EV Brief Podcast #44: Danny Thai, Zecar & Shaun Garrard, Industry Expert

In this EV Brief Hangout, three EV-focused friends sit down at a table and discuss zero emissions transport on World EV Day.

Danny Thai is the founder of zecar.com, a one-stop-shop for electric car news, comparisons, data and clean energy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannythai123/

Shaun Garrard has extensive experience across the automotive and electric vehicle sectors in the Asia Pacific region, including with Tesla Australia and WM Motor in Shanghai.

Timecodes:

00:00 - Introduction

01:25 - What's happening this week in EVs

02:50 - Shaun's background

06:20 - Do western countries see China as a serious automotive player?

08:35 - Wan Gan - the man behind China's EV dominance

13:30 - Talking NIO

18:07 - Battery swapping; will it work in Australia?

22:00 - The cost of charging infrastructure

26:40 - Tackling residential charging issues

29:20 - EV Uptake in Australia

30:15 - Are there benefits from not being first; will it pay off to watch other countries makes the switch to EVs from fossil fuel

30:50 - Carrot + stick - how to drive people into EVs, and what should Australia's national strategy be?

37:20 - Which future products are we looking forward to?

Hyundai and Kia set to bring vehicle smartphone apps to Australian customers this year

Hyundai’s Bluelink app will debut on the Palisade later this year, before being rolled out to electric models. Images: Hyundai Australia

Welcome news this week as both Hyundai and Kia have announced Australian customers will soon have access to smartphone apps with connected car services, allowing owners to connect to their respective vehicles and even remotely set functions for battery electric models. This functionality — or lack thereof —has been a sore point for many Australian buyers investing in the Korean brands’ latest models, with the feature available on Tesla, Volvo and Polestar models.

Hyundai’s Bluelink app will debut alongside the 2023 Palisade in the second half of this year, before “gradually rolling out across the Hyundai model range”. Hyundai Australia hasn’t stated just when (or if) owners of current MY22 IONIQ 5 electric vehicles will be able to use the app with their vehicles.

According to Hyundai, The Hyundai Bluelink app lets users find their car, or search for a destination, parking space, service station or restaurant on their smartphone, and then send the location straight to the in-car navigation system.

In the event of an accident that causes the airbags to deploy, the vehicle will automatically call for help, with emergency assistance also available by pressing the SOS button 24/7, 365 days a year.

Bluelink also brings quick access to important data such as driving information records, as well as letting users keep an eye on key parts of their Hyundai including tyres, brakes, airbags and other safety and security features. Last Mile Navigation lets users continue the in-car route guidance on their smartphone after parking, all the way to their desired destination.

The Bluelink app will give Hyundai drivers access to vehicle controls and more.

EV specific features of Bluelink

EV models take this remote-control functionality even further, allowing users to schedule cabin heating and cooling. Scheduled charging can also be controlled remotely, to capture off-peak electricity rates and manage charging for battery life.

Kia’s app, dubbed Kia Connect, provides customer benefits in safety and security, control, connectivity, and LIVE services by using telematics to transfer real time data such as weather and traffic information, charging station information and more. Kia’s Voice Car Control system featuring Natural Voice Recognition technology allows occupants to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings.

Kia Connect will debut in Australia on the MY23 Niro HEV and EV GT-Line models. Image: Kia Motors

Kia Connect to debut with the 2023 Niro HEV and EV GT-Line

The Kia Connect smartphone app will also allow users to connect with their vehicle remotely. Drivers can sync calendars, plan journeys with online navigation and access onboard features including live traffic alerts and real-time weather forecasts. An End Destination Guidance feature helps customers navigate to their destination on foot once their all-new Niro is parked using Google Maps and augmented reality (AR) technology. Valet Mode enables customers to monitor their vehicle remotely when it is being driven by another user, providing added peace of mind.

