China auto thread

[The3Amigos]

New Zeekr 001 revealed with 95-kWh LFP battery for 722 km range

The facelifted Zeekr 001 has two battery variants, 580-kW peak power, and up to 750 km range. To launch in China shortly.

carnewschina.com

New Zeekr 001 revealed with 95-kWh LFP battery for 722 km range

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Denis Bobylev

February 7, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

Battery options of the Geely’s Zeekr 001 restyling were revealed by the Chinese MIIT in the catalog of NEVs exempted from vehicle purchase tax. In contrast with its predecessor, the facelifted variant got an optional LFP pack. Zeekr also didn’t fill for a version with a 140-kWh battery, hinting it won’t be available on the facelifted 001.

Zeekr is a young, high-end brand launched by Geely Group in 2021. All of its vehicles are based on the SEA modular architecture. Presently, Zeekr’s line comprises four models: 001 liftback, 007 sedan, 009 minivan, and X crossover. This brand also sells overseas. In 2024, it has a sales goal of 230,000 units. Soon, the very first Zeekr model, the 001, will get a facelifted variant. The governmental regulator exposed its battery options.
Zeekr 001 restyling battery variants
The new Zeekr 001 will have two battery options: LFP and ternary NMC. This liftback will be the second Zeekr-branded model to have a LiFePo pack after the 007 sedan launched in December last year. Both batteries are manufactured by the joint venture between Geely and CATL, which is based in Sichuan, China.


The lithium iron phosphate battery of the Zeekr 001 has a capacity of 95 kWh. Since LFP packs offer lower energy density, the 001’s battery is bulky, weighing 720 kg. It occupies one-third of the car’s curb weight. The new Zeekr 001 equipped with this battery has several range options, depending on the powertrain.

• RWD, 310 kW, 95 kWh LFP battery, 722 km range
• 4WD, 580 kW (270 kW + 210 kW), 95 kWh LFP battery, 626-675 km range

The second battery option is ternary NMC for 100 kWh. It has a better energy density and a lower weight of 606 kg. It is available for both RWD and 4WD models.

• RWD, 310 kW, 100 kWh ternary NMC, 750 km range
• 4WD, 580 kW (270 kW + 310 kW), 100 kWh ternary NMC battery, 656-705 km range

The wheel options probably cause the listed difference in the range of 4WD variants. The new Zeekr 001 with the ternary NMC battery looks more desirable regarding cruising range. However, the LFP battery packs have longer life cycles, and they are cheaper. The current version of the Zeekr 001 also offers a 140-kWh battery for the 1032 km range. However, this pack wasn’t listed in the latest MIIT catalog, hinting the new facelifted 001 won’t get it.

More about the new Zeekr 001

The facelifted Zeekr 001 has minor exterior adjustments. It has new bumpers, an optional LiDAR on the roof, new rims, and a new body color. Its dimensions are 4977/1999/1545 mm with a wheelbase of 3005 mm. Inside, it stays close to the Zeekr 001 launched last year.
The biggest enhancement of the new Zeekr 001 is the powertrain. Its RWD model will offer an e-motor for 310 kW. For clarity, the current rear-wheel-drive version of this liftback has a peak power output of 200 kW. The 4WD model is even crazier with 580 kW: 270-kW motor in the front and 310-kWh one in the rear. The current 4WD version’s peak power output is just 400 kW. As for the icing on the cake, the new variant can tow up to 2000 kg.
The new Zeekr 001 will enter the Chinese market shortly, replacing its predecessor. According to CarNewsChina’s sources, it will later hit the overseas markets. However, there is no precise timing of its international launch.
Source: MIIT

 

[The3Amigos]

BYD Intelligent driving NOA system set for a pivotal upgrade in March

BYD announces a big upgrade to its Urban Navigation Assistance system in China.

carnewschina.com

BYD Intelligent driving NOA system set for a pivotal upgrade in March

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Naveed Rastegar

February 7, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

BYD’s announcement of a substantial upgrade to its intelligent driving system signals a notable advancement in its efforts to improve this technology. Scheduled for March 30th, this update signifies a significant step forward for BYD in the realm of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The upgrade will further enhance its Navigation On Autopilot (NOA) or its internally known Urban Navigation Assistance (UNA) system in cities across China.

The upgrade was alluded to in 2023 with the BYD Denza N7 with its advanced lidar system and came on the heels of recent improvements to Xpeng’s XNGP intelligent driving system. Telsa has also been a strong competitor in the intelligent driving race, with announcements last year aiming to improve its FSD system. According to sources, the initial rollout of BYD’s Urban Navigation Assistance (UNA) system is slated for March 30th, starting with the N7 model among its existing lineup of over 20 vehicles.

