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 Saturday 20th July, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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TESLA FACES DECLINING REGISTRATIONS IN CALIFORNIA
Are Tesla’s challenges in California a sign of broader issues for the EV giant?
Tesla’s car registrations in California dropped by 24% from April to June, marking the third consecutive quarter of declining sales in this crucial market, according to industry data released on Thursday. This trend raises questions about the company’s ability to maintain its dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Potential buyers in the United States seem to be increasingly hesitant to purchase Tesla vehicles. One contributing factor is CEO Elon Musk’s divisive public image, which appears to be affecting consumer sentiment.
In the second quarter, Tesla registered 52,211 vehicles in California, as reported by the California New Car Dealers Association. This decline isn’t limited to a single quarter; from January to June, the company experienced a 17% drop in registrations in the state.
Despite these challenges, the Model Y crossover remains Tesla’s top-selling model in California, indicating that there is still strong demand for this particular vehicle.
ITALY’S EV SUBSIDIES BOOST EUROPEAN CAR SALES
In June, European car sales saw a 3.6% increase, with new-car registrations reaching 1.31 million units compared to the same month last year. This rise was largely driven by a surge in demand for electric cars in Italy, following the introduction of long-anticipated subsidies by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration.
Last month, the European Union (EU) witnessed a slight dip of 1% in battery-electric vehicle registrations, totaling 156,408 units, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Despite this overall decline, individual countries showed varying trends.
Germany led the charge with 43,412 new battery-electric registrations, followed by France with 29,837 units and Belgium with 13,714 units. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, although not part of the EU, recorded 34,034 new EV registrations, showcasing a strong market presence.
Belgium and Italy stood out with significant increases in EV registrations, showing growth rates of 50.4% and 117.4%, respectively. These figures suggest that while the overall market may be experiencing a slight downturn, certain regions are embracing electric mobility more enthusiastically.
While Italy experienced a substantial boost, with EV deliveries more than doubling, the overall EV market in Europe remained flat. This stagnation was due to declines in Germany and France, which offset Italy’s gains.
Tesla’s new vehicle registrations in the EU and UK dropped by 7.2% in June 2024 compared to the same month last year. The first half of 2024 looks even worse, with a 12% decline in new Tesla registrations compared to the first six months of 2023.
This decline has impacted Tesla’s market share, which now stands at 10.8% as of June, down from 11.6% earlier in the year. In contrast, other European automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo have either maintained or increased their market share in the EV sector. Volvo, in particular, has seen significant growth.
VOLVO PAUSES ONLINE ORDERS FOR EX30 AMID DELAYS
Volvo has stopped accepting online reservations for its EX30 model in the U.S. The reservation option on their website has been replaced with a “keep me updated” tab.
The EX30, priced at $34,950 in the U.S. and 36,000 euros ($38,500) in Europe, is among the most affordable electric vehicles on the market. The first EX30 units reached European customers in December.
In the first half of 2024, Volvo sold nearly 48,000 EX30 models worldwide.
Earlier this month, Volvo announced that the EX30 would not be available in the U.S. until 2025, despite initial expectations for a late 2024 release.
Additionally, Volvo plans to start delivering its larger EX90 model in the latter half of the year, missing its early 2024 target.
VOLVO’S EX30 PROVES BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING CAPABILITIES
Can the new Volvo EX30 truly integrate seamlessly with your home energy system? A recent trial by Ambibox GmbH suggests it can.
Ambibox GmbH, a startup specializing in bidirectional EV charging, has successfully demonstrated Vehicle to Home (V2H) capabilities using the Volvo EX30. This trial required no additional modifications to the vehicle.
The setup involved connecting a 2024 Volvo EX30 to an Ambibox bidirectional charger. The vehicle was able to discharge power within a range of 0.5 kW to 11 kW. This successful test aligns with Volvo’s previous statements that their new EV lineup supports Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology.