Kia Connect will debut on the new Niro HEV and EV in GT-Line trims when the vehicle debuts in Australia next month. Functionality will include:

A screenshot from our first experience with Volvo’s smartphone app

• Remote engine start

• Remote climate control

• Remote door lock/unlock

• Remote seat heating/ventilation control

• Check vehicle status

• Valet Parking mode

• Kia Connect Live Services

• Emergency call (Safety and Security)

• Vehicle Tracking (Safety and Security)

• Stolen Vehicle Ignition Control (Safety and Security)

• Send Destination 2 Car (from Smartphone)

• Local Search

• Voice Control (eg.Temperature/Weather info/Handsfree call)

• Integrate personal calendar and show calendar events

• EV Charging Station locations

Many manufacturers claim advancements in connectivity and voice recognition systems, but we still find that Google is the leader in this field, and Polestar’s full integration of Google’s Android Automotive system is the best in the business. It makes us wonder why OEMs continue to invest in in-house systems.

While Tesla’s app connectivity is still the benchmark in terms of the user interface and experience, offering full remote control of the vehicle’s charging, climate, lights, storage compartments and “summon” driving on some models, other brands are cottoning on pretty quickly. Volvo and Polestar now offer connected smartphone apps, as do BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz in some markets.

Tritium Rings Nasdaq Closing Bell in Honor of Listing

Australian EV charging startup Tritium DCFC Limited began trading on Nasdaq on January 14, 2022, following the close of its business combination with Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation II. On the afternoon of January 27, Company management rang the Closing Bell at Nasdaq MarketSite in New York’s Times Square in honour of its listing on the exchange.

“We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone for Tritium here at Nasdaq,” said Jane Hunter, Tritium’s Chief Executive Officer. “The transport industry is being electrified, which means it is more important than ever for EV owners to have access to rapid, reliable charging infrastructure. We are proud to provide this networked infrastructure to our customers. As a public company, we expect to continue to expand our product suite and global footprint, which has already enabled more than 3.6 million high-power charging sessions across 41 countries—delivering over 55 GWh of energy. I want to thank the Tritium team and Board of Directors, our investors, our partners at DCRN and our transaction advisors for their support and dedication through this process.”

Tritium embodies the Australian technology success story, and emphasises why investment in similar startups is critical. Founded in 2001 by e-mobility pioneers Dr. David Finn, James Kennedy, and Dr. Paul Sernia, the company draws on two decades of power electronics experience in the renewable energy field, and has well and truly established itself as a global leader in the DC fast charging space for EVs.

Tritium will look to have its US manufacturing plant up and running before the end of September, as it seeks to rapidly expand following the on Nasdaq. The company has been affected by global pandemic-related supply issues, and a stateside factory will go a long way to calming investors’ nerves around the continuing global transport delays and semiconductor shortages. Tritium had $US2 million (AUD$2.7 million) sitting in ships off the Port of Long Beach in December, en route from Australia, unable to dock.

Ford Mustang Mach-E police car concept shows future of UK policing

Ford of Britain’s Mustang Mach-E concept. Images: Ford of Britain

Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E has received a makeover for police duties in the UK, wearing the iconic blue and lime checker design of UK police forces. We’ve seen police forces the world over begin the shift to zero-emissions electric vehicles, due to positive environmental, operational and budgetary outcomes. From Tesla Model 3’s in Westport, Connecticut, to Hyundai Kona Electrics in Sydney, Australia, it’s only a matter of time before more and more EVs end up in the hands of first responders.

Ford UK has worked with emergency service vehicle conversion specialists Safeguard SVP, based in Essex. Among the equipment fitted to the concept car are bespoke mounting pods and brackets to ensure suitable locations are found for operational use, with minimal damage to the vehicle. All lighting is LED with very low power consumption to reduce current draw from the vehicle’s 12V power system.

The initial concept is a demonstrator Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD (all-wheel drive). Subject to testing of this model, Ford is planning to offer Extended Range version of its RWD (rear-wheel drive) and AWD versions. The extended battery types would give the police even greater range, and therefore versatility and capability, for police operations.

