Plus, stay tuned because later in the show I’ll tell you why Britain is staying on the sidelines in the China EV Tariffs trade war.
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 14 September, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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GM AND HYUNDAI FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE EV DEVELOPMENT
General Motors and Hyundai Motor Company have long been major players in the automotive industry, but they face a common challenge: how to efficiently develop and produce competitive electric vehicles (EVs) while reducing costs and improving efficiency. Can a partnership between these two giants help them overcome this hurdle?
The answer may lie in their newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to explore joint product development, manufacturing, and future clean energy technologies. This collaboration could enable both companies to capitalize on their respective strengths and scales, cutting costs and bringing more new models to the market faster.
According to GM CEO and Chair Mary Barra, “GM and Hyundai have complementary strengths and talented teams. Our goal is to unlock the scale and creativity of both companies to deliver even more competitive vehicles to customers faster and more efficiently.”
The partnership will focus on co-developing passenger and commercial battery electric vehicle (BEV) models and powertrains, as well as exploring avenues for combined supply chain sourcing of battery raw materials, steel, and other components. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung emphasized that this partnership will enable both companies to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness in key markets and vehicle segments, drive cost efficiencies, and provide stronger customer value through their combined expertise and innovative technologies.
Hyundai’s early investment in 800V platforms, starting with the IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6, has paid off significantly, allowing the company to deliver consistent innovation and quality EVs. In contrast, GM has struggled with its Ultium platform, resulting in higher costs and larger battery packs to achieve competitive ranges. A partnership with Hyundai could help GM address these architectural issues and reduce supply chain costs, ultimately delivering more affordable BEV models.
https://evne.ws/3ZnALNj
KIA EV6 LEASE DEALS OUTSHINE CHEAPER KIA MODELS (FOR SOME DRIVERS)
The Kia EV6, with a sticker price of $47,000, can surprisingly be leased for less than the $21,000 Kia Soul.
The answer lies in the lease incentives offered by Kia. For the 2024 Kia EV6, lease prices have been cut significantly, making it more affordable than one might expect. In California and ZEV states, the EV6 Light Long Range can be leased for $179 per month for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing, translating to an effective cost of approximately $346 per month for 10,000 miles per year.
In contrast, the 2024 Kia Soul LX, despite its lower MSRP of $21,315, has a lease deal with an effective cost of $326 per month ($229 for 36 months with $3,499 at signing). This means the EV6 is only $20 more expensive per month, despite a $26,000 difference in sticker prices.
Furthermore, Kia is offering a $1,000 conquest cash incentive to Tesla owners who switch brands. This incentive can be used to lower the amount due at signing to $2,999, reducing the effective cost to $304 per month, which is $22 less than the Soul.
For financing a purchase Kia has introduced 0% financing for 72 months on the EV6, a deal not available on the Kia Soul.
https://evne.ws/3Tmur5a
GIGAFACTORY PLANS IN SOMERSET MOVE FORWARD
A significant development in the electric vehicle industry is underway in Somerset, with Agratas’ £4 billion gigafactory project nearing its first phase of construction
The project, located in the Gravity enterprise zone between Puriton and Woolavington, is expected to create up to 4,000 well-paid jobs and become one of the largest single employment sites in Somerset. The facility, slated to be operational by 2026, will primarily produce electric vehicle batteries for Jaguar Land Rover, potentially supplying up to 40% of the UK’s domestic market.
The building will primarily be used for battery cell manufacturing. A separate building to the east will house the electrolyte for lithium battery construction and a new substation to power the gigafactory, supplementing the ongoing upgrades to Bridgwater’s power grid.
https://evne.ws/4cY70WI
JEEP AVENGER EV FALLS SHORT IN EURO NCAP SAFETY TESTS
The Euro NCAP has been conducting rigorous safety tests on various European family cars, and while several models have achieved the coveted five-star rating, the Jeep Avenger EV has only managed to secure a three-star rating.
One of the primary areas of concern was the vehicle’s performance in the side impact test. Specifically, the Avenger was found to provide poor chest protection for a 10-year-old child seated in the rear. Competitor vehicles offer a child presence detection system, which is absent in the Avenger.
The Avenger EV received a ‘marginal’ score for ‘side excursion,’ which refers to the propensity for a passenger to be thrown sideways into another passenger during a collision.
Another area of concern was the Avenger’s frontal collision warning system. The audio warning was deemed ineffective, although Jeep has confirmed that it will address this issue in future models and offer an update to existing Avenger owners.
The Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in the automotive industry: “There is growing competition in the car industry, and Stellantis has had to take several steps to secure the future of its brands. But safety should not be where a car manufacturer makes its savings”.
