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Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, your trusted source of EV information. It’s Wednesday 6th September, Martyn Lee here and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to. We go live at 5pm UK, that’s Midday Eastern. Patreon supporters get the episodes as soon as they’re ready and ad free. You can be like them by clicking here.
BMW iX1 eDrive20: Enhanced Electric Range Hits 296 Miles
– The eDrive20 is the latest entry-level iX1, with sales starting now and the first deliveries anticipated in November 2023. – Pricing details: Sport model: £44,560, xLine: £46,560, M Sport: £49,310.
– For comparison, the iX1 xDrive30 starts at £53,295 in xLine trim.
– All iX1 models are powered by a 64.7kWh battery.
– The eDrive20 features a single electric motor on the front axle, while the xDrive30 boasts a dual-motor configuration.
– Both the eDrive20 and xDrive30 support charging rates of up to 130kW. The battery features a manual pre-heating function, enabling users to optimize charging rates when using public charging stations.
– Infotainment and tech:
– Both the eDrive20 and xDrive30 come with a curved infotainment display, consisting of a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10.7-inch driver’s display. BMW’s latest OS9 operating system is included as standard.
EVs Achieve Record Share in UK and Germany
– Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the UK saw a 72.3% surge in uptake. In August, BEVs captured a 20.1% market share, marking the highest since December of the previous year. Despite the imminent introduction of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate in less than four months, the industry remains in the dark about the specifics of the regulation. Manufacturers are in need of clarity regarding the upcoming mandate. Relying on consultations isn’t sufficient for business planning; concrete details are essential.
– The German automotive market witnessed an 18% growth in July compared to the previous year.
– Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) stood out with a remarkable 69% surge in registrations, marking the highest growth rate for the year. This translates to 48,682 BEV units, capturing 20% of the total market share. The significant growth, despite being in the midst of the summer holiday season, hints at a potential record-breaking performance in September.
– Volkswagen’s ID.4 clinched the top position in the EV best-seller list for July, capitalizing on Tesla’s slower month. Fiat’s 500e secured the second spot with 2,487 registrations. Tesla’s Model Y, which usually has slower sales at the start of a quarter, ranked third. For the year 2023, the Tesla Model Y leads the chart, maintaining a lead of 13,000 units over its closest competitor, the VW ID.4.
Chinese EVs Gain Momentum in Europe, UK Tops Sales
– China’s stake in the European electric vehicle (EV) market has surged, more than doubling in under two years.
– The UK emerges as the prime European market for Chinese EV brands, contributing to nearly one-third of 2023’s sales.
– Data from Schmidt Automotive Research reveals that about 5% of the UK’s new car sales from January to July 2023 were from Chinese manufacturers, a market presence only surpassed by Sweden.
– In the first seven months of 2023, Chinese automakers’ EV sales in Europe matched their total sales for the entire year of 2022.
– MG, owned by China’s state-run SAIC, has seen significant success in the UK. This can be partially credited to:
– MG’s historical ties to the UK, marking its 100th anniversary this year.
– The presence of a significant design studio in London. The perception among many UK consumers that MG remains a British brand. MG’s new Cyberster roadster is expected to further enhance its British racing heritage image.
Rivian R1T Dual-Motor 2023: A New Range Leader at 410 Miles
– Rivian announces its new range leader: the dual-motor R1T pickup equipped with the 180-kWh Max battery pack and 21-inch wheels.
– This configuration is estimated by the EPA to achieve a remarkable 410 miles on a single charge.
– While the EPA’s official site hasn’t yet listed the 2024 Rivian models, Rivian has taken the initiative to share this impressive range data.
– The 410-mile range surpasses Rivian’s initial projection of 400 miles for the Max battery pack.
– This range achievement places the Rivian R1T in the same league as the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV and Tesla Cybertruck, both boasting ranges exceeding 400 miles. The 2024 GMC Hummer EV 3X trails slightly with a range of 381 miles.
– The mentioned range figures are specific to trucks fitted with Rivian’s newly developed Enduro Drive Unit.
– In its standard configuration, this dual-motor setup delivers a combined output of 533 horsepower. The Performance trim of the dual-motor powertrain boasts a combined 665 hp. The quad-motor variant tops the list with a whopping 835 hp.
Xpeng’s P7 & G9 Set to Debut in Germany in 2024
– Chinese EV maker Xpeng has revealed plans to introduce two of its vehicles, the P7 sedan and G9 SUV, in Germany come 2024. The announcement was made during the IAA Mobility event.
