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.

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.

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)

川普再掀波瀾，社群媒體公司上市首日股價勁揚40%！ 川普創立的社群媒體公司 Truth Social 的母公司—川普媒體科技集團（Trump Media & Technology Group, TMTG）於週二（26日）正式上市，股票代號「DJT」。在首日交易中，股價一度暴漲超過40%，因劇烈波動而暫停交易。 截稿前，Trump Media & Technology Group Corp (DJT-US) 盤中股價上漲 43.16%，每股報 71.58 美元。根據先前股價每股 68.28 美元計算，該公司未稀釋市值約為 92.5 億美元。 Great Hill Capital 董事長 Thomas Hayes 表示：「該公司的估值相較於其基本面明顯偏高，但我短期內不會提前買入。」他認為這一估值更多反映了川普支持者的熱情，而非公司實際的商業前景。 目前，TMTG 和其前身特殊目的收購公司 (SPAC) Digital World Acquisition Corp (DWAC) 一樣，依然處於虧損狀態。去年前三季度，TMTG虧損達4900萬美元，是其營收的14倍多。 其他報導指出，部分股東認為 Truth Social 平台的市場佔有率將顯著提升，從而實現盈利。若川普在11月再度當選美國總統，公司的增長速度可能會進一步加快。 截至美國東部時間上午11點54分，TMTG 在美國交易所中漲幅位居第三，並被專注於散戶交易者的社群媒體和交易平台 Stocktwits 列為最熱門股票。 此外，川普在競選總統過程中面臨四項刑事審判，並一直在籌措競選資金和法律費用。據了解，川普在 TMTG 擁有的多數股權估值為 53.8 億美元。儘管六個月的鎖定期可能限制他出售或抵押這些股權，但在資金緊張的情況下，這筆資產無疑成為他的重要財源。 (圖/shutterstock)