the German side will also uphold an open mind, (and) provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese firms to invest,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. The source with knowledge of Chinese government thinking, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, declined to name specific potential investors. Asked about the person’s comments, China’s chamber of commerce in Berlin confirmed that Chinese investors were strongly interested in Germany’s car sector, viewing it as a strategically important long-term investment prospect. Many Chinese carmakers believe that winning over Germany’s demanding consumers is a key marker of success, they added. Selling factories could be cheaper for VW than closing plants, said a banker familiar with the carmaker, adding that they could fetch between 100 million euros and 300 million euros (US$103 million to US$309 million) each. Volkswagen did not comment on the value of the assets. Stephan Weil, premier of Lower Saxony and supervisory board member at VW, declined to comment. China EV makers scout locations Many Chinese carmakers are scouting locations for plants in Europe, the world’s second-largest EV market, to circumvent tariffs imposed by the European Commission last year to counter what it said were unfair subsidies in China. Most have so far opted to build new factories in lower-cost countries with weaker trade unions, such as BYD in Hungary and Turkey. Leapmotor is planning production with Stellantis in Poland and Chery Auto will start making EVs this year at a plant formerly owned by Nissan in Spain. Chinese investors have already surveyed plants in western Europe, according to a separate source familiar with those discussions, including Ford’s plant in Saarlouis in Germany and Volkswagen’s Audi plant in Brussels. Sources told Reuters in November that Leapmotor was considering using a plant in Germany for EV production. Chery told Reuters it is looking at various options for production in Europe and expects to make a decision this year. Its top European executive told Reuters last October that while it would be quicker to buy an existing plant, a new plant would allow Chery to build to the latest standards. BYD told Reuters it has long-term European goals that are largely independent of short-term national politics.

GM signs supply deal with Vianode for synthetic graphite for EV batteries Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/gm-signs-supply-deal-with-vianode-for-synthetic-graphite-for-ev-batteries General Motors , opens new tab has signed a multi-year, multi-billion dollar agreement for Norway's Vianode to provide the U.S. automaker with synthetic graphite anode materials for its electric vehicle batteries, the companies said on Wednesday. The synthetic graphite will be used for EV batteries made by the Ultium Cells joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution , opens new tab. The deal will run from 2027 when Vianode launches production at a plant in North America, through to 2033. "This project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers," Jeff Morrison, GM's senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain, said in a statement. China controls 95% of the global supply of graphite, which is vital for EV battery production. This has left western automakers and governments striving to develop alternative sources. "The entire EV ecosystem depends upon the import of one critical mineral," Vianode CEO Burkhard Straube told Reuters. "What General Motors wants and we want is a resilient supply chain for North America." Straube said Vianode's plant will be either in the United States or Canada, close to GM and LG's battery production, but added he could not disclose a location as negotiations with partners and governments are ongoing. In its first planned phase, the plant should produce around 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually by 2030, or enough to supply around 1.5 million EVs. Vianode already has a production plant in operation in Herøya, Norway. The company is in talks to supply other automakers, Straube said. Vianode's synthetic anode graphite has a 90% lower CO2 footprint than conventional production methods and Straube said his company can scale up faster than a mining operation. "The EV industry is still growing and exploring a new mine takes a decade, maybe longer," Straube said. "With synthetic graphite, you can build another plant in two or three years." Straube said Vianode's plant will be either in the United States or Canada, close to GM and LG's battery production, but added he could not disclose a location as negotiations with partners and governments are ongoing. In its first planned phase, the plant should produce around 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually by 2030, or enough to supply around 1.5 million EVs. Vianode already has a production plant in operation in Herøya, Norway. The company is in talks to supply other automakers, Straube said. Vianode's synthetic anode graphite has a 90% lower CO2 footprint than conventional production methods and Straube said his company can scale up faster than a mining operation. "The EV industry is still growing and exploring a new mine takes a decade, maybe longer," Straube said. "With synthetic graphite, you can build another plant in two or three years."

