Honda's Bold Move: Establishing an EV Hub in Ohio Source : https://www.evlife.my/blog/honda%27s-bold-move:-establishing-an-ev-hub-in-ohio Marysville, Ohio – Honda is making significant strides towards an electrified future with the establishment of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub in Ohio. This ambitious project is part of Honda's broader strategy to achieve 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040. Investment and Infrastructure Honda has committed to investing at least $700 million to transform its Marysville Auto Plant (MAP), East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP), and Anna Engine Plant (AEP) into a state-of-the-art EV production hub. This investment will not only retool these facilities for EV production but also create 300 new jobs and upskill 300 existing associates for the assembly of the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU), which houses the EV battery. Strategic Role and Flexibility The EV Hub will play a crucial role in developing Honda's expertise in EV technology, which will be shared across its North American production network¹. The Marysville Auto Plant, Honda's first auto production facility in America, will have the flexibility to produce both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs on the same line¹. This adaptability allows Honda to respond swiftly to market demands while showcasing the ingenuity of its associates. Commitment to Carbon Neutrality Honda's EV Hub is a testament to its commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable innovation. The company aims to start EV production in late 2025, with retooling efforts already well underway. The establishment of this hub is not just an investment in infrastructure but also in the people who will lead Honda into an electrified future. Leadership and Vision Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., emphasized the strategic importance of the EV Hub: "Our EV Hub in Ohio is playing an essential and strategic role for the evolution of EV production at Honda, in North America and globally. We are investing in the Honda associates who will be taking on new responsibilities to lead us into the electrified future". As Honda continues to embrace teamwork, respect, and open communication, the values that have driven its success over the past 45 years will undoubtedly power it into a sustainable and electrified future.

Panasonic Energy Gears Up for Mass Production of 4680 EV Batteries Source : https://www.evlife.my/blog/panasonic-energy-gears-up-for-mass-production-of-4680-ev-batteries Panasonic Holdings' energy unit has finalized preparations for the mass production of its 4680 electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The company announced that its renovated plant in Wakayama will serve as the primary factory for producing these advanced cells, which boast five times the capacity of the smaller 2170 cylindrical batteries¹. The 4680 cells are expected to significantly enhance the driving range of electric vehicles while reducing the number of cells needed to achieve the same battery pack capacity. This innovation marks a crucial step forward in the EV industry, as automakers strive to improve efficiency and performance. Panasonic Energy has already sent samples of the 4680 batteries to some of its automotive partners and plans to commence production once it receives approval from these clients. The company aims to start production within the first half of the current business year, which began in April. The Wakayama plant is projected to employ around 400 staff members by March 2025, focusing on the development and production of the new batteries. This facility will also serve as a testing ground for processes that could be implemented at other battery factories worldwide. Panasonic Energy currently manufactures 2170 and 1860 cylindrical EV batteries at its Suminoe and Kaizuka plants in Japan. The addition of the 4680 cells to its production lineup underscores the company's commitment to advancing battery technology and supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles.

