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 12 October, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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GLOBAL GROWTH IN PLUG-IN VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS
Cleantechnica are out with their global EV sales for August 2024, global registrations of plug-in vehicles rose by 19% compared to August 2023, reaching 1.5 million new registrations. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) increased of 6% year-over-year, while plug-in hybrids saw a notable growth of 51%, totaling nearly 500,000 units sold. BEVs represented the remaining one million registrations.
Overall, plug-in vehicles accounted for 22% of the total automotive market, with BEVs making up 14% of that proportion.
The global automotive industry is adapting to the Electric Disruption Zone, with year-to-date data showing that the market share for plug-in electric vehicles has increased to 19%. Of this share, 12% are BEVs, which translates to 10 million units sold—6.3 million of these are BEVs. In August, BEVs made up 63% of all plug-in registrations, aligning with year-to-date figures, although this is a decrease from the 70% share they held in the previous year.
https://evne.ws/3ZVChqq
GM UNVEILS POWERBANK ENERGY STORAGE SOLUTION
General Motors (GM) has launched its PowerBank energy-storage battery packs, a competitor to Tesla’s Powerwall.
PowerBank battery packs are available in two sizes: 10.6 kWh and 17.7 kWh, and come equipped with chargers and inverters that allow integration with both vehicles and home electrical systems. Initially available in five states—California, Florida, Michigan, New York, and Texas—GM has now extended the availability nationwide.
Customers have the option to connect two 17.7 kWh packs, resulting in a combined capacity of 35.4 kWh, which GM claims can power the average American home for up to 20 hours. The accompanying charger allows for a direct connection between the energy-storage system and GM electric vehicles, which can reach up to 205 kWh capacity in larger electric trucks. GM intends to include bidirectional charging in its entire electric vehicle lineup by the 2026 model year, allowing all new GM EVs to act as backup power sources for homes.
The necessary Powershift Charger for bidirectional charging is priced at $1,699, while the V2H Enablement Kit, which includes installation hardware but not the battery pack, costs $5,600.
Pricing for GM’s energy storage bundles is outlined as follows:
– 10.6 kWh Bundle: $10,999 (after potential tax credit, final price $7,700)
For GM Energy Home Systems, pricing is as follows:
– 10.6 kWh System: $12,700 (after potential tax credit, final price $8,890)
https://evne.ws/4h3Du51
RAM’S ELECTRIC PICKUP HEADED TO EUROPE
Ram is gearing up to introduce its first electric pickup, the Ram 1500 REV, in Europe next year, targeting a direct rivalry with the Ford F-150 Lightning in select countries.
The 2025 Ram 1500 REV will come with a standard 168 kWh battery, with an optional 229 kWh battery will allow the truck to achieve a maximum range of about 500 miles (805 kilometers).
Built on the STLA Large platform, the Ram 1500 REV will be manufactured at Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in the U.S. before being sent to Europe. It is expected to launch in Europe by the third quarter of 2025. Ram says that its electric pickup will feature the largest front trunk (frunk) in its class.
As Ram enters the European market, it will be up against not only Ford but also other electric pickups like the Maxus eTerron 9, which is the first all-wheel-drive electric pickup in Europe.
https://evne.ws/3YiMlbE
BMW AND MERCEDES-BENZ ELECTRIC VEHICLE SALES INCREASE
BMW Group reported a significant rise in global electric vehicle (EV) sales, with a 10% increase in the third quarter of 2024. The Group sold 103,440 EVs during this period, bringing the total to over 294,000 EVs for the first nine months of the year, a 19.1% increase compared to 2023.
The BMW brand alone accounted for 266,151 of these sales, reflecting a 22.6% growth year-over-year. The demand for BMW EVs was particularly strong in Europe, including major markets like the UK, Italy, and France.
For the Euro market, 121,844 BMW EVs were delivered for first nine months of 2024, marking a 35.8% increase from the previous year. The iX1 and i4 models played a crucial role in this growth.
Research from Jato Dynamics revealed that in July 2024, BMW’s EV sales in Europe surpassed those of Tesla for the first time, allowing it to outpace Mercedes-Benz in the region.
In the third quarter, Mercedes sold 46,900 EVs, an 8% decline from the previous quarter and a 31% drop compared to the same period in 2023.
Globally, in Q3 Mercedes-Benz faced a 31 percent decline in its battery electric vehicle (BEV) wholesale deliveries, which fell to 42,500 units. However, the company did see a 10 percent rise in plug-in hybrid sales, largely due to strong demand in the U.S. Despite this, its latest electric models have not appealed to consumers in China and other regions, as younger buyers tend to favor domestic brands with better in-car technology.