“The vehicle range is uncompromised as the blue light equipment is being drawn from the vehicle’s 12V battery and not the drive battery,” says Terry Adams, Blue Light Direct Sales Manager, Ford of Britain and Ireland. In future developments we will look to increase this battery capacity to allow for additional equipment to be fitted.”

The Mustang Mach-E is rated at up to 273 miles (440km) WLTP range, depending on model. The GT version is capable of hitting 62 mph (100km/h) in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 111 mph (178 km/h)

The Metropolitan Police Force has already appraised the standard Mustang Mach-E and has now requested a full evaluation of the marked concept. Seven forces have either tested the new vehicle or requested a full evaluation of a specially-built concept car. Also waiting for an opportunity to try the new Mustang Mach-E are the Sussex, Surrey, South Wales, Dyfed Powys, Devon & Cornwall and Police Scotland forces.

Polestar highlights climate impact of the Polestar 2 EV, aims for environmental transparency

The Polestar 2. Images: Polestar

Polestar has just published full details of the carbon footprint of its latest models, in a move to improve transparency around the auto manufacturing process, and drive an industry-wide shift to sustainable mobility.

Tesla leads the automotive world with its Impact Report, published annually to highlight the company’s own sustainable mobility and energy push, and provide data from all aspects of the business including commodities sourcing, materials recycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and company workforce diversity.

 Polestar’s Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) consider a range of factors in a car’s life cycle, from supply to manufacture to recycling, and summarise this climate impact in a single number.  

Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, says: “Carmakers need to take full responsibility. Every week, we see a new announcement that an automaker is changing direction towards electrification. But going electric alone is not enough. Making cars electric is not the end game, it is a starting point. We need to be honest and transparent.”

Polestar wants to go further, and urges the industry to adopt greater transparency to rebuild consumer trust. Events like Volkswagen Group’s “Dieselgate” destroyed consumer trust in the group’s brands, and according to Polestar, recent research proves that only one in four consumers trust car manufacturers to be transparent and to operate in the best interests of society, and that over half of consumers demand more transparency and the ability to compare CO2 footprints between cars. Polestar says the adoption of an industry-wide standard could be the key.

The new LCA has found that the new Polestar 2 variants – Long range Single motor and Standard range Single motor – leave the factory with carbon footprints ranging between 24 and 25 tonnes of CO2e, a number that remains flat during the use phase if the car is charged with green energy. The existing Long range Dual motor’s footprint was previously declared to be 26,2 tonnes of CO2e in 2020. 

“We are working towards net-zero production emissions, but our LCA shows that Polestar 2 is already a climate solution. EV technology provides a car with less than half the carbon impact of an equivalent petrol car if charged with green energy,” says Fredrika Klarén, Head of Sustainability at Polestar. 

While the manufacturing of electric vehicles can result in emissions as high or even higher than internal combustion vehicles, we know that the life cycle emissions of EVs are a small fraction of internal combustion equivalents. The below graph from Polestar, showing the differences in the LCA score from renewable vs. non-renewable energy sources, demonstrate that the clean energy can effectively halve the score of each model.

View the LCA graphs supplied by Polestar below, and view the automaker’s sustainability goals and 2020 review here.

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The LCA figures for the Polestar 2 range, with different energy sources.

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A LCA comparison of the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor.

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A LCA comparison of the Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor.

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A LCA comparison of the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor.

Volta Trucks testing prototype electric truck, announces Trucks as a Service business

It may not be much to look at, but this is a real-world testing prototype of Volta’s Zero commercial vehicle. Named Volta Minus One by the company’s development engineers, this test truck is the forerunner to the production specification Volta Zero 16-tonne truck.

The vehicle’s chassis frame, Proterra-supplied high-voltage battery, axles, motor and transmission are all close to final specification, and this unconventional-looking vehicle will allow Volta to test electro-mechanical components as well as thermal properties of the truck. The flatbed design allows the development team to easily add varying amounts of weight to evaluate carrying capacity.