EV rebates stalled after federal program runs out of money Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/ev-rebates-stalled-after-federal-program-runs-out-of-money The federal government has paused an incentive program that offered Canadians rebates of up to $5,000 when buying or leasing electric vehicles. In an update on its website, Transport Canada says the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program has been paused as “funds have been fully committed.” The department says more than 546,000 vehicles have been sold or leased with incentives through the program since it began in 2019. In 2023 zero emissions vehicles accounted for 11.7 per cent of Canada’s market, up from 3.1 per cent in 2019. Canada has mandated that 20 per cent of all new vehicles sold must be electric by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2035. The program was scheduled to pause either on March 31, or once all the available funding has been accessed.

Chinese EV brands make their presence known at the Singapore Motor Show Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/chinese-ev-brands-make-their-presence-known-at-the-singapore-motor-show The EV revolution was on full display at the Singapore Motor Show. Just about every car brand at the Suntec City exhibition hall, which hosted the car show from Jan. 9 to 12, showed off at least one hybrid or battery electric vehicle, as world car markets continue their drive away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. “Customers in Singapore are increasingly willing to embrace electrification,” Ron Lim, head of sales and marketing at Tan Chong Motor Sales, which sells Nissan models in Singapore. (Parent company Tan Chong Motor Holdings, based in Malaysia, is No. 430 on the Fortune Southeast Asia 500, which ranks the region’s largest companies by revenue). Singapore’s government wants to phase out the sale of new ICE passenger vehicles by 2030. At the Motor Show, Chinese brands are capitalizing on the shift away from petrol. Eleven out of 28 brands participating at the show were from China. The list included newcomers, like Deepal and Jaecoo, debuted in 2023 by Changan Automobile and Chery respectively. The show also included relatively more established EV brands like Zeekr and Maxus, owned by Geely and SAIC Motor respectively. Chinese EV giant BYD, neck-and-neck with Tesla in global battery EV sales, was present at the show as well. Traditional carmakers like Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, and Nissan also displayed non-ICE cars at the convention. Some Chinese EV carmakers, like Xpeng, Omoda and Jaecoo, were strategically placed on a level that allowed full access to the public, without requiring a ticket. And those that did buy a ticket were greeted by a massive BYD booth upon entering the paid area of the show. BYD debuted its luxury supercar, the Yangwang U9, at the show. The company demonstrated the car twice a day, including its ability to turn on the spot and “dance.” Motor Show attendee Martin Peh, who is self-employed and currently drives a ICE vehicle, said the U9 was something he “particularly wanted” to see at the exhibition. Chinese brands are “popping out everywhere,” he said when asked about the brands on display. “That just shows how capable [China’s] automotive industry really can be.” Chinese cars were also priced competitively compared to the prices of other brands at the show. Chinese brands have made pricing discussions “very interesting,” said a sales representative from Komoco Motors, which distributes Hyundai in Singapore. (The representative chose to remain unnamed as they were not authorized to speak for the company) Some exhibition goers expressed disappointment upon discovering that the Ioniq 5 and 6, assembled at Hyundai’s Singapore-based “Innovation Center,” were not cheaper than models produced outside the country. Lim, from Tan Chong Motors, conceded that “new entrants to the market” have intensified the competition. Yet he argued that customers are still gravitating to established brands due to their decades of expertise and long-term support. It’s still early days for Chinese EV brands in Singapore. BYD only started selling passenger vehicles in the Southeast Asian city in 2019. The Chinese EV giant was Singapore’s most popular vehicle brand by registration in the first half of 2024. (Toyota outsold BYD if sales of Lexus, its subsidiary, are included). In recent years, Chinese brands like BYD have turned to the export market as a new source of growth, thanks to an extended price war in their home market. Yet Chinese EV makers are getting caught up in geopolitical frictions, some of which have already resulted in new tariffs in markets like the U.S. and the European Union. Analysts suggest that emerging markets in Southeast Asia are a better target for Chinese carmakers looking to go global, as governments in the region have better relations with Beijing.