– Currently, Xpeng’s P7 and G9 are available in four Northern European nations: Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden. With this expansion, Germany will be the fifth European country to welcome Xpeng’s offerings.
– The exact launch date in 2024 for these vehicles in Germany remains unspecified. Additionally, the newly established German version of Xpeng’s website hasn’t shed more light on this timeline.
– Delving into the technicalities:
– The G9 SUV is built on Xpeng’s 800-volt e-car platform, which incorporates silicon carbide technology. This design allows for an impressive charging capacity, reaching up to 480 kW (equivalent to 600 amps at 800 volts).
– The P7 sedan, in contrast, operates on a separate platform and has a charging capacity of 175 kW DC.
– As for the pricing in the German market, Xpeng has yet to disclose any figures. However, for reference:
– In the Netherlands, the starting price for the P7 is set at 49,990 euros. The G9 begins at a price point of 57,990 euros.
Xpeng’s G6 SUV Set for UK Debut Next Year
– Xpeng has revealed plans to enter the UK market by the end of the upcoming year.
– The company already has a presence in several European countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
– As part of its 2024 European expansion strategy, Xpeng aims to initiate sales in France, Germany, and the UK.
– UK customers can look forward to a right-hand-drive variant of Xpeng’s latest mid-size SUV, the G6, as shared by president Brian Gu at the Munich motor show.
– However, the UK market will not see the introduction of the Xpeng G9 large SUV or the P7 large saloon, both of which are available in left-hand-drive configurations in other European regions.
– The G6 is built on Xpeng’s innovative SEPA 2.0 platform, boasting features like:
– An 800V electrical system
– DC rapid-charging capabilities reaching up to 480kW
– Potential buyers can choose between two battery options for the G6:
– A 66kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery
– An 87.5kWh lithium-ion battery
BYD Sets New Record for Plug-In Car Sales in August 2023
– BYD achieved a new sales milestone for plug-in electric cars in August.
– The company reported sales of 274,086 passenger plug-in cars, marking a 57.5% increase compared to the same month last year.
– This sales figure includes 11,515 units of the premium EV model, Denza.
– Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales have been surpassing plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) sales in recent times.
– Specifically, BYD sold 145,627 BEVs and 128,459 PHEVs in August, setting new records for both categories.
– Cumulatively, BYD’s sales over the past 12 months have surpassed 2.66 million units.
– The company is on track to approach monthly sales of 300,000 units and might cross the 3 million mark for total sales in 2023.
– Among BYD’s offerings, the all-electric BYD Seagull and BYD Dolphin were the top sellers, with the Seagull selling 34,841 units.
BYD’s Seal Sedan Debuts
– BYD unveiled its latest offering, the Seal sedan, at the IAA Mobility Munich auto show, positioning it as a direct competitor to Tesla’s popular Model 3.
– Analysts predict that BYD’s lineup, including the Seal, will offer similar quality to its rivals but at a significantly reduced price point.
– According to French automotive consultancy Inovev, BYD’s vehicles in Europe will have a price advantage ranging from €10,000 ($10,700) to €15,000 ($16,000) compared to competitors.
– UBS conducted a detailed “tear-down” analysis of the Seal, breaking down the vehicle to its core components to assess cost and engineering quality.
– UBS’s findings highlighted the Seal’s technological advancements and its cost-effective nature. The report suggests that BYD is poised for growth, especially in the premium and international markets, even with increasing competition in China’s EV sector.
– UBS views the Seal as BYD’s answer to Tesla’s Model 3 in terms of cost competitiveness.
– BYD announced two variants of the Seal set to launch later this year:
– The base rear-wheel-drive version will be priced at €42,990 (around $46,000) post-tax in Germany.
– The all-wheel-drive variant will have a price tag of €50,990.
BYD Seal U Set for UK Launch with Electric and Hybrid Options
– Chinese automaker BYD has announced at the Munich motor show that its Seal U model will be available for purchase in the UK.
– The Seal U is a slightly larger variant of the electric Seal saloon.
– UK customers will have the choice between two powertrains:
– An electric version with battery options of either 71kWh or 87kWh (lithium-iron-phosphate or LFP).
– The Seal saloon, which shares the e-Platform 3.0 with the Seal U, boasts a charging speed of up to 150kW.
– Inside the Seal U, buyers will find a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen, mirroring the one in the Seal saloon, complemented by a digital instrument panel.
– Pricing for the Seal U is anticipated to be slightly higher than its saloon counterpart, which is projected to be around £45,000.
– The introduction of the Seal U is a continuation of BYD’s efforts to expand its presence in the European market. This initiative began with the launch of the Atto 3 electric crossover last year and will soon include the Dolphin hatchback, which has a starting price of £25,490.