Sources suggest that the UNA system will initially be implemented in several major cities, with Shenzhen being a primary target. Since January this year, BYD’s planning institute has been actively recruiting talent for its intelligent driving division. Sources reveal a significant number of positions available for intelligent driving engineers, including several high-ranking positions.

Before 2023, BYD primarily focused on mass market sales, where advanced intelligent driving features held less significance due to pricing and technological considerations. However, the landscape has evolved, with many competitors entering the high-end market segment and making intelligent driving a standard feature for high-end vehicles. This shift underscores the heightened importance of intelligent driving for BYD. Observing its current actions, BYD seems to be employing a strategy akin to its approach in the electrification sector: leveraging in-house research to master core components.

Since the first half of 2023, BYD has been developing its Urban Navigation Assistance (UNA) system, aligning with the industry trend towards urban NOA deployment. By December 2023, Li Auto aimed to launch its urban NOA in 110 cities, while Xpeng announced its urban NGP landing in 243 cities in January 2024.
BYD’s progress in intelligent driving marks a significant endeavor, with its focus on in-house research and development shaping its approach in this domain. The company’s efforts reflect the broader industry trend towards advanced ADAS systems and the race among automakers to integrate intelligent driving features into their vehicles.

Source: LatePost news

 

[The3Amigos]

BYD cooperates with ARVAL to promote European business

BYD and ARVAL signed an MoU to enhance electric mobility and sustainability in Europe, expanding eco-friendly vehicle options. BYD and ARVAL signed an MoU to enhance electric mobility and sustainability in Europe, expanding eco-friendly vehicle options.

carnewschina.com

BYD cooperates with ARVAL to promote European business

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Qian Jin

February 7, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

BYD has entered into a strategic partnership with ARVAL to enhance its presence in the European market. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on February 6th, marks a pivotal step in BYD’s efforts to localize its operations across Europe, aligning with the continent’s ambitious carbon reduction goals.

BYD and ARVAL cooperation signing ceremony
ARVAL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BNP Paribas Group since its inception in 1986, has established a formidable footprint in vehicle leasing and mobility services. With operations spanning 29 countries and territories worldwide, ARVAL manages a fleet exceeding 1.7 million leased vehicles. This partnership with BYD signifies ARVAL’s commitment to diversifying its global automotive portfolio by integrating BYD’s electric passenger and light commercial vehicles, thereby offering a broader range of mobility solutions tailored to European customers’ sustainability objectives.
The collaboration between BYD and ARVAL is built on a shared vision of promoting green mobility. It aims to address the diverse needs, preferences, and budgetary requirements of both corporate and individual clients in Europe by providing them with high-quality, eco-friendly transportation options. By leveraging its comprehensive and high-quality EV lineup, BYD seeks to expand ARVAL’s green vehicle offerings, contributing significantly to the region’s reduction of carbon emissions. Beyond mobility, the partnership encompasses an array of green solutions, including electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and solar power solutions, demonstrating a holistic approach to environmental sustainability.

Key to this strategic alliance is using BYD’s extensive European dealership network, ensuring customers receive top-notch localized services and an exceptional electric driving experience. Schou Shuyi, General Manager of BYD Europe’s Automobile Sales Division, emphasized aligning both companies’ goals towards achieving sustainable mobility. He highlighted the synergy between BYD’s advanced new energy technologies and ARVAL’s expertise in leasing solutions, offering attractive options for customers aiming to green their fleets with BYD electric vehicles.
Alain van Groenendael, CEO and Chairman of ARVAL expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, underscoring the commitment to providing customers with diverse, reliable, and flexible green mobility solutions. He believes the combined strengths of both companies will encourage more businesses and individuals to transition to electric vehicles, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
BYD’s foray into the European market has been marked by rapid expansion. In 2023, the company achieved a milestone by selling over 3 million new energy vehicles worldwide, securing its position as the global leader in new energy vehicle sales. Over the past year, BYD has established a significant presence in Europe, covering 19 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, with more than 250 dealerships. The company has launched six regional models, including the Yuan Plus (ATTO 3 in some countries), Seal, Dolphin, and Song Plus EV, underscoring its commitment to deepening its market penetration in Europe. Through collaborations with high-quality local partners like ARVAL, BYD aims to further its green transformation efforts and contribute to its global goal of reducing the planet’s temperature by 1°C.