Overall, BMW and Mercedes-Benz actually reported a decline in their sales for the third quarter, primarily due to weak demand and heightened competition in China, as of October 10. BMW’s global sales decreased by 13 percent, while Mercedes-Benz experienced a 3 percent drop during the July to September period.
The decline in China, the largest car market in the world, is linked to a slowing economy and competition from local manufacturers that provide lower-cost alternatives, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
https://evne.ws/4eIegYo
RENAULT’S MOBILIZE UNVEILS DUO AND BENTO VEHICLES
Mobilize, a branch of Renault, has launched the production versions of its Duo and Bento models ahead of the Paris Motor Show. The Duo, which replaces the Twizy, will be available in France starting October 14, with a starting price of €9,990 for the L6 version, which has a maximum speed of 45 kph (28 mph). The L7 version, which can reach 80 kph (50 mph), will begin at €11,600. The Bento, designed for commercial use with a cargo box in place of a passenger seat, will be released later with pricing yet to be disclosed.
The Duo measures 2.43 meters long, making it 20 centimeters longer than the Twizy, while it is 1.30 meters wide, which is 8 centimeters narrower. The Bento, which features a cargo capacity of 649 liters, is slightly longer at 2.54 meters. Both models are powered by a 48-volt electric motor derived from the Renault Austral hybrid system and use NMC battery cells, providing a net energy capacity of 10.3 kWh. The Duo has a WLTP range of up to 161 kilometers, while the Bento can achieve 149 kilometers on a full charge. “The range will be well in excess of 100 km for most drivers, even in winter,” said a representative from Mobilize.
They offer a central driving position and advanced suspension for a distinctive driving experience, as well as a mobile app that enables users to create up to six digital keys.
https://evne.ws/4h3XXXj
OPEL GRANDLAND SUV LAUNCHES WITH ELECTRIFIED OPTIONS
The Opel Grandland SUV opened for customer order on October 10th, with three electrified powertrain choices. The plug-in hybrid version is priced from €40,150. The Grandland Electric, equipped with a 157 kW (213 hp) electric motor and a 73 kWh battery, offers a range of up to 523 kilometers (WLTP) and starts at €46,750. Another model with an 82 kWh battery extends the range to 582 kilometers and is available from €51,950. A future version with a 97 kWh battery will provide approximately 700 kilometers of range.
https://evne.ws/4dIkLt4
AUDI’S Q6 SPORTBACK E-TRON DEBUTS IN PARIS
Audi plans to introduce the Q6 Sportback e-tron electric vehicle at the Paris Motor Show on Monday.
The differences between the Sportback and the standard SUV are slight, mainly found behind the front seats. The aerodynamic form of the Sportback allows for improved airflow, the standard Q6 e-tron has a maximum range of 307 miles (approximately 494 kilometers), and the Sportback is projected to surpass this figure.
ALDI PORTUGAL AND EDP LAUNCH CHARGING STATIONS
ALDI Portugal has teamed up with EDP to install more than 650 fast charging stations at its stores across mainland Portugal.
The initiative includes installing charging stations at over 140 current sites and managing chargers at 34 already operational stores. Once completed, there will be more than 650 charging points linked to the MOBI.E public network.
The charging stations will offer power outputs between 60 kW and 120 kW.
https://evne.ws/3Y1Cm9w
BRUSSELS REJECTS CHINA’S EV PRICE PROPOSAL
Brussels has rejected a proposal from the Chinese government to establish a minimum price of 30,000 euros ($32,946) for electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China. This decision is part of an ongoing anti-subsidy investigation that has heightened tensions between Beijing and the European Union, marking the most significant trade conflict in a decade.
Brussels has expressed concerns that go beyond just the pricing of Chinese-made EVs; they also include the subsidies involved in their production. The Commission has not disclosed specifics regarding the proposals from Chinese manufacturers, which included commitments to certain pricing standards to prevent an influx of low-cost vehicles that could harm local competition.
Chinese firms like SAIC and BYD are marketing their EVs in Europe just above the proposed minimum price, despite offering much lower prices in China. BYD’s Seagull is expected to be priced under 20,000 euros when it launches in Europe next year.
The deadline for a negotiated agreement to avoid tariffs is approaching quickly. The European Commission has announced that tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese-built EVs will begin on October 31 and continue for five years unless an alternative solution is reached.
https://evne.ws/3NjEuV8
DENZA N9 SUV SEEN BEFORE EUROPEAN RELEASE
The Denza N9, a flagship SUV from BYD, was spotted in London without camouflage ahead of its domestic launch, indicating BYD’s plans to enter international markets. This full-size SUV measures around 5.3 meters (17.4 feet) and can produce up to 951 horsepower (hp).
