Plus, stay tuned because later in the show I’ll tell you what Jeep is saying about the launch of their first electric models in the United States.
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 Monday 26th February, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous Spotted During Filming
– Recent videos suggest the Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous, a performance variant following the Highland update, is nearing its launch.
– A red Tesla Model 3 featuring performance enhancements and Ludicrous badging was filmed in Valencia, Spain.
– Enhancements include a contrasting front splitter, aerodynamic wheels, black window trim and door handles, paint-matched mirrors, red brake calipers, a rear spoiler, and possibly upgraded interior seats.
– The Ludicrous badge on the vehicle aligns with Tesla’s tradition for high-performance models, indicating this is the anticipated Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous version.
Nio’s Denmark Station Pioneers Grid Support with Battery Swaps
– Nio’s battery swap station in Denmark has started providing frequency regulation services to the electric grid, enhancing stability.
– This development represents a significant step for Nio Power in Europe and marks an innovation in the battery swap industry.
– Battery swap stations are now contributing to grid stability by offering frequency regulation, acting as energy storage units.
– The integration of battery swap stations into the grid supports the adoption of more renewable energy sources like wind and solar power by improving grid management.
– A third-generation Nio station, equipped with 21 batteries and capable of 500 kW power, demonstrates the potential for generating additional revenue through grid frequency regulation services in Europe.
– These stations adapt their charging rates based on the grid’s demand, charging more during low demand and less or discharging during peak demand to stabilize the grid and optimize electricity costs.
– As of now, Nio operates a single battery swap station in Denmark, established in March 2023.
– In total, Nio has 39 battery swap stations across Europe, with the highest concentration in Germany (11 stations), followed by Norway and the Netherlands (nine each).
– Globally, Nio has established 2,375 battery swap stations, predominantly in China, with a strategic goal to expand this number to 3,310 by the end of the year.
Yangwang U9: BYD’s Latest Electric Supercar Hits the Market
– BYD’s luxury arm, Yangwang, introduces the U9 electric supercar, following its first vehicle, the U8 off-road SUV.
– The U9, unveiled in Shanghai, is available in a single two-seat variant priced at RMB 1.68 million ($233,500).
– This supercar is equipped with four electric motors, each offering 240 kW of peak power, totaling 960 kW.
– The U9 boasts an impressive 1,306 horsepower and 1,680 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.36 seconds.
– It operates on an 800 V high-voltage platform and features an 80-kWh blade battery, delivering a range of 450 kilometers per the CLTC standard.
– Unique charging capabilities allow the U9 to recharge from 30% to 80% in approximately 10 minutes, utilizing dual charging guns.
– Yangwang, positioned as BYD’s premium brand with vehicles in the million RMB price range, was officially launched on January 5, 2023.
– Besides the U8 and U9, Yangwang also introduced the U7 sedan, aiming to redefine performance standards in luxury electric sedans with over 1,000 Ps of horsepower.
Tesla Unveils 500+ Free Public Chargers at Giga Berlin
– Tesla has installed over 500 free charging stations in the parking area of its Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, accessible to everyone.
– These chargers are available to Tesla employees, visitors, and the general public, supporting a wide range of electric vehicles (EVs).
– The charging facilities include Tesla’s Gen 3 Wall Connectors, catering to Tesla vehicles and other EV brands.
– Located in Grünheide, Brandenburg, just outside Berlin, the site also houses a V4 Supercharger station, which became operational in November.
Tax Credits Now Popular Down Payments for EV Purchases
– 78% of American EV buyers have utilized federal tax credits as a down payment this year, per the Internal Revenue Service.
– The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act provides a rebate of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicle purchases, with certain limitations on eligibility.
– A separate credit, offering up to $4,000, is available for used electric vehicles, subject to fewer restrictions.
– Recent legal changes allow buyers to immediately apply the credit to their purchase instead of waiting until tax filing, facilitating its use as a down payment.
– Out of approximately 25,000 Americans who claimed the credit this year, over 19,500 chose to apply it directly at the point of sale.
– The breakdown of advance payment requests shows 17,500 for new EVs and 2,000 for used EVs.
– Currently, 11,000 dealerships are equipped to process these credits for immediate discounts on electric vehicle purchases.
Xiaomi Debuts SU7 EV at Mobile World Congress
– Xiaomi introduced its first electric vehicle, the SU7, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, marking its physical debut.
– The SU7 is branded as a performance sedan, featuring a four-door design and an all-electric powertrain.