Volta will be testing the Zero in conjunction with Horiba Mira, a specialised vehicle development and engineering company in the UK. Volta plans to continue testing the Zero across a range of locations and climates from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean, to ensure reliability, durability, and performance meet customer expectations prior to the pilot fleet rollout sometime in 2022.

Volta also published a video highlighting their proposed Truck as a Service (TaaS) business; the decarbonisation of transport fleets will likely require a higher level of initial investment from companies than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks, and Volta aims to capture the emerging electric commercial vehicle market by packaging all upfront vehicle and ongoing running costs into a single fee. The company projects lower total cost of ownership over ICE trucks for fleet managers, and aims to maximise uptime and operational efficiency of fleet vehicles by providing everything from training and EV charging infrastructure, to vehicle repayments, and maintenance.

New South Wales government to add 35 electric buses to its North Shore fleet

A BYD-Gemilang-Nexport electric bus, currently servicing the Inner West of Sydney.

The New South Wales Government has appointed Busways North West as the operator of bus services in Sydney’s North West and select areas of the Lower North Shore, and the company has committed to introducing 35 electric buses to replace diesel buses that have reached the end of their life.

“Busways is an Australian-owned family company which currently runs bus routes, with integrated On Demand services, in Sydney’s West and the Hills District, and will now operate in the North West and Lower North Shore,” Mr Constance said. 

“Busways will introduce 35 electric buses to replace diesel buses that need to be retired, meaning cleaner, quieter and smoother rides for customers. Charging infrastructure will be installed at the Willoughby depot to support the new fleet.” 

Nexport is likely a contender to receive the purchase order. As a growing Australian business, with the company recently announcing a $110 million funding injection from Hong Kong-based financier Tor Investment Management, Nexport plans to partner with Australian technology giant Tritium —which is soon set to list on the NASDAQ exchange— to build EVs in Brisbane and the Australian Capital Territory. Nexport is already building buses using BYD drivetrains and Gemlang/Volgren bodies in New South Wales and Victoria.

We’ve reached out to Transport for New South Wales to get more information on the buses.

A concept of BYD-Nexport’s next electric bus. Image: Nexport

Mercedes-Benz announces electrification plan, EV and battery rollout, end of internal combustion vehicles

Mercedes-Benz has announced an end to its internal combustion-engined product offerings, moving towards a range of electric-only vehicles by 2030. The caveat provided by the company is that zero-emissions vehicles will prevail “where market conditions allow”, presumably giving the automaker a guilt-free emissions pass in markets where charging infrastructure and EV uptake is yet to develop.

Mercedes-Benz will cease the development and release of internal combustion vehicle architectures from 2025, and will launch three electric-only platforms in the same year. According to the company, customers will be able to choose an all-electric alternative for every model in the Mercedes-Benz range, and that “Mercedes-Benz intends to manage this accelerated transformation while sticking to its profitability targets.”

Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG said in a media statement that "The EV shift is picking up speed - especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs. The tipping point is getting closer and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade," "This step marks a profound reallocation of capital. By managing this faster transformation while safeguarding our profitability targets, we will ensure the enduring success of Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to our highly qualified and motivated workforce, I am convinced that we will be successful in this exciting new era."

Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG with the Mercedes-Benz EQ range.

Mercedes-Benz’s Future Product Line-Up

Let’s look at the above image and get a sense of where the brand is heading this decade. We’re already familiar with the upcoming EQS luxo-barge next to Ola Källenius, and pictured to its right is the soon-to-be-revealed EQE sedan. Both vehicles are based on Mercedes-Benz’s Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA) modular platform. Behind them, from left to right, we have the GLB crossover, and the currently on sale EQC and EQA crossovers. In the third row, a mysterious crossover —likely the EQS SUV— sits just ahead of the EQV.

Mercedes-Benz revealed its subbrands including AMG, Maybach and G-Class —made infamous in the 2010s as a symbol of gas-guzzling excess— will go electric. The EQS SUV will be the first vehicle in the lineup to receive the Maybach work-over, as teased in this image below.