Denza is a premium brand launched in 2011 as a collaboration between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. Following a reduction of Mercedes-Benz’s stake to 10% in 2021, BYD fully acquired Denza in September 2024. The brand has performed well, selling 89,804 units in the first nine months of this year. Denza plans to enter the European market, starting with the Denza Z9 GT wagon, followed by the N9 SUV.
The N9 features contemporary design elements, including slim running lights below the main headlights. It replaces conventional side mirrors with cameras and has retractable door handles.
Denza emblems are prominently displayed on the D-pillars, with a LiDAR sensor integrated into the roof.
platform supports both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) configurations, though it is unclear which variant was seen.
In terms of dimensions, the Denza N9 is 250 millimeters (9.8 inches) longer than a Range Rover, making it competitive with models like the Li Auto L9 and Aito M9. The interior offers a three-row seating layout with a 2 + 2 + 3 configuration, featuring independent captain’s chairs in the second row and a center console with three screens. There is also a unique storage box with heating and cooling features.
The Denza N9 is expected to share powertrain options with the Denza Z9 GT, which comes in both BEV and PHEV versions. The electric model has a single front motor generating 230 kilowatts (308 hp) and dual rear motors each producing 240 kilowatts (322 hp), totaling 710 kilowatts (951 hp).
https://evne.ws/3Y4uSCp
BYD’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLANS FOR MEXICO
BYD intends to sell 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in Mexico this year, with a target of reaching 100,000 by 2025, as stated by Jorge Vallejo, the company’s head in Mexico, according to Reuters.
Vallejo mentioned that the location of BYD’s first manufacturing facility in Mexico will be disclosed by the end of this year. The initial phase of this plant is set to produce 150,000 vehicles, with plans for an additional 150,000 in a later phase.
On May 14, BYD launched the BYD Shark hybrid pickup truck in Mexico, highlighting its strategy of introducing new models outside of China. This truck was also launched in Panama a month earlier and has not yet been introduced in China. BYD’s focus in Mexico is strictly on local sales, as emphasized by BYD Americas CEO Stella Li in February.
https://evne.ws/403eHbg
FORD’S NEW EV HQ AT MICHIGAN CENTRAL STATION
Ford has invested around $1 billion over six years to restore Michigan Central Station, which was unveiled in June. Employees from Ford’s Model e electric vehicle division are now relocating to this revamped location as their new headquarters.
Ford Model e division, created as a distinct entity over two years ago, will operate from Michigan Central Station alongside Ford’s Integrated Services software team. Currently, Ford is utilizing the ninth and tenth floors, while the eighth floor is reserved for meetings. These three floors offer a total of 500 workspaces, with an expectation of approximately 1,000 employees to be stationed there by year-end.
The renovation of Michigan Central Station also extends to its vicinity, which includes the former book depository, now named Newlab, a hub for startups. Following the opening, Google’s Code Next program became the first tenant, providing computer science education for Black, Latino, and Indigenous high school students. Other tenants like Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan are also anticipated to move into the station.
https://evne.ws/3YmlEmH
BANKRUPTCY CHALLENGES FOR FISKER OCEAN OWNERS
Fisker Ocean owners may face difficulties following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. American Lease, which plans to buy over 3,000 remaining Ocean electric vehicles, stated that Fisker cannot transfer vehicle data to a new server. As a result, features like over-the-air software updates, remote app access, and diagnostics will be unavailable.
American Lease filed an emergency objection to the bankruptcy liquidation plan, which is set to be confirmed in court soon. They noted, “Now, on the eve of the October 9 Hearing, Buyer has just been informed that Porting of the Purchased Vehicles will not be possible.” This information was revealed after they had already paid millions under the Purchase Agreement, raising questions about when Fisker representatives were aware of the data transfer issues.
American Lease has urged the court to reject the liquidation plan if the data transfer issue is unresolved. They warned that the confirmation should not proceed without addressing this concern. This technical challenge is likely to affect all Fisker Ocean owners, not just those involved in the sale to American Lease. If data transfer to other servers is not possible, all connectivity features will cease once Fisker stops operations. While the vehicles will still run, they will lose cloud connectivity.
EBAY LIMITS E-BIKE SALES DUE TO FIRE HAZARDS
Starting October 31, eBay will restrict the sale of e-bikes and e-bike batteries by private sellers in the UK, allowing only “eligible business sellers” to offer these products. The criteria for who qualifies as an eligible seller have not been disclosed.
E-bikes, which have battery-powered, electrically-assisted pedals, have gained popularity, but reports of fires caused by their batteries have increased. The London Fire Brigade reported 155 e-bike fires in 2023, a rise of 78% from the previous year. They have advised users to check their batteries, as battery packs are now labeled as “dangerous” by UK regulators.
Currently, there are almost 3,000 used e-bikes listed for sale on eBay in the UK.
https://evne.ws/3Y6fqGd
PREMIUM PARTNERS
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