In comparison, other models tested by the Euro NCAP this time around achieved significantly higher safety ratings. The Audi Q6 e-tron, Ford Explorer EV and XPeng G6 all secured the maximum five-star rating, with impressive scores across various safety categories.
https://evne.ws/47mYJdE
ELECTRIC FIAT 500 PRODUCTION HALTED AMID WEAK DEMAND
Stellantis announced on September 12, 2024, that it would suspend production of the fully electric Fiat 500 small car for four weeks due to sluggish demand. The decision comes as the European electric vehicle market struggles with weak sales, partly attributed to differing policies on green incentives.
The Fiat 500 is manufactured at the historic Mirafiori facility in Turin, Italy, a site that has seen significant declines in production in recent years. Labor unions have urged Stellantis to revitalize the Mirafiori site, calling for the introduction of a new, affordable high-volume vehicle.
Despite the challenges, Stellantis is investing €100 million ($110 million) in the Mirafiori plant to implement a higher-performance battery. Additionally, a hybrid variant of the electric 500 model is set to be produced, anticipated to launch between 2025 and 2026.
Earlier this year, Italy initiated a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) initiative to assist consumers in transitioning to cleaner vehicles, providing subsidies for the purchase of fully electric cars. However, tensions have arisen between Rome and the automaker regarding the government’s approach to incentives.
https://evne.ws/3zge1UW
CALIFORNIA EXPANDS EV CHARGING NETWORK WITH NEVI FUNDING
The California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have taken a significant step towards enhancing the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. They have awarded $32.7 million to nine EV infrastructure projects across California, funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. This investment will lead to the installation of 458 new public fast-chargers, strategically located on federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
Each charging station will be equipped with a minimum of four 150 kW Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, ensuring that they can cater to a wide range of electric vehicles. Furthermore, each station must have a minimum power output of 600 kW, providing rapid charging capabilities that are essential
https://evne.ws/3MEWngR
EU REJECTS CHINESE EV PRICE FLOOR OFFERS AMID TRADE DISPUTE
The European Commission has recently rejected proposals from Chinese exporters to establish a price floor on their electric vehicle shipments
At the heart of the issue is the EU’s complaint that Chinese electric vehicle imports are too cheap due to industrial subsidies, creating unfair competition for local models. In response, several Chinese exporters submitted offers for “price undertakings,” which were intended to address these concerns. However, these offers were deemed incompatible with World Trade Organization (WTO) and European Union rules.
This development comes as the debate over EV tariffs reaches a critical point. The EU has proposed additional duties ranging from 7.8% to 35.3% on Chinese electric vehicles, which would be applied on top of the existing 10% tariff rate.
As the EU prepares for a make-or-break vote that could turn the duties into a fixture for at least five years, the debate over EV tariffs has exposed political cracks within the bloc. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called on the European Commission to “reconsider” tariffs on China-made electric cars, citing concerns about potential retaliatory measures against pork products, a highly valuable and delicate sector for Spain.
https://evne.ws/3XveBGG
CHINA’S EV TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION STRATEGY
As Chinese automakers expand their global presence, a pressing question arises: How can they safeguard their advanced electric vehicle (EV) technology while establishing overseas manufacturing facilities? This concern is particularly relevant given the increasing competition and potential trade barriers in foreign markets.
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has addressed this issue by advising automakers to adopt a strategy that keeps key EV technology at home. The approach involves exporting knock-down kits, which include essential components produced domestically and then shipped to destination markets for final assembly. This method, known as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Semi Knocked Down (SKD) models, allows Chinese automakers to maintain control over their technology while still expanding their global footprint.
In a meeting with over a dozen automakers in July, MOFCOM emphasized the importance of keeping key production within China. The ministry cautioned against making auto-related investments in India and instructed companies to notify the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Chinese embassy in Turkey before investing in that country.
https://evne.ws/3zg4BJ4
BRITAIN’S STANCE ON CHINESE ELECTRIC VEHICLES
The United States, Canada, and the European Union are imposing substantial trade tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to prevent China from flooding Western markets with low-cost vehicles that threaten local manufacturers. But now that it is out of the European Union, why is Britain not following suit?
Britain’s decision to stand aside from the tariffs imposed by its allies is primarily driven by two factors: the need to safeguard British car exports to China and the government’s obligation to achieve its own electric vehicle sales objectives.
High-end British car manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, Bentley, Lotus, and McLaren have significant sales in the luxury vehicle market in China. These companies are concerned that any imposition of tariffs on Chinese vehicles could provoke swift retaliation from Beijing, which would harm their export-driven business. As Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds noted, “I am very mindful that the entire UK automotive production framework is export-driven – we export 80% of what we produce.”
By not imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs, the UK can benefit from lower-cost vehicles, which could lead to more affordable options for consumers and help achieve the government’s electric vehicle sales targets.
However, this approach has raised concerns about unfair competition and the potential for “dumping” by Chinese manufacturers. Critics argue that Chinese EVs are heavily subsidized by the government, which allows them to be sold at lower prices in export markets. This could lead to a flood of cheap Chinese cars in the UK market, undermining domestic manufacturers.