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The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Maybach. Image: Mercedes-Benz

All subbrands to go electric. Images: Mercedes-Benz.

Brand new electric platforms from 2025

Three electric-only architectures will be launched in 2025:

• MB.EA will cover all medium to large size passenger cars, establishing a scalable modular system as the electric backbone for the future EV portfolio.

• AMG.EA will be a dedicated performance electric vehicle platform addressing technology and performance oriented Mercedes-AMG customers.

• VAN.EA ushers in a new era for purpose made electric vans and Light Commercial Vehicles, which will contribute to emission free transportation and cities in the future.

Manufacturing and battery cell demands

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The upcoming mercedes-Benz EQB.

Mercedes-Benz plans to install battery cell capacity of more than 200 Gigawatt hours with partners, and sets its sights on eight Gigafactories to support this product rollout. The company will develop new partnerships for R&D and production of battery cells in Europe.

Following Tesla’s lead and in an attempt to reduce the bureaucracy and cost of development for legacy automakers, Mercedes-Benz is reorganizing its powertrain activities to put planning, development, purchasing and production under one roof. The company claims this will deepen the level of vertical integration in manufacturing and development and electric drive technology.

Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation batteries will debut in 2025 and will be highly standardized, and suitable for use across more than 90 percent of all Mercedes-Benz cars and vans according to the automaker. The company intends to focus battery cell and module manufacturing in Europe, keeping the supply chain close to home. It will work with technology partners across Europe such as SilaNano to further increase energy density in batteries through silicon- carbon composite anodes.

Mercedes-Benz is also developing solid-state technology, with an aim to create batteries with even higher energy density and safety. The company is already trialling Citaro buses with solid-state batteries.

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EV Brief’s Take

This is all great news in our view. After a general reluctance to commit to electrification from Germany’s big automakers, Mercedes-Benz is officially going “all in”. Massive investment in capital works, battery gigafactories, and cell R&D, as well as ensuring reduced emissions and CO2 neutrality from the production process will allow the brand to get ahead of strict EU emissions regulations, while ensuring future commercial viability.

Streamlining its business through centralised production, common battery modules and shared platform architecture will not only lead to positive business outcomes and an increased return on investment, but it should also bring with it faster product rollout timeframes, and a greater diversity of product offerings.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz EQS.

[Updated] Xpeng P5 EV lineup and pricing revealed, set to be first production vehicle WITH Lidar-based Navigation Guided Pilot

[Updated 22/7/21] Cnevpost reports that China’s ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has received filings from Xpeng for the entire model range, revealing three versions of the P5 with 460km, 550km and 600km NEDC range, and battery packs of 55.9kWh, 66.2kWh and 71.4kWh, respectively.

The P5 line-up costs from RMB 160,000 ($24,700 USD) to 230,000 ($35,560), with the Chinese EV subsidy included.

Colours available for Xpeng’s P5. Image: Xpeng

Original article:

Xpeng Motors pulled the covers off the P5 mid-size sedan this week just prior to Auto Shanghai, and the Chinese automaker claims its new Lidar-based XPILOT 3.5 architecture is “the strongest autonomous driving system in production cars”. The P5 sits below its P7 in the model range, and features a raft of sensors as the company ramps up plans to compete with Tesla in the race to autonomous vehicle control.

It is well known that Tesla’s CEO Elon musk has derided the use of Lidar in passenger vehicles, stating that it is a “fool’s errand”. Tesla’s is likely to begin rollout out 4D vision technology utilising only 8 cameras within the next few months. Xpeng is a Chinese startup that has gone from strength to strength, and seems to be powering ahead with capital raises and strong Chinese sales numbers.