Source: BYD

 

[The3Amigos]

Tesla China gave away 30 days of EAP, and cold weather packages could be purchased at half price for some Model 3s

Tesla China launched exclusive offers for vehicle owners, including promotional upgrades and benefits on EAP and cold weather functionalities. Tesla China launched exclusive offers for vehicle owners, including promotional upgrades and benefits on EAP and cold weather functionalities.

carnewschina.com

Tesla China gave away 30 days of EAP, and cold weather packages could be purchased at half price for some Model 3s

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Qian Jin

February 7, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

On February 7, Tesla China introduced Chinese New Year special offers for its existing vehicle owners.

The offers include various benefits such as limited-time transfers of Full Self-Driving (FSD)/Enhanced Autopilot (EAP), free Supercharging, exclusive 30-day EAP access for a million vehicle owners, and promotional upgrades for cold weather packages.
The exclusive 30-day EAP access targets vehicles delivered before February 7 that have not been equipped with EAP or FSD and are hardware-compatible with EAP. Eligible vehicles will receive notifications about the EAP trial, and the offer is tied to the current owner.

Tesla has offered significant discounts on features designed to enhance comfort during cold conditions. The package includes reduced prices for cold weather functionality and rear seat heating at 1200 yuan (167 USD) and 800 yuan (111 USD), respectively. These offers are available from February 7 to February 16 through an Over-The-Air (OTA) purchase. Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+) vehicles produced between January 1, 2021, and November 18, 2021, are eligible for the “cold weather package” upgrade, while those delivered before November 2021 can opt for the “rear seat heating” upgrade.
Additionally, Tesla introduced several new policies, including limited-time FSD/EAP transfers and free Supercharging transfers. These policies allow for the transfer of FSD/EAP benefits to new vehicles purchased before March 31, 2024, and delivered between February 7 and March 31, 2024. The free Supercharging benefit can also be transferred to new cars under similar conditions.
Furthermore, Tesla China offers immediate cash benefits of 8000 yuan (1,115 USD) for specified versions of the Model Y and up to 10000 yuan (1,393 USD) off on selected paid paint options for any Model 3/Y vehicles, provided the car is picked up before March 31, 2024. There are also special financial offers with annual rates starting at 2.5% (equivalent to an annualized interest rate of 4.58%) for the Model 3/Y/S/X vehicles, including specified versions of the Model Y available for immediate delivery.

These promotions by Tesla China are part of a broader strategy to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction, particularly among existing owners. By offering a range of benefits and upgrades, Tesla aims to encourage the adoption of its advanced driving assistance systems, improve the driving experience in cold weather, and facilitate the transition to new Tesla models.
Tesla poster
Source: iTHome

 

[The3Amigos]

BYD sold 217 EVs in Japan in January, accounting for 20% of imported EV sales

In January, BYD's EVs sales surged in Japan, showcasing the growing demand for imported EVs and expanding market presence. In January, BYD's EVs sales surged in Japan, showcasing the growing demand for imported EVs and expanding market presence.

carnewschina.com

BYD sold 217 EVs in Japan in January, accounting for 20% of imported EV sales

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Qian Jin

February 7, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

According to data released by the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA) on February 6th, the total number of imported electric vehicles in Japan reached 1,186 units in January, marking an 11% increase compared to last year. Notably, BYD‘s sales accounted for approximately 20% of these imports, with 217 vehicles sold during the month, a sixfold increase from the previous year.

Due to statistical factors in the data source, the data may have an error within 2%.
BYD officially entered the Japanese passenger car market in January 2023, launching two all-electric models, the Dolphin and the ATTO 3, with the latter being the international version of the Yuan Plus, familiar to many. The ATTO 3, in particular, has garnered popularity due to its advanced safety features, attracting a broad range of customers, including those trading in luxury cars and individuals over 60.
BYD Dolphin
However, BYD’s local representatives have acknowledged that, despite these early successes, the overall sales volume for imported EVs remains modest, and brand recognition is still relatively low, indicating a need for further market penetration and awareness efforts.

BYD plans to introduce the Seal, an all-electric sedan, to the Japanese market by spring 2024, with ambitions to expand its sales network to 100 outlets by the end of 2025. This move is part of BYD’s strategy to solidify its presence in Japan, responding to the growing demand for diverse and innovative electric vehicles.
BYD SealCurrent status of Japan’s EV market
The Japanese EV market currently features 118 models from 17 brands, including notable entries such as the Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron, and upcoming models like the BMW iX2, Alfa Romeo, Jeep’s first electric vehicle, and Volvo’s compact SUV, the EX30. These additions highlight the increasing competition and variety in the Japanese EV landscape, offering consumers a wide range of electric mobility options.
The surge in interest and sales of foreign EVs in Japan indicates a broader trend. In 2023, imports of electric vehicles from foreign manufacturers exceeded 20,000 units for the first time, reaching 22,890 units and representing a 59.6% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects a gap in the domestic EV offerings from Japanese manufacturers, with foreign brands stepping in to provide a diverse selection of electric vehicles to Japanese consumers.