MERCEDES EQC DISCONTINUED AFTER FIVE YEARS
Mercedes-Benz has decided to discontinue its first electric SUV, the EQC, after just five years on the market. Initially previewed by the Concept EQ in 2016 and entering production in 2019, the EQC was Mercedes’ first attempt at a mainstream electric vehicle (EV) and its first pure-electric SUV. However, the vehicle was hurried to market and built on the combustion-engine GLC platform rather than a dedicated electric car platform.
This decision led to several compromises. The EQC’s range was limited to 255 miles (410 km), and its efficiency and interior space were not up to par with competitors. Additionally, the vehicle’s weight was around two-and-a-half tonnes, which further impacted its performance. As newer, more advanced rivals entered the market, the EQC struggled to compete.
When the EQC first launched, its competition was relatively sparse, including models like the Audi e-tron (now Q8 e-tron), Jaguar I-Pace, and Tesla Model X. However, the landscape changed with the arrival of the BMW iX3, iX, and other recent alternatives such as the Porsche Macan Electric, Audi Q6 e-tron, and Polestar 4.
Despite the discontinuation of the EQC, Mercedes still offers several electric SUV options. The closest alternative is the EQE SUV, which is built on a bespoke EV platform and incorporates the latest technology from the company.
EV DISCOUNTS SURGE AS AUTOMAKERS PUSH TO MEET TARGETS
According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the average discounts for new electric cars in the UK have now exceeded those for petrol cars. This development comes as automakers race to meet the mandated target of 22% of new car sales being electric by the end of 2024.
The SMMT’s half-year registration data shows that electric cars have captured a 16.6% market share so far in 2024. This is only a slight increase from the 16.1% recorded in 2023. However, June saw a stronger demand, with electric vehicles accounting for 19% of new car registrations.
To achieve the 22% target, the UK’s new car market will need to significantly outperform in the latter half of the year. Automakers face fines if they fail to meet this target, as stipulated by the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate legislation.
In response to these pressures, Ford has indicated that it might limit the supply of non-electric vehicles to ensure compliance with the ZEV mandate. Despite this, Ford is still offering substantial discounts on models like the Mustang, with reductions of up to £9,403.
The most significant discount available on any electric vehicle is a substantial £21,395 off the Audi E-tron GT. This aggressive pricing strategy highlights the lengths to which manufacturers are going to shift electric vehicles and meet regulatory requirements.
FORD’S HEAVY-DUTY F-150 LIGHTNING EV SPOTTED WITH HUB MOTORS
Could Ford be gearing up to revolutionize the electric pickup market with hub motors in its F-150 Lightning? Recent spy photos suggest they’re testing…something.
Photographers have captured images of new Ford F-150 test vehicles being evaluated alongside a Tesla Cybertruck. These could be the first Ford prototypes featuring in-wheel, or hub, motors.
The removal of wheel covers reveals two notable features. Firstly, the test vehicles are equipped with eight-lug wheels, which are typically found on Ford’s Super Duty trucks rather than light-duty pickups. Secondly, the presence of drum brakes on the rear axle hints at a prototype brake system, as drum brakes are known for their durability in certain applications.
Additionally, the underbody of these test vehicles is partially obscured with brush camouflage, indicating that Ford is keen to keep some details under wraps.
CARREFOUR’S SOLAR CARPORTS
How is Carrefour planning to meet its energy needs while complying with French regulations?
Paris-based Greenyellow is set to construct solar carports across 350 car parks for the Carrefour supermarket chain. These solar installations are projected to be operational by early 2025.
The solar panels will generate an impressive 450 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually. This initiative will cover 180,000 parking spaces, providing shade and a sustainable energy source. Carrefour will utilize this self-generated solar power for cooling products and air conditioning within its stores.
This project also helps Carrefour adhere to French laws mandating solar installations for car parks over 1,500 square metres. Additionally, it reduces Carrefour’s reliance on fluctuating electricity market prices by enabling self-consumption of solar power.