Despite these concerns, the UK government is adopting a conciliatory stance. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have emphasized the need to protect British car exports to China and achieve the government’s electric vehicle sales objectives.
The UK’s decision not to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs has also been influenced by the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which punishes carmakers with £15,000 fines for every petrol and diesel vehicle sold over a set limit. Chinese manufacturers can benefit from this mandate by selling carbon credits to rivals who have fallen short of their targets.
As a result, Chinese EVs are becoming increasingly popular in the UK market. The MG4, produced by Shanghai-headquartered SAIC, has already become one of the UK’s best-selling EVs, and rival BYD is starting to open showrooms around the country.
https://evne.ws/3XQxlln
NATIONAL CAR CHARGING SECURES E&I COOPERATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT
The education sector is increasingly embracing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, but how can educational institutions ensure they are getting the best value for their investment? This question has been answered with the recent announcement that National Car Charging (NCC), the nation’s largest and most experienced independent EV charging station reseller and installer, AND proud sponsor of this podcast, has won a multi-year charging procurement contract with E&I Cooperative Services.
E&I Cooperative Services, a member-owned, non-profit sourcing cooperative exclusively focused on serving the education community, has selected NCC to provide Level-2 and DC fast charging infrastructure. This contract allows E&I’s member audience to take full advantage of highly competitive EV infrastructure rates immediately.
NCC will supply both networked and non-networked fast charging solutions from a range of manufacturers, including ChargePoint, Kempower, and Webasto. Additionally, they will offer various networking software options, such as EV Connect, and maintenance services from ChargerHelp!.
NCC, founded in 2011, has installed over 11,000 EV charging ports across 48 states, serving 1,100 clients. 60% of their work is with municipalities, non-profits, and educational institutions. NCC has been awarded procurement contracts with seven U.S. states, including California and Colorado, and participates in over eight different cooperative buying programs.
NEW BILL AIMS TO BLOCK EV TAX CREDITS FROM CHINA
On Thursday morning earlier this week, the House of Representatives approved a bill designed to restrict the flow of tax credits for electric vehicles to manufacturers based in China. The legislation seeks to strengthen domestic production and safeguard American jobs by ensuring that financial incentives for EV buyers are directed at companies with operations in the United States rather than overseas.
As the EV market continues to expand, concerns have risen about the extent to which tax credits might support foreign manufacturers, particularly those in China. The bill, if enacted, would require stricter compliance and verification measures for companies claiming these credits.
The move is part of a larger strategy to bolster the domestic EV supply chain and reduce dependency on foreign sources for critical components, such as batteries. This is particularly relevant as the U.S. seeks to position itself as a leader in the global transition to electric mobility.
The specifics of the bill include provisions that would mandate a greater degree of transparency in the production processes of automakers. Companies would need to demonstrate that a significant portion of their manufacturing occurs within U.S. borders to qualify for tax incentives. This approach aligns with ongoing efforts to revive American manufacturing and create a more self-sufficient economy.
https://evne.ws/4ecBvJG
JAMES MAY’S TAKE ON THE TESLA CYBERTRUCK
What does one of the worlds most recognized automotive journalists think of the tesla Cybertruck?
James May recently had the opportunity to drive and review the Cybertruck, and his thoughts are both funny and insightful. He describes the vehicle as “ballsy” and “quite humorous,” appreciating its bold design and the innovation it brings to the table.
One of the key aspects May focuses on is the Cybertruck’s cargo space. He measures its capacity by calculating how many bottles of his own gin it can hold, concluding that it can fit approximately 840 bottles, equivalent to more than a whole pallet of his export product.
James would very much like you know he sells Gin these days!
May also discusses the Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire system, which he finds intriguing but notes that it lacks the tactile feedback of traditional steering mechanisms. He compares it to reaching for a knob in an old BMW 3 Series, emphasizing the importance of physical controls in driving.
https://evne.ws/3B3aPg3
RIVIAN FACTORY FIRE RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT BATTERY SAFETY
A recent fire at Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, has sparked concerns about battery safety in electric vehicles. The incident, which occurred a few weeks ago, damaged approximately 50 new trucks but fortunately did not result in any injuries or damage to the facility itself. However, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and a source claiming to be a Rivian employee has shed some light on the events leading up to the blaze.
According to the anonymous source talking to The Drive, the fire started from a vehicle with a “critical battery issue” that was improperly placed in the parking lot. The vehicle, an R1 model (either an R1T or R1S), was supposed to be isolated in a designated containment area due to its potentially dangerous battery issue. However, due to understaffing at the plant, an employee was tasked with moving the vehicle outside of their normal duties and inadvertently left it next to other cars awaiting final inspections before delivery to customers.
The defective battery eventually ignited, spreading fire to nearby vehicles and causing extensive damage. Rivian employees reportedly had to scramble to find replacement vehicles for customers awaiting their orders.
https://evne.ws/3MFYCR5
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