The JAIA has noted the rising influence of overseas manufacturers in the Japanese EV market, underscoring a shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.
BYD’s performance in January is a clear signal of the company’s growing influence in the Japanese market and the broader acceptance and interest in electric vehicles among Japanese consumers.
Source: iTHome

 

[The3Amigos]

Geely will introduce new cars of Zeekr brand to the Mexican market

Geely announced a deal with Zeekr to bring new energy vehicles to Mexico, aiming to tap into the growing Latin American EV market. Geely announced a deal with Zeekr to bring new energy vehicles to Mexico, aiming to tap into the growing Latin American EV market.

carnewschina.com

Geely will introduce new cars of Zeekr brand to the Mexican market

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Qian Jin

February 7, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

On February 7, Geely disclosed in a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing that it had entered into a vehicle purchase agreement with Zeekr, a move poised to bring Zeekr’s new energy vehicles (NEVs) to the Mexican market. This agreement includes the procurement of whole cars along with the requisite after-sales parts and accessories for resale in Mexico. This is a significant step forward for Geely in expanding its footprint in the global electric vehicle (EV) market.

Zeekr X
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to tap into the burgeoning demand for electric vehicles in Latin America, focusing on Mexico. The Mexican government has already set ambitious targets for the automotive sector, aiming for hybrid and electric cars to account for 50% of the market share by 2040 or earlier.
Geely’s decision to introduce the Zeekr brand in Mexico is a forward-looking move designed to establish a preliminary foothold in the region well ahead of this target, providing the company with a “key strategic advantage” to expand its operations across Latin America.

Zeekr, as a brand under Geely, has been making waves in the EV sector with its rapid growth and innovation. In January alone, Zeekr reported a delivery volume of 12,537 units, marking a 302% increase year-over-year and bringing the brand’s cumulative deliveries to 209,170 units. Despite the competitive market dynamics, including aggressive pricing strategies by rivals, Zeekr’s Vice President Lin Jinwen has stated that the brand will not engage in price wars. Instead, Zeekr is setting its sights on a sales target of 230,000 units for the year, with reservations for its 007 model expected to surpass 25,000 by the end of January.
Zeekr 009
Zeekr’s international expansion is not limited to Mexico. The brand announced its entry into the European market in December of the previous year, with the first European version of the Zeekr 001 being delivered in the Netherlands. This marked the beginning of Zeekr’s journey in Europe, with the brand now present in several European countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany, as well as markets in Central Asia and the Middle East.
The introduction of Zeekr vehicles in Mexico signifies Geely’s commitment to advancing the adoption of electric mobility solutions worldwide. By bringing cutting-edge EV technology and models to new markets, Geely aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation options while contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Many well-known EV companies, including Geely, BYD, and others, have entered the Mexican market. Some analysts believe that against the political background of the United States suppressing China’s EV industry, Chinese companies’ large-scale entry into Mexico is an attempt to develop the North American EV market.
Source: iTHome

 

[The3Amigos]

Radar RD6 4WD pickup to have similar acceleration as Tesla Cybertruck, CEO says

Radar RD6 EV pickup truck from Geely with 4WD will enter the domestic market in Q2 2024.

carnewschina.com

Radar RD6 EV pickup finally gets 4WD

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Mark Andrews

February 7, 2024


0
Zhejiang Province, China – 28122022: Stationary picture of a Radar RD6 electric pickup truck.

News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

Geely will officially launch a 4WD version of its Radar RD6 electric pickup truck in the second quarter of this year. Originally launched as just a rear-wheel drive truck in November 2022 it is a rare breed.

There are few electric pickups available anywhere and most that are on sale are conversions of ICE vehicles like the Chinese Maxus T90 EV or as in the case of the Ford F150 Lightning heavily based on an ICE. The Radar is different being the first Chinese pickup designed from the ground up as an EV and unlike the Tesla Cybertruck it’s actually being delivered.

Geely seems almost to have as many brands as models and currently Radar just has the RD6 pickup for what’s positioned as a lifestyle brand. The RD6 rides on a dedicated EV platform for such vehicles, the Multiplex Attached Platform (MAP). This platform itself is derived from Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform as used by the Zeekr range, and the new electric Smart and Lotus cars.

Despite originally being rumored for the first half of last year the 4WD version finally seems set for launch. Speaking at Geely’s annual media conference Radar CEO Ling Shiquan said that it would now launch in the second quarter of 2024. Ling also gave details about the new version’s performance.