#iPhone16 #appleevent 蘋果公司正式推出最新款 iPhone 16，為消費者帶來了更多革新功能和優化設計。此次發表會上，iPhone 16 成為關注焦點，不僅延續了前一代 iPhone 15 的核心技術，還在多個方面做出了顯著改進。本文將對兩代產品進行詳細對比，幫助消費者了解 iPhone 16 與 iPhone 15 的主要差異。 1. 設計與外觀上的改革 在外觀設計上，iPhone 16 延續了 iPhone 15 的經典風格，但邊框變得更加纖薄，螢幕的佔比進一步提升，帶來更沉浸的視覺體驗。此外，iPhone 16 採用了全新的「鈦金屬邊框」，使機身更加輕盈堅固，而 iPhone 15 則是使用鋁合金材質。 iPhone 16 在顏色選擇上也有所創新，除了延續 iPhone 15 的傳統配色外，還推出了兩款全新色調，為消費者提供更多個性化選擇，不過這次的顏色似乎在年輕一代的消費族群有不同的反響。 2. 螢幕技術 iPhone 16 搭載全新一代的 ProMotion 顯示技術，支援高達 120Hz 的自適應刷新率，與 iPhone 15 的 60Hz 螢幕相比，畫面滑動更加流暢，適合高需求的使用情境，特別是在遊戲和多媒體應用中能提供更佳的體驗。此外，iPhone 16 的亮度和對比度也進一步提升，即使在陽光下仍能清晰顯示。 3. 處理器與效能 在效能方面，iPhone 16 內建了全新 A18 仿生晶片，具備更強的運算能力和能效表現。與 iPhone 15 的 A17 仿生晶片相比，iPhone 16 的 CPU 和 GPU 表現均有約 15% 的提升，讓多工處理和重度應用運行更加順暢，並且能更好地支援未來的 AI 和機器學習功能。 4. 相機系統 拍攝方面，iPhone 16 的主鏡頭進行了大幅升級，配備了 5000 萬像素的感測器，比 iPhone 15 的 4800 萬像素更加細緻。夜拍模式在 iPhone 16 上得到了進一步優化，新增了「智慧夜間處理」功能，讓低光環境下的照片表現更加明亮且噪點更少。此外，iPhone 16 引入了全新的 AI 攝影算法，讓拍攝體驗更加智能，並能自動調整場景模式以達到最佳拍攝效果。 5. 電池壽命與充電技術 雖然 iPhone 16 與 iPhone 15 都支援 MagSafe 無線充電與快速充電功能，但 iPhone 16 的電池壽命進一步提升。根據蘋果官方數據，iPhone 16 在標準使用情況下比 iPhone 15 多提供約 2 小時的續航時間，這要歸功於更高效的 A18 仿生晶片與更大容量的電池。 6. 軟體功能與連接性 iPhone 16 預裝 iOS 18，帶來了多項全新軟體功能，包括更強大的隱私保護功能與擴展的 AR（擴增實境）應用。iPhone 16 還支持最新的 Wi-Fi 7 標準，讓網路速度更加穩定、快速，而 iPhone 15 則只支持 Wi-Fi

Thai EV sales set to miss target as banks tighten auto loans Source : https://www.evlife.sg/blog/thai-ev-sales-set-to-miss-target-as-banks-tighten-auto-loans Thailand’s electric vehicle sales are set to miss targets this year as lenders turn more cautious in sanctioning new auto loans with the nation’s household debt hovering near a record, according to an industry group. New battery-powered passenger EV registrations are seen at 80,000 units this year, said Suroj Sangsnit, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand. That’s below the 150,000 units forecast by the group earlier this year. The tally is still about 5% more than over 76,000 units sold in 2023. The cut in sales forecast is bad news for Chinese makers like BYD Co. and Great Wall Motor Co., which have just started producing locally-made cars this year after investing in factories to capitalize on Thai government incentives to drive adoption of new-energy vehicles. Globally too, EV sales growth has slowed as demand cooled and countries scaled back subsidies. Earlier this week, Volvo Car AB abandoned a target to sell only fully electric vehicles by the end of this decade, joining several peers in dialing back their expectations. Thailand’s auto industry group has cut its full-year production forecast of all vehicles to 1.7 million units this year from 1.9 million units predicted earlier, citing a "worrisome” 50% refusal rate for auto loans. Domestic automobile sales have fallen 24% in the first seven months of the year, according to data from the Federation of Thai Industries. Sales of EVs have so far buckled the trend to post a 13% growth during the same period. Thailand has slashed import and excise taxes and given cash subsidies to buyers in exchange for automakers’ commitment to start local production - all part of a renewed push to uphold its long-time standing as a regional auto hub. That saw sales soar sevenfold in 2023. The slowdown this year has less to do with demand but more with Thailand’s chronic economic issues such as a tepid growth rate and high levels of household debt. That’s led to an uptick in non-performing loans among vehicle buyers, prompting commercial banks and other private finance companies to tighten lending rules. "It’s not that demand is declining, but when you can’t get loans approved, then it’s game over,” said Krisda Utamote, honorary adviser at the EV association. "Our economic situation isn’t looking good. EV sales are at least still up this year, while it’s all decline for the other types of vehicles.” The outlook remains bleak with the Bank of Thailand predicting further increase in non-performing loans as small businesses and individual borrowers struggle to repay debt. "Who will the EV makers who have set up factories here sell their cars to if sales continue to be like this?” association president Suroj told reporters. "We want to prioritize a discussion with the government on tackling household debt, which is the main reason why auto sales are falling.”