Zeekr Unveils Pricing and New Performance Model for Germany
– Zeekr has released the pricing details for its electric vehicles in Germany:
– Zeekr 001 starts at 59,900 euros. Zeekr X is priced from 44,990 euros
– The company also introduced a high-performance variant named the 001 FR.
– Both the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X are built on Geely’s all-electric SEA platform. Zeekr 001: Equipped with a 100 kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of up to 620 km. It has a 200 kW rear-wheel drive and an alternative dual-motor version with 400 kW.
– Zeekr X: Features at least 200 kW of power and a 69 kWh battery, delivering up to 445 WLTP km.
– The newly unveiled Zeekr 001 FR (“Future Road”) is a powerhouse:
– It boasts four electric motors, producing a staggering 930 kW. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.07 seconds. Maximum speed of 280 kph.
– Zeekr has started accepting reservations for the 001 FR in China, with deliveries set to commence in October 2023. However, production is capped at 99 units per month.
– Charging capabilities of the 001 FR are impressive:
– Thanks to its 800-volt system, it can charge from 10% to 80% in a mere 15 minutes.
– Zeekr plans to roll out 450 new High-Power Chargers (HPCs) in China this year and aims to introduce a V3 charging station with a peak power of 800 kW. This station will have a maximum output voltage of 1,000 V and a peak output current of 800 A.
– The company’s ambition is to expand its charging infrastructure to 1,000 ultra-fast charging stations by 2024.
– It remains uncertain whether the Zeekr 001 FR will be available in the European market.
Smart’s #3 Electric SUV Debuts in Germany with Impressive Specs
– Smart unveiled the #3 electric SUV coupé at the IAA Mobility’s European premiere, with Germany being the first European country to offer this model.
– Pricing details for the German market:
– Pro+ version: Starts at 43,490 euros
– Premium version: Priced from 46,490 euros
– ’25th Anniversary Edition’: Available from 46,990 euros
– Brabus variant: Starts at 50,990 euros
– The Smart #3 will be introduced to other European countries in early 2024.
– Dimensions and performance:
– The #3 measures 4.40 metres in length (about 13 cm longer than the #1) and has a height of 1.55 metres (compared to the #1’s 1.63 metres).
– The rear-wheel-drive model boasts a 200 kW engine, while the Brabus all-wheel-drive variant delivers up to 315 kW.
– Acceleration rates vary between 3.7 seconds for the Brabus and 5.8 seconds for all rear-wheel-drive models.
– Battery and charging:
– Despite a slightly longer wheelbase for the #3 (2.785 metres compared to the #1’s 2.75 metres), both models utilize a 66 kWh battery.
– The battery supports peak charging rates of 150 kW, allowing for a charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
– Additionally, a 22 kW on-board AC charger is integrated into the vehicle.
Leapmotor Debuts C10 SUV in Munich
– Leapmotor, a Chinese EV startup, introduced its first global model, the C10, at the IAA Mobility event in Munich.
– The C10 is a mid-to-large-size SUV, built on Leapmotor’s latest Leap 3.0 platform.
– A notable feature of the showcased C10 was the inclusion of LiDAR on its roof.
– Beyond just entering the European market with its vehicles, Leapmotor plans to export electrical and electronic architecture technology. Additionally, they’re open to partnerships centered around vehicle manufacturing.
Audi Q6 E-tron’s Dashboard Boasts Triple Screens
– The Audi Q6 E-tron features a unique three-screen setup on its dashboard, referred to as the “Digital Stage.”
– Spanning from the driver to the front passenger, each of these screens has distinct sizes and functionalities.
– The driver is presented with two displays:
– An 11.9-inch screen directly in front, displaying the gauge cluster and other vehicle-related data.
– A 14.5-inch touch infotainment screen extending to the right of the steering wheel. Audi highlights that special ambient lighting gives this arrangement a “floating” appearance during nighttime.
– The front passenger has a dedicated 10.9-inch screen, which can be used for audio, navigation, and even movie viewing. A unique privacy mode ensures the driver isn’t distracted by this screen.
– An augmented reality heads-up display (HUD) is integrated into the windshield, showcasing information like speed, traffic signs, and navigation cues.
– The vehicle also incorporates a “self-learning” voice assistant, activated by saying “Hey Audi.” As per Audi, this assistant will adapt to the user’s habits over time, offering automatic suggestions or tweaks to settings, such as adjusting the seat’s temperature.