He claims that acceleration is in the same region as the Tesla Cybertruck and capable of around four second acceleration (0-100 km/h, 0-62 mph) while carrying hundreds of kilograms of cargo although he didn’t actually give a definite weight. Similarly Ling said that the 4WD RD6 had a wading depth which exceeded that of the Hummer EV (813 mm).

Currently the RD6 has a 200 kW motor powering the rear axle and is available with battery packs of 63 kWh, 86 kWh and 100 kWh which are good for ranges of 410 km, 550 km and 632 km respectively. As yet no details have been announced about the 4WD configuration but the battery packs are likely to be carried over and it is probable that like in the all-wheel drive Zeekr 001, the permanent magnet motor will simply be duplicated on the front axle. The platform can reportedly accommodate battery packs of up to 140 kWh and so it is possible that the 4WD version will come with a larger pack.

Crucially a big improvement over the existing 2WD version is the increase in payload, which will now be 865 kg up from 430 kg (400 kg in the 100 kWh version). Also up is the towing capacity, increasing from 2.5 to 3 tons. The pickup can power up to 6 kW of electrical items and has 12V 220V and 380V outlets in the truck bed. New to the 4WD version will be the ability to directly charge other EVs.

In 2023 Radar had a 61.5% share of the electric pickup truck market in China. In August the first RD6 pickups were exported most probably to Laos. Geely reports that exports to the South American market began in late 2023 and that it will expand the brand’s overseas expansion in 2023.
Source: Geely, Autohome

 

[The3Amigos]

A rival of the Tesla Model 3 has been launched in China 09:38 - Social Bites

Nio ET5 electric car with a new battery capacity of 150 kWh was introduced in China. In this respect reports carnewschina.com. The power reserve of this version is 1 thousand km. It is stated that previously Nio ET5 only came with a 75 kWh battery. It was also possible to…

socialbites.ca

A rival of the Tesla Model 3 has been launched in China 09:38


ByANIKA
February 8, 2024

Nio ET5 electric car with a new battery capacity of 150 kWh was introduced in China. In this respect reports carnewschina.com. The power reserve of this version is 1 thousand km.
It is stated that previously Nio ET5 only came with a 75 kWh battery. It was also possible to install a 100 kWh battery in the vehicle. The machine will now be available with a 150 kWh semi-solid state battery manufactured by WeLion.
The ET5 sedan with the new battery is considered a competitor to the Tesla Model 3, but the size of the Chinese car is larger: length – 4790 mm (+ 96 mm), width – 1960 mm (+ 110 mm), height – 1499 mm (+ 56 mm). Wheelbase – 2888 mm (+13 mm).
The electric car has narrow LED headlights, a sloping roof, a sculpted hood and red brake calipers. The cabin is equipped with a digital instrument cluster, sports seats and a large multimedia system screen that copies a similar device from Tesla.
happened before knownOwners of Chinese cars in the Russian Federation are faced with a new problem.




Source: Gazeta

 

[The3Amigos]

Want a pig nosed EV camper van?

BAW EV camper van from China with a pig nose has 90 kW electric motor and raisable tent.

carnewschina.com

Want a pig nosed EV camper van?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Mark Andrews

February 8, 2024

While if you were after an EV camper, you would have few options, until now if you wanted one with a pig nose you would have been sorely disappointed. Chinese media have perhaps somewhat unfairly branded this camper van from Beijing Automobile Works as having a pig nose. What do you think?


The appropriately named Freedom Kingdom Vala is sold under the BAW Ruisheng brand. BAW is a Qingdao based subsidiary of BAIC Group. Chinese netizens are naming it the most abstract domestic car of the year after it appeared in the list of new cars declared by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on February 6.


The Freedom Kingdom Vala is based on the Ace M7 a cheap MPV which originally appeared as an ICE in 2022. It has since gained a van version and EV versions of both the van and MPV.



The nose though of the Freedom Kingdom Vala, pig like or not, is very different to the Ace M7 and has a retro feel reminiscent of some European or Japanese vans from the 70s. Certainly it doesn’t really match the rest of the car and also doesn’t look EV like.

Rated as a four seater the vehicle has two passenger seats mounted on rails in the back which allow them to be moved. There are also a couple of storage boxes come tables, one of which seems to have some sort of water dispenser. On the roof is a raisable tent for sleeping.


The wheelbase is 3200 mm and overall length is 5240 mm although much of that must be accounted for by that long snout. Meanwhile width is 1900 mm and height 2075 mm. Power comes from a 90 kW electric motor on the rear axle. There’s no word on the battery but it’s likely the same as the 50.3 kWh one used by the electric version of the MPV.