RENAULT TRAFIC E-TECH ON SALE IN UK
Renault’s new Trafic E-Tech 100% electric van is now available for order in the UK, starting at £34,500 plus VAT after the £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG). The first units are expected to be delivered in September.
This electric van comes in three versions, including a high-roof model that stands out in the UK market. It complements Renault’s Pro+ range, which already includes the Kangoo E-Tech and the Master E-Tech, offering electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs) for businesses of all sizes.
The long-wheelbase (LWB) version of the Trafic E-Tech can carry loads up to 4.15 metres (13.6 feet) in length, thanks to a smart load-through feature. It also boasts a towing capacity of up to 920kg (2,028 lbs) and a maximum payload of 1,222kg (2,694 lbs).
Equipped with a 52kWh lithium-ion battery, the Trafic E-Tech can travel up to 186 miles (299 km) on a single charge according to WLTP standards. It supports rapid DC charging up to 50kW, enabling a full recharge from empty in just one hour.
SEVEN US CITIES TO WELCOME ITSELECTRIC’S CURBSIDE EV CHARGING
How can cities accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles while minimizing infrastructure costs? Brooklyn-based itselectric has found a solution with its innovative curbside charging technology, which is now expanding to Boston and other major US cities.
itselectric recently secured $6.5 million in seed funding, raising its total investment to $11.8 million. This financial boost will facilitate the deployment of their curbside charging stations in seven US cities throughout 2024, including Boston, Los Angeles, Detroit, Jersey City, and San Francisco. This expansion aligns with Uber’s initiative to support rideshare drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles.
The company’s Level-2 charging posts offer a unique advantage: they connect to the spare electrical supply of nearby buildings, eliminating the need for utility permits, connections, and coordination. This approach not only reduces installation costs but also means there are no expenses for property owners or cities. Additionally, itselectric shares the revenue generated from each charger with the property owners, providing both environmental and economic benefits to the communities.
US LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES SET TO RIVAL CHINESE PRICES BY 2026
Can U.S.-produced lithium-ion battery systems ever match the affordability of their Chinese counterparts by 2026?
According to a report by Clean Energy Associates released on June 12, U.S.-manufactured lithium-ion battery energy storage systems could become price-competitive with Chinese-made systems by 2026. This shift is expected as more production capacity is established in the U.S. over the coming decade.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s 45X tax credit plays a significant role in narrowing the existing price gap of over 20% between U.S. and Chinese batteries. This financial incentive is crucial in making U.S. batteries more affordable.
Globally, an overcapacity in production is driving down battery prices. Major Chinese manufacturers are already offering prices as low as $60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
TESLA’S SHANGHAI MEGAFACTORY ON TRACK FOR 2025 COMPLETION
Will Tesla’s ambitious plans for their Shanghai Megafactory come to fruition by 2025?
At a recent media briefing, Grace Tao, Tesla’s global vice president, confirmed that the Shanghai Megafactory is on schedule to be completed by 2025. This facility will be Tesla’s first energy storage super factory outside the United States.
The Shanghai Megafactory is situated in the Lingang New Area of Shanghai and spans approximately 200,000 square meters (about 2.15 million square feet). It is located near Tesla’s existing Gigafactory Shanghai.
SHENZHEN’S NEV SALES SURGE TO NEW HEIGHTS
In June, Shenzhen, a major city in southern China’s Guangdong province, saw its new energy vehicle (NEV) penetration rate soar to 77.4%. This means that out of every 100 new cars sold, approximately 77 were NEVs, marking the highest monthly rate ever recorded in the city.
Throughout the first half of 2024, Shenzhen registered 109,000 NEVs, achieving a penetration rate of 72.6% in new car sales. This significant shift indicates that just over 20% of new car buyers are opting for traditional combustion engine vehicles.