Sime Motors sees ‘highly promising prospects’ for its EV segment in 2025 Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/sime-motors-sees-%E2%80%98highly-promising-prospects%E2%80%99-for-its-ev-segment-in-2025 KUALA LUMPUR: Prospects for Sime Motors’ electric vehicle (EV) segment for 2025 appear highly promising on strong momentum from previous years, said Sime Motors managing director of Southeast Asia Jeffrey Gan. He said consumer acceptance of EVs in Malaysia is on a strong upward trajectory with a reported 64% growth in EV sales from 2023 to 2024. “We foresee 2025 will be a very exciting year for the EV landscape. And definitely it will be much more positive compared to 2024. This positions Sime Motors to capitalise on increasing demand,” he told reporters at the announcement of the partnership with Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia to enhance the accessibility and adoption of EVs on Friday. Gan said Sime Motors will be offering more products that will cater to the EV needs by the market. “We have BYD. BYD is full EV at the moment. 30% of our volume for BMW, we are looking at electric vehicles. And a lot of our brands that we carry are very much into electrification,” he said. Gan also stressed the company’s commitment to after-sales services as EV adoption grows. “All our technicians are EV-trained. We develop their skills to ensure our customers are not left on their own. It’s not just about selling cars – it’s about the entire journey of owning an EV.” With a view towards driving the nation’s sustainability aspirations, Sime Motors and Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia have partnered to support the transition to more environmentally conscious transport. To kick off the collaboration, Sime Motors launched AutoArena, the nation’s first-ever automotive event held at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur Sports City. It marks the first of many automotive showcases to be jointly hosted by Sime Motors and Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia. The three-day event showcases Sime Motors’ diverse automotive portfolio, including BMW, MINI, Motorrad, BYD, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, and a selection of premium pre-owned vehicles from Auto Selection. As part of the partnership, Sime Motors will provide Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia with two EVs for 24 months to support stadium operations. Additionally, an EV charging station will be installed at the stadium, offering convenient access to EV charging infrastructure for the surrounding community. Gan said the partnership not only supports Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia’s operational needs with sustainable vehicles but also enhances accessibility for the broader community through EV charging infrastructure. “This initiative aligns with the government’s aim of increasing EV adoption by 2030 and fosters greater awareness and understanding of the benefits of EV ownership for Malaysians,” he added. Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia CEO Iliyas Jamil noted that the Bukit Jalil National Stadium serves as a key destination for both international and local events, welcoming over one million visitors annually. “Our appeal and accessibility make us the ideal venue to demonstrate the convenience and practicality of EVs, empowering more Malaysians to embrace sustainable lifestyles,” he said.

Lack of charging stifles EV ambitions - Vietnam Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/lack-of-charging-stifles-ev-ambitions---vietnam More electric vehicle charging stations are being built by manufacturers and third parties in Vietnam, but the numbers are still far from meeting likely demand, and some Chinese manufacturers are leaning back into petrol or hybrid-engine cars. Saigon Fuel JSC revealed in late December its cooperation with VinFast to survey gas stations for the installation of charging stations. If all requirements are met, the company, which currently operates 18 gas stations, will proceed with construction. A Saigon Fuel leader stated that fire safety approval is required before proceeding. Additionally, setting up charging stations takes up space, affecting sales activities and business performance, particularly at smaller stations. “The company will consider cooperation at larger premises that meet fire safety standards,” the representative said. Petrolimex and PV Oil have already launched hundreds of electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities at their gas stations nationwide for VinFast vehicles. At the end of November, Vingroup and PV Power signed an agreement to develop a nationwide EV charging system, with a network of 1,000 stations planned by PV Power before 2030. Elsewhere, Centre Mall Vo Van Kiet in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 6, which will soon open, will feature two areas for charging EVs and motorbikes. Two charging stations, each with four ports offering fast charging speeds of 60KW for VinFast EVs, are being built by Saigon Trading Group in collaboration with V-Green. Additionally, there is a 120KW superfast charging station from partner Eboost for other EVs. The EV charging station business also creates new opportunities for businesses and individuals as greener vehicles become popular. In September, VinFast introduced franchise charging stations with a fixed revenue-sharing rate for franchise partners, applicable for a minimum of 10 years. Within