Volvo Revises 2030 EV-Only Goal Amid Market Shifts Source : https://www.evlife.sg/blog/volvo-revises-2030-ev-only-goal-amid-market-shifts In a significant strategic shift, Volvo Cars has announced it will no longer pursue its ambitious target of selling only fully electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. The Swedish automaker cited changing market conditions and evolving consumer demands as key reasons for the adjustment. Volvo now aims for between 90% and 100% of its sales to be fully electric or plug-in hybrid models by 2030, with up to 10% comprising mild hybrid vehicles if necessary. This decision marks a departure from the company's previous commitment, made just three years ago, to phase out internal combustion engines entirely. Market Realities and Consumer Preferences The decision comes as the automotive industry grapples with fluctuating demand for EVs, driven in part by the slow rollout of charging infrastructure and the end of some government incentives³. Additionally, the imposition of tariffs on EVs manufactured in China has added to the uncertainty, affecting companies like Volvo that rely on Chinese production facilities. "We remain resolute in our belief that our future is electric," said Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. "However, it is clear that the transition to electrification will not be linear, and customers and markets are moving at different speeds". Strategic Adjustments Volvo's revised strategy includes a continued focus on plug-in hybrids, which combine electric power with traditional combustion engines. The company plans to revamp its hybrid XC90 SUV, with the first customers expected to receive the updated model by the end of the year. By 2025, Volvo now expects electrified vehicles—both full EVs and hybrids—to account for between 50% and 60% of its sales volumes. This is a shift from the previous target of at least 50% fully electric cars by the same year. Industry Implications Volvo's move mirrors a broader trend in the automotive industry, where several major manufacturers are recalibrating their EV ambitions. Companies like General Motors and Ford have also scaled back their targets, reflecting the complex and evolving landscape of the global car market. As Volvo navigates these changes, it continues to call for stronger and more stable government policies to support the transition to electric mobility. The company remains committed to its long-term vision of a fully electric future, albeit with a more flexible and pragmatic approach.

Over 18,000 Employees Affected by China's "Billion-Dollar" Steel Company Declares Bankruptcy Source : https://evlife.hk/blog/over-18000-employees-affected-by-china%27s-%22billion-dollar%22-steel-company-declares-bankruptcy In a surprising turn of events, China's large-scale steel enterprise, Dongling Group, has announced its bankruptcy. The repercussions extend beyond the company itself, impacting its subsidiaries and leaving more than 18,000 employees facing unemployment. Dongling Group, once a prominent player in the real estate and steel industries, has struggled amid a downturn in the Chinese property market. Let's delve into the details. The Rise and Fall of Dongling Group A Village's Ascent Dongling Village, located in Chen Cang Town, Shaanxi Province, earned the moniker of "Western China's First Village." The village's development was led by Li Heiji, who pioneered a path of collective entrepreneurship, merging village and enterprise. In 1996, Dongling Group emerged, capitalizing on opportunities during China's state-owned enterprise reforms. Through restructuring, mergers, and strategic investments, the group diversified into international trade, steel and zinc smelting, mineral exploration, real estate, finance, and even internet ventures. By 2017, Dongling Group achieved over ¥130 billion in total revenue, becoming Shaanxi's first private enterprise to cross this milestone. Real Estate Ventures Dongling Group's real estate arm became increasingly active. One notable project was the acquisition of the infamous "Wuxi First Unfinished Skyscraper," now known as Dongling Xishang. This 248-meter-high tower had languished for eight years before Dongling Group took it over in 2018 through bankruptcy reorganization. The project's total construction area reached 177,600 square meters, with an adjusted investment plan of ¥3.573 billion. By the end of 2021, the project had achieved cumulative contracted sales of ¥1.155 billion, with total sales receipts reaching ¥1.11 billion. The tower was finally completed by the end of 2022. Recent Challenges However, Dongling Group faced significant headwinds. Its steel logistics and non-ferrous metal sectors struggled, with low gross profit margins. Despite ongoing real estate projects, the company decided not to independently develop new ones, instead opting for joint ventures through land equity participation. The recent equity changes within its subsidiary, Baoji Lingshang Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., reflect the broader challenges the group is navigating. The Fallout The bankruptcy announcement has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving employees uncertain about their futures. Dongling Group's decline has shifted the spotlight to another local giant, the Maiko Group, which now holds the title of Shaanxi's top private enterprise. As the dust settles, the fate of Dongling Group's employees remains uncertain, underscoring the complexities of China's evolving economic landscape. While Dongling Village's dream of prosperity faces setbacks, the lessons learned from its rise and fall serve as a cautionary tale for other enterprises navigating China's dynamic business environment