 

[The3Amigos]

Hundreds of Xiaomi SU7s pile up in front of Beijing factory

Xiaomi SU7 is one step closer to deliveries.

carnewschina.com

Hundreds of Xiaomi SU7s pile up in front of Beijing factory

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Jiri Opletal

February 8, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

Hundreds of Xiaomi SU7 electric sedans were spotted in the parking lot close to its Beijing factory, hinting that mass production has already started. Chinese media previously reported that the new EV will enter SOP (start of production) in February, reach 2,000 monthly output in March, and ramp up to 10,000 units monthly by July.

The EV is contract-manufactured in Beijing by the BAIC Off-road Vehicle Co., which is a subsidiary of Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd (BAIC). Interestingly, BAIC also produces Mercedes-Benz cars in China under the joint venture Beijing-Benz, which was established in 2005 and where BAIC owns 51%.
BAIC is also one of the main Chinese shareholders in Mercedes-Benz itself, holding a 10% stake in the German legacy maker. The other one is Geely, which owns another 10%.

Xiaomi SU7 at the parking lot near its Beijing factory. Credit: 晴棵
The trial production of the SU7 started in December when Xiaomi manufactured 300 pre-production cars for testing purposes. CarNewsChina reported that road and track tests were undergone in China, and Xiaomi recently broke headlines in Chinese media as its test vehicle crashed on a snowy road.

On February 8, Xiaomi released a winter testing video, flexing the sports capabilities of their electric sedan in the extreme cold of -33°C near Heiha City in Nothern, China. Lei Jun, Xiaomi CEO, said during the unveiling conference that Xiaomi wants to be the king of winter range and efficiency, highlighting the benefits of their in-house developed heat pump.

The consumer electronic giant officially unveiled the Xiaomi SU7 on December 28. The performance version is called Max and is AWD with a peak power of 495 kW (664 hp) and 838 Nm torque. That is enough for 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.78 seconds and 265 km/h top speed. The electricity is stored in a ternary (NMC) 101 kWh battery from CATL, good for an 800 km CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range. The EV also features 875 V architecture, so expect some fast charging.

The standard RWD version was also unveiled, featuring a maximum power of 220 kW (295 hp) and 400 Nm of torque. It can sprint 0-100 km/h in 5.28 seconds. The battery has a 73.6 kWh capacity, providing a 668 km range under the CLTC.
The battery can recharge 390 km in 10 minutes, more than the Tesla Model S Plaid. In 5 minutes, SU7 can add 220 km, and in 15 minutes, 510 km, Xiaomi claims.
The SU7 sits on Xiaomi’s Modena platform and is slightly longer than the Porsche Taycan, its main competitor. The dimensions are 4997/1963/1455 mm (L/W/H), with a wheelbase of 3000 mm. The car has a sizeable 105-liter frunk and boot space with 517 liters.

The price of the car is unknown, and some Chinese media reported that the price would be 361,400 yuan (50,350 USD), which Xiaomi briefly denied as incorrect. Previously, Lei Jun said that some fans have unrealistic expectations about the price and to stop trolling with guesses as 99,900 yuan (14,000 USD) or 149,900 yuan (21,000 USD). CarNewsChina expects the price to be around 300,000 yuan (42,000 USD).

 

[The3Amigos]

BYD’s 2024 product planning leaks, Seal S coming in September

BYD is preparing a new model offensive in 2024 with its Ocean series.

carnewschina.com

BYD’s 2024 product planning leaks, Seal S coming in September

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Jiri Opletal

February 8, 2024


3


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

2024 product planning for BYD’s Ocean series leaked in China. It exposed upcoming facelifts of some existing models, such as Seal EV or Song Plus (Seal U), and new models we never heard of before (Seal S, Destroyer 06). It also shows models, which BYD is moving from the Warship series to the Ocean series.

February
In the second half of February, BYD plans to launch the 2024 version of one of its best sellers, the all-electric hatchback BYD Dolphin. The annual update is called Champion Edition, and CarNewsChina reported the car was spotted at the dealer in late January.
In January, BYD Dolphin sold 18,905 units, up 7% from the same month last year.