just over a month, VinFast received nearly 1,000 applications to open franchise charging stations. In the market, major enterprises have already joined VinFast’s franchise model. For instance, Vasia JSC has deployed 30 franchise charging points in the northern province of Bac Ninh, while Fast+ Charging Station JSC signed a cooperation agreement to install 5,000 stations nationwide at shopping centres, residential areas, public car parks, and highway rest stops. Nguyen Phi Long, director of Fast+ Charging Station, said, “Investing in and developing charging stations is not only a good business opportunity but also contributes to promoting green transportation and supporting the government’s net-zero commitments.” Exponential growth In response to rising demand, restaurants, hotels, resorts, and shopping malls are investing in EV charge stations. Some e-car users have reportedly cancelled trips or avoided destinations and services lacking charging facilities. An Dinh Nha, general director of GG Charging JSC, said the company offered various models, including franchise, joint investment, and self-funding by individuals and companies. “Recently, many clients such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, and office buildings have expressed interest in investing in charging stations for both customers and employees,” he said. “We are proactively seeking suitable premises in crowded areas to install small-scale charging stations with low investment costs and quick capital recovery.” Nguyen Hung Thuong, CEO of Solar Z Energy Investment JSC, which installs charging stations for restaurants, hotels, resorts, and highway rest stops, said demand was surging from foreign investment funds, domestic companies with technological expertise, and individual investors. “The demand for installing EV charging stations this year has doubled compared to last year and is expected to grow even more next year. Recently, a client commissioned my company to install a chain of over 70 charging points, while another restaurant and hotel system has completed nearly 20 charging points,” he said. The charging station market will become more dynamic in the coming years as more electric trucks, buses, and containers enter operation. The tax exemption and reduction roadmap under trade agreements is also improving EV affordability and boosting purchasing power, Thuong added. Chinese EVs cannot wait According to a report by market research firm Counterpoint Research in mid-2024, Vietnam has experienced impressive growth in this area, with battery EV sales increasing more than four-fold and contributing nearly 17 per cent of Southeast Asia’s regional sales. But most of them are VinFast models, while the Chinese EV wave seems to be slowing down in Vietnam due to lack of charging stations. In recent years, users have had more choice as EV models distributed in Vietnam are increasingly made available, with a variety of types, segments, and prices that have already been launched on the market. In addition to VinFast, Chinese companies like Wuling, BYD, and GAC Aion have also entered the market with several models. BYD is the Chinese company selling the most EVs in Vietnam, with six models. According to Chinese vehicle info service Yiche, this was the third best-selling brand globally at one point last year, only trailing behind Volkswagen and Toyota. Wuling, distributed by TMT Motors, introduced its Mini EV model into Vietnam in 2023. It has been the world’s best-selling mini EV since 2020. However, it has not been able to make a breakthrough in Vietnam. “Although the manufacturer did not announce sales figures, the business situation of this brand at dealerships has not shown signs of improvement. The main obstacle for BYD and Chinese EVs is the lack of a public charging station system,” said Truong Thanh Long, a Wuling salesperson. In Vietnam, VinFast is the only EV manufacturer to have developed a public charging station system that covers almost the entire country, and its continuing development is not being shared with other brands. Some third-party units such as EV One, Evercharge, and Eboost have built charging stations, but very few. “The disadvantage of this is that Chinese EV owners and non-VinFast users have to charge their vehicles at home. However, not all users have parking space at home to charge, especially in big cities with high housing density, and many small alleys,” Long said. Against these challenges, Chinese car manufacturers are leaning towards offering more petrol or hybrid cars in the Vietnamese market soon. A raft of new Chinese car models are set to enter Vietnam to welcome the new year. However, very few of them are to be battery EVs, with hybrid and petrol-engine cars still making up a larger proportion. Of the four models being launched in the Vietnamese market this month alone, DongFeng Motor will dedicate two models to EVs, and the others to petrol and hybrid vehicles. Meanwhile, the Jaecoo J7 with a plug-in hybrid engine is expected to be launched in Vietnam in mid-January, the MG G50 will be on sale in at least two versions, both of which are petrol-run, and Haval Jolion will announce the selling price in early 2025 of its Pro and Ultra hybrids. GWM’s Tank 300 will also be introduced in early 2025, with both a petrol and hybrid version. The petrol-engine Omoda C5 arrived in Vietnam last month, although previously, the manufacturer said that the first products in Vietnam would include a pure electric version of the C5.