Shenzhen, which hosts the global headquarters of BYD, offers substantial incentives for NEV buyers. Local residents who purchase NEVs, including hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), receive free green license plates. In contrast, those who prefer traditional fuel vehicles must enter a lottery or bidding process to obtain blue plates.
PREMIUM PARTNERS
PORSCHE OF THE VILLAGE CINCINNATI
AUDI CINCINNATI EAST
VOLVO CARS CINCINNATI EAST
NATIONAL CAR CHARGING ON THE US MAINLAND AND ALOHA CHARGE IN HAWAII
DEREK REILLY FROM NEVO.IE AND THE NEVO EV REVIEW IRELAND YOUTUBE CHANNEL
OCTOPUS ELECTROVERSE GLOBAL PUBLIC CHARGING MADE SIMPLE WITH ONE APP AND ONE MAP.
LEASEPLAN ELECTRIC MOMENTS PROVIDING ALL THE TOOLS AND GUIDANCE EV DRIVERS NEED
PARTNERS
RICHARD AT RSEV.CO.UK
JUKKA KUKKONEN FROM WWW.SHIFT2ELECTRIC.COM
RAJEEV NARAYAN
BATTERY REPORTS FOR EVS AT RECURRENTAUTO.COM
JAN TORE GJØBY
ADRIAN BOND
ALAN SHEDD
ALEX BANAHENE
ANDERS HOVE
ANDREA JEFFERSON
ANDREW LUOMA
ANDREW WANEK
ANDY NANCARROW AND LILIAN KASS
ASEER KHALID
BÅRD FJUKSTAD
BILL CALHOUN
BLAINE MCKINNEY
BLUNDERBUSS JONES
BRENDAN MCCARTHY AT NORTHFORK IRONWORKS
BRIAN OLEARY
BRIAN THOMPSON
BRUCE BOHANNAN
CHAD LANE
CHARLES HALL
CHRISTOPHER BARTH
C.J. BACKUS
COLIN HENNESSY AND CAMBSEV
CRAIG ROGERS
DAVID DYSART
DAVID FINCH
DAVID LARDER
DAVID MOORE
DAVID PARTINGTON
DAVID PRESCOTT
DC EV
ED CORTEEN
EDDIE RAGASA
ERIC HANSEN
ERU KYEYUNE-NYOMBI
FREDRIK ROVIK
GARY A HAMMOND
GENE RUBIN
GEORGE TORTAROLO
HEINRICH LIESNER
HELMUT SELKER
IAN ‘STILL WATERS UK’ BENJAMIN
IAN GRIFFITHS
IAN SEAR
JACK OAKLEY
JAMES PENFOLD
JAMES STORR
JIM MORRIS
JOHN SCHROEDER
JOHN VAN DEVOORT
JON AKA BEARDY MCBEARDFACE FROM KENT EVS
JON MANCHAK
JUAN GONZALEZ
KESTER SANDBACH
KEVIN MEYERSON
LAURENCE D ALLEN
LEE BROWN
LUKE CULLEY
MARCEL WARD
MATTHEW LONG
NATHAN GORE-BROWN
NATHAN KING
NATHANIEL FREEDMAN
NEIL E ROBERTS FROM SUSSEX EVS
OHAD ASTON
PAUL STEPHENSON
PETE GLASS
PETE GORTON
PETER & DEE ROBERTS
PETER RYNER
PHIL MOUCHET
PHILIP FORRESTER
PHILIP TRAUTMAN
RAYMOND ROWLEDGE
REALTORS CHOICE PHOTOGRAPHY
ROB FROM THE RSTHINKS EV CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE
ROBERT GRACE
RON HUNTER
ROOSEVELT WATSON
SEIKI PAYNE
STEPHEN PENN
STEVE JOHN
THE PLUGSEEKER’S EV YOUTUBE CHANNEL
THOMAS J. THIAS
TIMOTHY PHILLIPS
TOMER SHAHAF
TYLER VOSS