The company has debuted its most advanced autonomous driving technology on the new P5 sedan, with its Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) claiming to handle highway and city driving. The company’s CEO He Xiaopeng has stated that he believes a full suite of sensors is required to safely navigate urban conditions, and the P5 sedan features 32 perception sensors (including 2 LiDAR units, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 13 high-resolution cameras) and 1 high-precision positioning unit (GNSS + IMU). There is redundancy built into the perception sensors to handle “challenging and complex road conditions”.

The P5’s double-prism LiDAR units are capable to distinguish pedestrians, cyclists and scooters, static obstacles, and road works and according to Xpeng, challenging scenarios such as night and low-light conditions, backlighting, and alternating light and dark illumination in tunnels are also not a problem for the system.

“Each new Xpeng model aims for a new high in technology, and the P5 is our most advanced and technically ambitious model yet” according to He. “Our home-grown technology, distinctive design language and user experience philosophy: all reflect Xpeng’s drive to grow from its Chinese roots to realise its global vision of leading the world’s smart EV market.”

Exterior Design

With a length of 4808mm and wheel base of 2768mm, the P5 is 114mm longer that the Tesla Model 3 (4,694mm), but 107mm shorter in the wheelbase (2,875mm for the Tesla). The P5 has a more ‘upright’ look than the Model 3 or it’s P7 sibling, but we like the bold ‘X’ graphics in the front headlight cluster, and the expansive glass area.

Interior Design

Xpeng promises lots of passenger space inside and claims that the interior can be reconfigured into a private cinema or sleeping compartment (though it’s likely BYO projector and mattress). The P5 features a 15.6in touchscreen in the centre console, with access to many popular apps on the Chinese market, and voice control for almost every function via the Xmart OS 3.0 system. The design is minimalist and fuss-free, and appears to be of a high quality.

Full technical details and range will be revealed in the coming months, but Xpeng insiders have hinted that the vehicle could provide up to 600km (373 miles) of range on the Chinese NEDC cycle.

The Xpeng P5 interior

A variety of popular apps will be available in the P5’s infotainment system.

The P5’ flexible interior allows for a cinema-style seating setup.

Porsche aims to reduce CO2 in manufacturing process; asks component suppliers to green up

Porsche’s Taycan production line is already carbon neutral. Images: Porsche AG

Porsche is asking its automotive component suppliers to switch to renewables, as the company is said to have set a goal of 100% carbon neutrality across its whole production chain within 9 years.

The Zuffenhausen automaker has stated that Suppliers who are unwilling to switch to certified green energy will no longer be considered for contracts in the long term. Porsche’s supply chain is responsible for around 20 percent of the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This percentage is set to rise to around 40 by 2030 due to the increasing electrification of its model range.

Uwe-Karsten Städter, Member of the Executive Board for Procurement at Porsche AG said in a statement "By using only renewable energy sources, our suppliers are following our example in our efforts to reach CO2-neutrality. We plan to have even more intensive talks with our partners in order to drive forward improvements in our sustainability. It is only by working together that we will be able to combat ongoing climate change."

For its part, Porsche has been trying to reduce carbon emissions from its production sites. The automaker will be investing 1 billion euros in decarbonisation measures this decade, and its Zuffenhausen plant has been carbon neutral since 2019. Porsche’s just released Taycan Cross Turismo is the world’s first-ever carbon neutral vehicle according to the company.

Source: Porsche AG

Nexport to bring self-branded last mile electric van to Australia in October 2021

Nexport’s DLX electric van. Via Luke Todd on Linkedin

Australia's importer for BYD vehicles and electric buses Nexport has revealed that it plans to bring an all-electric commercial van to Australia, to be named the Nexport DLX. In a statement via Linkedin, Nexport managing director Luke Todd said that “Mass production in NSW will commence in early 2022. We will soon announce price and specifications....Nexport is creating jobs for Australians wishing to join the clean-tech manufacturing renaissance.”

Nexport DLX revealed on Linkedin

Earlier in the week, Todd also posted on Linkedin, stating “ARRIVED. Introducing the DLX electric logistics truck, the newest addition to the Nexport suite of zero-emission products. Customer test drives to commence in Australia by October 2021. Customer deliveries scheduled for Q1, 2022. No overhyped market build up needed. The DLX just arriEVd and will deliEVr.”