Hyundai’s First EV Minivan Could Be Your Next Family Favorite Source : Move over, Hyundai is putting minivans back in the spotlight with its first all-electric minivan, the Staria Electric. As production gears up for a 2025 launch, this EV minivan promises to redefine family and commercial transport, solidifying Hyundai’s push toward global EV dominance. A Familiar Face Goes Electric For those familiar with Hyundai’s MPV lineup, the Staria’s leap into the electric era isn’t entirely unexpected. Originally launched in 2021 as the successor to the Starex, the Staria is a versatile workhorse available in multiple configurations—from family-friendly minivans to ambulances and limousines. While earlier versions offered only diesel and gas options, Hyundai introduced a hybrid model in February, hinting at the electric transformation to come. Now, the Staria Electric is set to take center stage. It will be equipped with Hyundai’s fourth-generation EV battery technology, featuring an 84 kWh capacity—a 10% boost over its commercial EV cousin, the ST1. This upgrade isn’t just a numbers game; it signals Hyundai’s commitment to balancing range and efficiency for families and businesses alike. Production Plans and Global Reach Hyundai’s Ulsan Plant 4 in Korea is the heart of this EV evolution. Starting in January 2024, Line 1 will undergo a transformation to accommodate Staria Electric production. This is just one piece of Hyundai’s broader strategy to launch 21 electric vehicles by 2030, aiming for annual EV sales exceeding 2 million units. And Hyundai isn’t stopping at domestic production. European expansion is on the horizon, with plans to manufacture Staria EVs locally by mid-2026. Markets like Australia and Thailand are also in the company’s sights, targeting annual sales of 15,000 to 20,000 units globally. With minivan sales already inching toward 40,000 units in 2024, the electric version is poised to capture even more market share. Why Minivans Matter in the EV Era Let’s address the elephant in the room: Why a minivan, and why now? Minivans have long been the unsung heroes of people-moving—more economical than oversized SUVs and more versatile than sedans. Yet, the EV market has been slow to embrace this segment. Hyundai’s timing couldn’t be better. As families and fleet operators look for sustainable, cost-effective solutions, the Staria Electric fills a glaring gap. The Staria Electric’s spacious interior and modular design make it a strong contender for both personal and commercial use. Whether you’re shuttling kids to soccer practice or delivering goods, this EV is designed to handle it all with zero tailpipe emissions. A Glimpse Into the Future Beyond the Staria Electric, Hyundai’s commercial ambitions include its PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) lineup. The upcoming PV5 electric van is already being touted as a competitor to Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz. Together, these innovations paint a picture of Hyundai’s strategic pivot: leveraging versatile platforms to capture diverse market segments. Charge Complete Hyundai’s all-electric Staria isn’t just another EV; it’s a statement. By embracing the minivan format, Hyundai is betting big on practicality and efficiency, proving that innovation doesn’t have to sacrifice utility. With production set to begin in just over a year, the countdown is on for what could be one of the most impactful EV launches in recent memory. Whether you’re a family on the go or a business looking to go green, the Staria Electric might just be the ride you’ve been waiting for.