Indonesia, a resource-rich nation, is setting its sights on Africa as a significant market for locally produced electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, recently announced this strategic move, recognizing the continent's growth potential and abundant cobalt resources. Source : https://evlife.my/blog/indonesia-aims-to-tap-africa%27s-ev-battery-market Why Africa? 1. Population Growth: By 2045, Africa's population is estimated to double, making it a substantial market for EVs. Indonesia aims to capitalize on this demographic shift. 2. Cobalt Supply: Africa boasts a better cobalt supply than Indonesia. Collaborating with African countries allows Indonesia to access this critical resource for EV batteries. Key Developments - First EV Battery Plant: On July 3, Indonesia launched its first EV battery plant—a joint venture between South Korean manufacturers Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. This facility can produce up to 10 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery cells annually. - Ongoing Partnerships: Indonesia already collaborates with African countries in various sectors. State-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina has worked with Kenya, while state-owned utility company PT PLN has partnered with South Africa. Challenges and Ambitions - Production Share: Despite efforts to boost local battery production, Indonesia is expected to contribute less than 0.4% of the world's total EV battery energy in 2024. However, President Joko Widodo's vision positions Indonesia as a global player in the EV supply chain. - CATL's Delayed Plan: China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL) planned to construct an EV battery plant in Indonesia but faced delays. State-owned miner PT Antam is set to partner with CATL for this project. Conclusion Indonesia's strategic move to target Africa's EV battery market aligns with its ambition to become a key player in the global EV industry. By leveraging Africa's cobalt resources and fostering collaborations, Indonesia aims to drive sustainable growth in the electric mobility sector.

電動車大聯盟！Nissan、Honda、Mitsubishi重磅出擊 日本汽車產業正迎來前所未有的轉型！根據《日經新聞》報導，Mitsubishi已正式加入Honda與Nissan的聯盟，此舉將改變日本車壇的格局，形成Toyota集團和Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi聯盟的雙強對峙。 隨著電動車時代的快速發展，特斯拉和中國車廠的迅速崛起，傳統日本車廠在規模和供應鏈上面臨巨大壓力。為了在激烈的市場競爭中保持優勢，Honda和Nissan在今年3月宣布全面合作，而當時由Nissan持股34.01%的Mitsubishi未明確表態。現在，Mitsubishi的加入進一步強化了這一聯盟的實力。 據悉，Mitsubishi已經與Honda和Nissan簽署保密協議，並展開深入合作討論。三家公司將在車載軟體標準化方面進行協作，降低開發成本並提升產品競爭力。Honda和Nissan將共同開發基礎軟體，並應用於Mitsubishi的車款上。此外，三家公司將互補各自的車型陣容，擴大市場占有率。Honda將考慮採購Mitsubishi的皮卡和插電式混合動力車(PHEV)進行貼牌銷售。 這一跨國聯盟的形成，反映出全球汽車產業正處於百年一遇的重大轉型中。隨著全球零碳排放的目標逐步推進，傳統燃油車正逐步被電動車取代。然而，日本車廠在電動車領域的發展速度相對較慢，遠遠落後於特斯拉和中國車廠。 面對這樣的挑戰，Honda、Nissan和Mitsubishi的聯盟成為應對未來挑戰的重要策略。通過資源共享和技術合作，這三家公司將更有效地開發出符合市場需求的電動車產品。 在這次合作中，三家公司將共同提升電動車的市場競爭力，確保在未來的汽車產業中占據有利地位。這一聯盟的成立，標誌著日本汽車產業進入了一個全新的時代，將對全球電動車市場產生深遠影響。 (圖/new.qq.com) (圖/motortrend) (圖/caranddriver) 優質日產車主顧問-台中沙鹿裕唐車主顧問-陳欣妤 https://reurl.cc/XRX1xg