– Xiaomi’s proprietary electric motors power the SU7, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.78 seconds.
– It is equipped with a 101kWh battery, promising over 497 miles of range, surpassing the range of most existing EVs.
– The vehicle supports fast charging, recovering 317 miles of range within 15 minutes using a fast charger.
– The platform underlying the SU7 could potentially support batteries up to 150kWh for even greater range.
– The exterior of the SU7 incorporates multiple radar and lidar sensors to facilitate autonomous driving features.
– Inside, the car boasts a 16-inch infotainment display, a heads-up display for the driver, and a 7.1-inch rotating dashboard.
– Xiaomi has not yet disclosed the release date or pricing for the SU7.
– Xiaomi, primarily known for its smartphones, ranks third globally, with a 13% market share and 146.4 million units shipped in 2023.
– Beyond phones, Xiaomi has expanded into TVs and smart home appliances, which constitute nearly 30% of its revenue.
– Despite its reputation for affordability, Xiaomi is venturing into the premium EV market, positioning its new electric vehicle as a competitor to luxury brands like Porsche.
– Skepticism exists about Xiaomi’s ability to penetrate the high-end EV market, especially in a competitive landscape where even leading brands like BYD are reducing their prices.
GM Launches Cadillac Lyriq EV in France with Online Sales Model
– General Motors reintroduces its presence in France by launching the electric Cadillac Lyriq, marking its broader return to the European market.
– GM’s re-entry into Europe began with Switzerland last year, focusing on an all-electric lineup following the sale of Opel and Vauxhall in 2017.
– Unlike the U.S., where GM uses a vast dealership network, European customers can fully customize and purchase Cadillac EVs online.
– The Cadillac Lyriq’s introduction in France follows the success of Tesla’s Model Y, the best-selling electric car in France last year, priced from 42,990 euros ($46,500).
– GM is planning to open a showroom in Paris, with the Lyriq available for online orders starting March 23. The vehicle will also launch in Germany and other European markets by the end of the year.
Renault 5 Makes a Comeback as an Affordable Electric Supermini
– Renault unveiled the production version of the Renault 5 electric supermini at the Geneva motor show, marking a return to retro-styled electric vehicles.
– The design closely follows the 2021 concept, drawing inspiration from the original Renault 5 of the 1970s, with future plans to release modern versions of the Renault 4Ever and Twingo concepts.
– Priced at €25,000 in Europe (expected to be under £25,000 in the UK), it aims to be one of the most cost-effective electric vehicles available, potentially costing less than the £26,140 BYD Dolphin.
– The Renault 5 is built on the Ampr Small EV platform, which shares significant structural elements with the Nissan Juke and Renault Clio, highlighting its modern yet nostalgic engineering.
– It’s powered by a single electric motor available in three outputs: 148 hp, 121 hp, and 94 hp.
– The top battery option is a 52.0-kWh pack, estimated to deliver a 249-mile range per the WLTP cycle, with fast-charging up to 100 kW and 11-kW AC charging that supports bidirectional charging.
IM Motors L6: A New Contender Against Tesla with 500-Mile Range
– IM Motors has revealed the L6 electric saloon at the Geneva motor show, planning a European launch next year.
– Formed by a partnership between SAIC, Alibaba, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech in 2020, IM Motors has also collaborated with Audi on EV development.
– The L6 features advanced 875V electrical architecture, supporting up to 396kW charging rates, surpassing the Porsche Taycan’s 320kW.
– An accompanying model, the LS6 electric SUV, boasts a 776bhp dual-motor setup, achieving 0-62mph in 3.48 seconds.
Jeep’s Electric Transition: Launching New EV Models and Price Cuts
– Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa announces five new models for 2025, including brand-new nameplates and updates to existing models.
– Ahead of these launches, Jeep is reducing prices on popular models to make way for its inaugural electric vehicles (EVs).
– The luxury Wagoneer S, Jeep’s first EV, is set to start production in Q2 of this year as a 2024 model, transitioning to full production in 2025.
– The Wagoneer S claims up to 600 horsepower and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, potentially making it the fastest Jeep yet, with a concept range of 400 miles.
– Following the Wagoneer S, the Recon EV is expected to begin production in Q3, featuring four-wheel drive, off-road capabilities, and removable doors, echoing the design of the Wrangler 4xe.
– Both EVs will utilize the Stellantis STLA Large platform, accommodating various drivetrains and powertrains, including electric, gas, and hybrid options.
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