Mazda to build first dedicated EV in Japan with Panasonic batteries Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/mazda-to-build-first-dedicated-ev-in-japan-with-panasonic-batteries Mazda is advancing its electrification plans with a specialised manufacturing facility in Japan, focused on producing electric vehicle (EV) batteries to power its future models. The plant, located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, will supply battery modules for Mazda's first-ever model built on a dedicated EV platform. Panasonic Energy will supply the cylindrical battery modules that will power Mazda's next-generation EVs, marking a key partnership in the automaker's electrification journey. Once operational, the factory is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 10GWh, emphasising Mazda's ambitious approach to scaling its EV production capabilities. Mazda's CEO, Masahiro Moro, shared that the company is progressing steadily with its in-house EV platform, aiming for 2027 to introduce new dedicated EVs. The company promises this platform will deliver vehicles with "advanced design, superior convenience and extended driving ranges." While technical specifications remain under wraps, the move marks a shift away from Mazda's reliance on modified combustion-engine platforms. The MX-30, introduced in 2019, marked Mazda's initial step into the EV market as a fully electric crossover SUV designed on an adapted SkyActiv platform. Built on a modified SkyActiv platform, the MX-30 represented Mazda's initial foray into electrification. More recently, Mazda introduced the EZ-6 sedan in China, sharing underpinnings with the Deepal SL03. The upcoming Arata EV Concept, expected in 2025, will likely continue this shared-platform strategy before Mazda transitions entirely to its in-house EV architecture. Beyond Panasonic's cylindrical batteries, Mazda is pushing forward with the development of advanced high-density lithium-ion batteries, aiming to incorporate them into future plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric vehicles by the end of the decade. Additionally, Mazda is investing in a cutting-edge research base for solid-state battery technology, reflecting the company's long-term vision for sustainable and efficient energy storage. Mazda's new battery plant and dedicated EV platform signal a clear commitment to electrification. With Panasonic's expertise and Mazda's in-house innovation, the brand is positioning itself to compete in an increasingly crowded EV market. By 2027, Mazda's first fully dedicated EV promises to embody the company's philosophy of balancing design, driving pleasure and sustainability.

Tackling EV Tire Wear: The Facts, Fixes, and Myths Source : https://www.evlife.sg/blog/tackling-ev-tire-wear:-the-facts-fixes-and-myths When switching to an electric vehicle (EV), most people expect fewer maintenance hassles. No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and lower long-term costs are major selling points. However, there’s one trade-off that’s catching many new EV owners off guard: accelerated tire wear. While it may not steal the spotlight like range or charging times, EV tire longevity is a critical factor that can impact your wallet, your driving experience, and even the environment. Why Do EV Tires Wear Out Faster? EVs are heavy. Battery packs, the core of any electric car, add significant heft compared to their gas-powered counterparts. For example, the gas-powered BMW 430i weighs 3,792 pounds, while the all-electric i4 eDrive35 tips the scales at 4,553 pounds, a 20% increase. This added weight puts extra strain on the tires, especially during cornering and braking, leading to faster tread wear. Additionally, the near-instant torque delivery that makes EVs so thrilling to drive also contributes to tire wear. This surge of power can cause tire slippage, even when traction control systems are working to minimize it. While the effect might go unnoticed by the driver, over time, it accelerates wear. Finally, EV tires are designed with specific trade-offs. They prioritize lower rolling resistance to improve range, sound-deadening features for quieter rides, and the ability to support the vehicle’s weight. These design considerations often come at the expense of durability, as manufacturers focus on delivering the best showroom experience. Do You Really Need EV-Specific Tires? The short answer is yes, if you want optimal performance. EV-specific tires are engineered to meet the unique demands of electric vehicles. They are built to carry the additional weight of the battery pack, maximize range through lower rolling resistance, and reduce road noise with specialized tread patterns or foam inserts. These tires are also reinforced to handle the instant torque delivered by electric motors, ensuring safety and longevity. Using standard tires might seem like a cost-saving measure, but it can lead to reduced range, increased noise, and potential safety risks due to insufficient load ratings. In