Peugeot e-3008: A Glimpse into the Future on 12th September
– Peugeot is set to unveil its new e-3008 model on 12 September, boasting an all-electric powertrain and a design inspired by the brand’s innovative Inception concept.
– The 3008 will pioneer Peugeot’s revamped i-Cockpit infotainment system.
– A standout feature is the 21-inch curved, panoramic display that extends from behind the steering wheel to the dashboard’s center.
– The car will also reintroduce the i-Toggle touchpad system, and the gear selector has been repositioned to the dashboard, adjacent to the start button.
– The e-3008 is a trailblazer, being the first Peugeot vehicle to be built on Stellantis’s new STLA Medium platform. This new architecture is expected to deliver enhanced performance and functionality compared to the existing PSA Group platforms used in current Peugeot EVs.
– Powertrain options for the e-3008 are diverse, with Peugeot offering three choices. Notably, one of these is a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive variant, marking a debut for the brand in this category.
– In terms of range, the e-3008 variant equipped with the largest battery is projected to deliver an impressive 435 miles on a single charge.
Lucid Motors Aims for $50K EV to Rival Tesla Model 3
– Lucid Motors’ CEO, Peter Rawlinson, reveals plans for a competitively priced EV.
– The target price for this new model is around $50,000, positioning it to compete directly with Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y.
– The proposed price point aligns with the higher end of the current Model 3 and Model Y pricing spectrum.
– It’s noteworthy that, with federal tax credits and state incentives, the Model 3’s price can drop below $30,000 in certain situations.
– Rawlinson highlighted that most EV users don’t typically drive more than 500 miles in a day.
– He emphasized the importance of expanding Level 2 charging infrastructure, especially in areas like apartment complexes and street-side parking.
– The CEO expressed concerns about DC fast charging, citing its environmental impact, strain on the power grid, and potential harm to vehicle batteries. He advocated for increased overnight charging instead.
Tesla Leads in US Fast Charging Infrastructure Funding
– Tesla emerges as a top contender for federal infrastructure grants in the US, boasting a significant cost advantage.
– The *Wall Street Journal* reports that Tesla has secured more locations than any other firm to expand the national fast charging grid.
– In five US states, Tesla has clinched approximately 18% of the sites.
– Of the $77 million in grants distributed to date, Tesla has received 8.5%.
– Tesla’s cost per site is around $392,000, while other Charging Point Operators (CPOs) average bids of €795,000.
– A comparison from Maine reveals Tesla’s substantial cost benefit: the company’s hardware expenses per fast charger are $17,000, in contrast to $130,000 for an undisclosed competitor.
– Tesla’s strategy includes installing more fast chargers at each site, typically eight and occasionally up to twelve, mirroring its Supercharger stations. Conversely, most companies adhere to the government’s baseline of four fast chargers per venue.
– Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla’s head of global charging infrastructure, highlighted the company’s vertical integration during a March investor meeting, noting that Tesla designs and manufactures all its charging equipment.
Volkswagen Slashes ID.4 Prices in China
– Volkswagen has made a notable price cut for its ID.4 model in China. The ID.4 Crozz, offered through the FAW-Volkswagen partnership, now starts at 145,900 yuan, translating to roughly 18,500 euros.
– This isn’t the first time VW has made such a move. Back in July 2023, prices for the ID.3 in China were. With the latest reduction of another 38,000 yuan, the ID.4 Crozz’s price has been slashed by a total of 72,000 yuan, or approximately 9,170 euros, in just a few months.
LG Magna e-Powertrain Sets Up New European Base in Hungary
– LG Magna e-Powertrain, a collaboration between LG Electronics and Magna initiated in 2021, has unveiled plans for a new establishment in Miskolc, Hungary, during the IAA Mobility 2023 event.
– The facility’s construction is projected to wrap up by 2025. Upon completion, it will commence production focusing on e-motors.
– Future plans for the facility include diversifying its production line to incorporate a range of electrified powertrain solutions. This will encompass inverters and on-board chargers to cater to the burgeoning EV sector.
– Spanning an area of 284,000 square feet, this establishment marks LG Magna e-Powertrain’s inaugural production venture in the European region.
– As production kicks off in 2026, the company anticipates the creation of approximately 200 new employment opportunities.
SK On Advances in Prismatic Battery Development
– SK On Co. is making strides in the development of prismatic battery cells, as shared by Senior Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won.
– The company showcased its at the InterBattery 2023 event. This move is part of SK On’s strategy to expand its product range beyond its primary pouch-type cells. The company has plans to initiate test production of these batteries within this year. Prismatic batteries are known for their superior energy density and extended life span compared to other cell types.
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