2024 BYD Dolphin Champion Edition.March
The annual update of the Frigate 07 (previously called Corvette 07) will launch in March. It is a PHEV SUV initially positioned in the Warship series, which is quietly dissolved, and its models are being distributed among the other two BYD series – Ocean and
Dynasty. Frigate 07 launched at the end of 2022 for about 30,000 USD; we haven’t heard much about it since then. BYD Frigate 07 sold 1,575 in January, down about 70% from the last year.
BYD Frigate 07 PHEV SUV.April
BYD Sea Lion 07 will start sales at the Beijing Auto Show in April. That suggests the presales might begin earlier in March. Thanks to homologation fillings, Sea Lion 07 is an all-electric fastback SUV with dimensions (L/W/H) 4830/1925/1620 mm and a wheelbase of 2930 mm.

The top trim level is 4WD with 390 kW peak power (160 kW in front and 230 kW motor in rear). It will rival the Tesla Model Y in China and might also cannibalize other BYD’s BEVs, such as BYD Song L.
The Sea Lion is a new BYD series exclusively focusing on SUVs; the 07 will be its first model, followed by the Sea Lion 05 and 06.
BYD Sea Lion 07.June
In June, BYD will launch the annual facelift of its all-electric sedan Seal EV. The car was previously called just BYD Seal, but we will stick with Seal EV as BYD launched the PHEV variant in 2023 Seal DM-i.
BYD Seal (BEV + PHEV) sold 8,347 units in January, up about 26% from last year. Alongside Atto 3 and Dolphin, BYD Seal EV is one of the leading export articles for BYD.
BYD will also unveil Destroyer 06, aka Sea Star, which we had never heard of before. Judging by the name, it will be a mid-size sedan positioned between Destroyer 05 and BYD Seal DM-i (previously called Destroyer 07).
July
In July, the updated Song Pro, aka Coral, will debut. The Song is BYD’s best-selling series, with 59,514 units sold in January, up about 20% from last year. The Song series comprises various SUVs such as Song Pro, Song Max, and Song Plus. Most of them are PHEVs, and to make it even more confusing, BYD considers some as part of the Ocean series and some as part of the Dynasty series.
August
The second generation of the Song Plus EV will debut. Song Plus EV is branded as Seal U for overseas markets.
BYD launched the annual facelift of this electric SUV in 2023, Champion Edition, and shipped it to Europe, where the car had a public debut at the September IAA Mobility Munich auto show. With the second generation in work, we can expect significant changes.
BYD Song Plus EV Champion Ediiton aka Seal U.September
In September, the BYD Seal S will debut. The Seal was originally an all-electric sedan competing with the Tesla Model 3, but BYD had turned it into a series. Destroyer 07 was rebadged as a PHEV variant of Seal (Seal DM-i), and this week, the new BYD Seal 06 was revealed as a PHEV sedan. There is no more information about this mysterious S variant; we will keep an eye on it.
BYD Seal 06 PHEV sedanOctober
BYD Sea Lion DM-i will be launched as a PHEV variant for the Seal Lion 07 we discussed earlier.
Leaked Ocean series 2024 product planning. Source: SohuOther brands
Aside from the Ocean series, BYD also has a Dynasty series and three sub-brands – Denza, Fang Cheng Bao, and ultra-premium YangWang. BYD plans to release some new vehicles under those brands in 202 to the market.
Yangwang

• YangWang U9 supercar, which can dance
• YangWang U7 sedan with about 1,300 hp

Fang Cheng Bao

• Bao 3 SUV
• Bao 7 SUV

 

[The3Amigos]

Top-Selling car brands in January 2024 in China – VW overtook BYD to become No. 1

Volkswagen ended BYD's 11-month streak as the car sales champion in the Chinese market and became the sales champion this month. Volkswagen ended BYD's 11-month streak as the car sales champion in the Chinese market and became the sales champion this month.

carnewschina.com

Top-Selling car brands in January 2024 in China – VW overtook BYD to become No. 1

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Qian Jin

February 8, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

The Chinese automotive market experienced a notable fluctuation, with new car sales totaling 2.03 million units in January 2024, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 57.4% and a month-on-month decrease of 13.9%.

The decline from December 2023 to January 2024 can be attributed to automakers’ reduced discounting activities, which had been aggressively pursued in the final month of 2023 to meet annual sales targets.
The New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector, encompassing both electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), continued to exhibit stable growth amidst the market’s recovery, contributing to 33.8% of the total vehicle sales in January 2024. EV sales stood at 396,000 units, while PHEV sales reached 291,000 units.

It’s worth noting that January 2023 and February 2024 traditionally mark the Chinese New Year, which results in lower sales due to factory and retail store closures. This seasonal change tends to affect sales figures, making performance in January 2024 stronger than January 2023. As a result, the overall sales volume of the market this month increased by more than 50% year-on-year, and the top 10 sales brands are all growing.
Note: The sales data in this article come from CPCA: CPCA’s statistical basis is the retail sales of passenger cars produced in China. Sales data do not include imported cars and commercial models. Brand sales do not include sub-brands.
Market Dominance and Brand Rankings
Volkswagen took the lead with an impressive sale of 209,476 units in December 2023, achieving a year-on-year growth of 41.5% and claiming a market share of 10.29%. This made it the only brand to exceed a 10% market share for the month, overtaking BYD, which had consistently held the number one spot for eleven consecutive months.