the long run, EV-specific tires provide better overall performance and efficiency. How Long Do EV Tires Last? The lifespan of EV tires depends on various factors, but many owners report a 20% reduction compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. While conventional car tires might last between 40,000 and 50,000 miles, EV tires often require replacement closer to the 30,000-mile mark. Driving habits, road conditions, and proper maintenance all play crucial roles in determining tire longevity. How to Extend the Life of EV Tires Maintaining EV tires is essential not just for cost savings but also for safety and efficiency. By adopting proactive measures, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your tires. Here’s how: Invest in the Right Tires Choosing high-quality EV-specific tires is the first step toward prolonging their life. These tires are designed to handle the weight and torque demands of electric vehicles. Ensure that your tires meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications for load rating and rolling resistance. Monitor and Maintain Tire Pressure Proper tire pressure is critical for even wear and optimal efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which can lead to faster wear and reduced range. Check your tire pressure regularly, ideally once a month, and adjust it to the levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Rotate Your Tires Regularly Tire rotation helps distribute wear evenly across all four tires, extending their lifespan. Many experts recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to ensure consistent rotation. Align Your Wheels Wheel alignment ensures that your tires make proper contact with the road, preventing uneven wear. Misaligned wheels can cause one side of the tire to wear faster, leading to premature replacement. Have your alignment checked annually or whenever you notice uneven tread wear. Drive Smoothly Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and sharp cornering, put undue stress on your tires. Smooth, gradual inputs on the accelerator and brake can reduce wear while also improving your EV’s efficiency. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle Exceeding your EV’s weight capacity adds stress to the tires, accelerating wear. Be mindful of the load you carry, especially on long trips, and avoid overloading your car with unnecessary items. Choose Quality Roads When Possible While not always within your control, driving on well-maintained roads can reduce the impact of potholes, debris, and rough surfaces on your tires. Avoid unpaved or damaged roads when alternatives are available. Inspect Your Tires Frequently Perform visual inspections to check for signs of uneven wear, cracks, or punctures. Catching these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line. If you notice irregularities, consult a professional for advice. Common Myths About EV Tires When it comes to EV tires, misconceptions abound. From the belief that regular tires can do the job just as well to doubts about extending tire life, these myths often lead to confusion among drivers. Let’s set the record straight by addressing some of the most common misunderstandings about EV tires. Regular Tires Are Just as Good as EV Tires Some believe that regular car tires can perform just as well as EV-specific tires. However, standard tires are not designed to handle the unique weight distribution, torque, and rolling resistance requirements of EVs. Using regular tires can compromise range, increase road noise, and reduce safety. All EVs Cause Rapid Tire Wear While EVs are generally harder on tires, the extent of wear depends on the vehicle model, driving habits, and road conditions. Performance-oriented EVs with softer tires may experience faster wear, but adopting proper maintenance and driving practices can significantly reduce this issue. EV Tire Longevity Can’t Be Improved It’s a common misconception that nothing can be done to extend the life of EV tires. In reality, following best practices like maintaining tire pressure, rotating tires, and driving smoothly can go a long way in improving tire longevity. Environmental Considerations Faster tire wear isn’t just a cost issue—it’s an environmental one. Tire particles contribute to microplastic pollution, which affects air, water, and soil quality. As EV adoption grows, so does the importance of minimizing this impact. Proper tire maintenance isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s a step toward more sustainable driving. Charge Complete: What You Need to Know Switching to EVs comes with adjustments, and faster tire wear is one of them. The weight of the batteries, instant torque, and the specialized design of EV tires all play a role. While this may sound daunting, choosing the right tires and maintaining them properly can mitigate the issue. In the end, your tires are the only thing connecting your EV to the road—so treat them with care and keep your electric journey rolling smoothly.