飛象資訊evbar聯手微星，打造電動車友善住宿體驗 微星(2377)看好充電樁為旅宿業帶來的吸客效益，宣布與飛象資訊合作，整合軟硬體資源，為旅宿業者提供包括場地諮詢、硬體建置、軟體營運、維護保固等全方位充電樁服務規劃。 微星指出，電動車已成為消費者購買運具的首選之一。對於民宿業者來說，安裝充電樁能有效吸引電動車客源，並提升民宿的友好形象。因此，越來越多民宿業者正在考慮建置充電樁。微星科技推出的EV系列慢充充電樁，結合飛象資訊開發的evbar加電優系統，透過軟硬體整合，提供完整的充電樁解決方案。 微星表示，民宿業者安裝充電樁有五大優勢。首先，能提升30%至60%的新客源入住意願；其次，能提升顧客服務質量，增加顧客停留時間和回訪頻率；第三，能為業者增加額外收入，成本回收後的年投報率可高達38%；第四，符合環保減碳的趨勢，提升民宿形象；最後，透過微星平台及evbar加電優網站的曝光，增加廣告效益。 微星在2024年成為evbar加電優的授權社區經銷商，並主推旗下高規格AC充電樁「EV Premium」。該產品通過VPC認證，具備IP55防水抗塵等級，以及海拔3000公尺的安全認證。此外，充電樁採用特殊設計工藝和嚴選材料，通過ASTM B117抗鹽霧測試，能有效抵抗台灣潮濕氣候造成的硬體侵蝕，達到防鏽、耐腐蝕的效果，並提供長久耐用和安全的充電性能。 此外，微星充電樁還具備智慧設計，如自動車牌辨識、有線與無線網路遠端管理等功能。搭配evbar加電優的充電服務，將為電動車主提供便捷且穩定的充電體驗。evbar加電優系統不僅硬體相容性高，還規劃了公共和私人場域的應用情境，車主可以預約公開場所的充電，也可進行私人場域的限定充電，並通過線上支付完成付款，提供24小時自助充電服務。 系統還提供完善的後台營運管理界面，民宿業者可以在同一界面查看不同站點的充電樁使用情況和訂單收益，隨時掌握營運資訊。此外，系統內置能源管理功能，能即時監測和記錄每個充電樁的用電情況，調控充電電流和分散充電時間，確保場域用電不超量。 為拓展多元動能，微星除了原有的筆電和板卡業務，近年來也積極進軍AI伺服器、充電樁和AIoT等產品線。公司今年1月在桃園取得約3400坪土地，計劃擴建廠房以發展這些產品線，預計投資約50億元，並計劃在今年年底動工，2027年年底完工，逐步投入生產。 (圖/飛象資訊官網) 優質福特車主顧問-板橋建富車主顧問-賴威任 https://reurl.cc/RedYXG

Volkswagen 最近推出了全新子品牌 ID.UX，專為中國市場設計。ID.UX 系列首款車型 ID.UNYX 已經正式亮相，這款轎跑風格的純電動車不僅具備純電動版本，未來還會擁有其他動力選項。ID.UNYX 的設計風格類似於 Cupra Tavascan，但其最大的亮點在於配備了先進的 HMI 人機介面系統。該車型採用後驅單馬達設計，CLTC 標準下的續航里程超過 600 公里，售價約為 20.99 萬人民幣（約新台幣 89.3 萬元），並計劃推出四驅雙馬達車型。 Volkswagen 表示，至 2026 年，ID.UNYX 系列將擴展至 4 款車型，並計劃在 2030 年前在中國市場推出共 34 款新車，包括 16 款電動 ID.車型、12 款燃油車型和 6 款插電式混合動力車型（PHEV）。 ID.UNYX 在中國市場被命名為「與眾」，其外觀設計保留了純電 ID.系列的特徵，並結合了 Cupra Tavascan 的元素。車頭採用銳利的 LED 頭燈和貫穿式燈組，複雜的下氣壩設計增強了辨識度。車尾則使用了貫穿式 3D 結構的 LED 燈組，並換上紅色廠徽。內飾方面，車內配置了數位儀表和大尺寸資訊娛樂螢幕，數位化配置全面升級。 ID.UNYX 的一大亮點是其配備的 HMI 人機介面系統，該系統基於 AI 技術，提供互動式 3D 人機介面和先進的語音輔助功能。這款車基於 MEB 平台打造，首發的後驅版本具備 210kW（約 286 匹馬力）的最大輸出功率，搭載 77kWh 的電池容量，CLTC 標準下續航里程達 621 公里。未來的雙馬達版本最大輸出功率將提升至 250kW（約 340 匹馬力）。Volkswagen 強調，ID.UNYX 經過嚴苛的耐久性測試，車體剛度和底盤結構均得到強化，提供更高的安全保障。 (圖/automotiveinteriorsworld)(圖/diandong)