BYD, not far behind, ranked second with sales amounting to 191,122 units, marking a 43.4% increase from the previous year and securing a 9.39% market share.
Toyota followed in third place, with sales reaching 141,689 units, up by 35.1% year-on-year, resulting in a 6.96% market share. Changan and Wuling completed the top five, with sales of 130,408 and 129,638 units, respectively.

BYD’s dominance in the NEV sector remains unchallenged, leading the EV and PHEV markets with significant shares. The brand held a 26% market share in China’s EV market and an even more dominant 34% share in the PHEV category for the month.
Pure Electric Vehicle Market
In the pure electric vehicle segment, BYD continued its leadership with sales of 98,423 units, capturing a 26.18% market share. Tesla, with sales of 39,881 units, ranked second, achieving a 10.61% market share in the EV category.
Top Car Models
The top-selling models in the Chinese market for the month were Changan’s CS75Plus, leading with 40,496 units, followed by Volkswagen’s Lavida with 32,419 units, and BYD’s Song Plus closely behind with 32,267 units sold.

Source: Dongchedi; Yiche

 

[The3Amigos]

Xiaomi SU7 official interior details and winter testing

More details about the Xiaomi SU7 interior plus winter testing video.

carnewschina.com

Xiaomi SU7 official interior details and winter testing

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Mark Andrews

February 8, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?

Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

More official pictures of the interior of the Xiaomi SU7 give a better idea about what to expect and the design inspiration behind the inside. Also just dropped is a new video showing winter testing of the car.

Although price and delivery commencement are still unknown more complete details about the Xiaomi SU7 grow by the day for what must be one of the most anticipated Chinese cars of 2024. Xiaomi CEO, Lei Jun, has promised deliveries will commence in the first half of the year and the car is likely to be one of the stars at the Beijing Auto Show in April. Car News China expects prices to be around the 300,000 yuan (42,000 USD) mark.

Perhaps the biggest surprise about the Xiaomi SU7 is the presence of buttons and not just a minimum of them, all the more surprising seeing as Xiaomi is a tech company. Core design concepts are good-looking, intuitive, and human-vehicle integration and the SU7 has a human-centered inner-arc around the front occupants provided by a technological driving axis and human-machine interaction.


If that sounds too much like marketing speak what does it mean in practice? First off the inner arc wraps around the front occupants ensuring that all functions are in the most convenient and comfortable position. Supposedly the inner arc not only physically expands the space for passengers, making it more comfortable, but also gives passengers a psychological sense of space extension.
The arc goes from door to door through the steering wheel and along the dashboard. Positioning is meant to provide the occupants with the most comfortable static posture for the arms.

With the technological driving axis it means everything is centered through the middle of the three spoked flat-bottomed steering wheel. This line extends up through the digital speed readout on both the instrument panel and the wide-angle head up display.


According to Xiaomi when the driver sits in the SU7 the central axis of the driver coincides with the axis of technological driving, and that both the gaze movement and driving operation conforms to the body’s intuition and habits.

The Xiaomi SU7 adopts a floating dashboard design integrating the HUD, flip instrument panel and air outlets. Supposedly this means the volume of the components is smaller with the saved space being given over to the occupants.
Remember those buttons mentioned earlier? Well on the center console there are four rocker switches plus the Start/Stop button. These control from top: temperature, fan strength, electric rear wing and air suspension. Xiaomi Auto says that it believes that physical buttons are the most natural way for humans to interact with machines, and they are also the medium for establishing the emotional connection between people and vehicles. The rocker switches mean that they can be operated without being looked at with the controls being intuitive. However, the need for button for the electric rear wing seems questionable and even the one for air suspension is likely to only need occasional use.

Those are not the only buttons on the Xiaomi SU7. If you have a need for a feel you can add a whole row of physical switches underneath the touchscreen by a docking unit.
Winter fun
Lei Jun emphasized in the unveiling ceremony that Xiaomi aims to be the king of winter range and efficiency. A common problem with EVs is that range reduces significantly with low temperatures. Part of the solution for the Xiaomi SU7 is the in-house developed heat pump. In the video a couple of SU7 sedans tear up the snow and ice in extreme cold of -33°C near Heihe City in Nothern China during winter testing.

Source: Autohome