The use of “Arrived” references UK-based EV commercial vehicle startup Arrival, which currently has a similar electric van in development, with production to commence in the third quarter of 2022. Arrival has no plans to bring its vehicles to markets outside North America and Europe at this stage.

Nexport’s vehicles will eventually be manufactured in Australia

This is a very short but welcome timeline from Nexport; Australia’s transport emissions have grown steadily over the last few decades, and account for one-third of our greenhouse gas emissions according to the Climate Council.

Nexport already manufactures buses in Australia, utilising BYD powertrains and bus bodies from Gemilang and Volgren, so it’s possible that they are leveraging existing manufacturing capacity to bring the DLX to market so quickly. Another scenario could be that the company plans to “flat pack” vehicle bodies and drivetrain components, ready for final assembly on Australian shores.

Nexport has plans to eventually establish a passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturing facility in Australia, on a 51 hectare site 90 minutes south-west of Sydney. We have contacted Nexport for more information and will update this post accordingly.

Source: LinkedIn

Daimler, Traton and Volvo jointly invest 500 million euros in heavy vehicle EV charging network

Daimler’s e-Actros battery-electric rigid frame truck. Image: Daimler

Three of Europe’s biggest truck manufacturers - Daimler Trucks, Traton and AB Volvo plan to invest 167 million euro each ($262 million AUD/$198 million USD) in a new joint venture business to develop a Europe-wide charging network for battery electric heavy vehicles.

The notion of electrified heavy vehicles scares many away from even discussing the transition away from polluting trucks; weight, cost, charging and range are all cited as insurmountable obstacles, and there aren’t many manufacturers with production-ready battery-electric models. Even Tesla’s much-lauded Tesla Semi is at least twelve months away.

This joint venture aims to address the issues of range anxiety and charging; according to Martin Daum, chief executive of Daimler Trucks, "The key ingredient in the future rolling-out of electric vehicles will be the infrastructure. It will be the big bottleneck"

The European Car Industry Association (ACEA) wants 50,000 heavy vehicle charge points across Europe by 2030, warning that a dense network of recharging sites in all EU member states is crucial to making road freight carbon neutral by 2050.

All three companies currently have electric trucks in development and are aiming for the joint venture company to be operational by 2022. The company will be headquartered in Amsterdam and lists an initial objective of installing 1,700 charging points within five years.

With time, it’s expected that other manufacturers will join the new joint venture. "In order to accelerate further, we need additional partners, additional networks, and public funds," AB Volvo CEO Martin Lundstedt said. "We will continue to be very fierce competitors. But we need a new platform to compete upon."

The ACEA is also a proponent of hydrogen fuel cell-powered transport and is working to set a target of installing 300 hydrogen refueling stations in the EU by 2025. Daimler, Toyota, Volvo, and Hyunda are among legacy automakers investing in fuel cell technology, and Hyundai is currently operating Xcient hydrogen fuel cell rigid body trucks in Switzerland.

Source: Reuters

Daimler has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Fuso and Freightliner. Image: Daimler

Hyundai's hydrogen-powered XCIENT test fleet surpasses 1 million kilometre milestone

Hyundai’s 2021 XCIENT Fuel Cell truck. Image: Hyundai

Hyundai has been testing hydrogen fuel cell technology for many years across all forms of transport from the Nexo passenger car we recently reviewed, to heavy vehicles. While we believe that battery electric passenger vehicles are superior to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the long term, hydrogen may play an increasingly larger role in transport and logistics.

Hyundai's fleet of XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks has collectively exceeded 1 million kilometres of driving in 11 months of service in Switzerland. During that time, the fleet has reduced CO2 emissions by over an estimated 630 tons when compared to diesel-powered vehicles according to the automaker. The 46 trucks in the fleet have been in the service of 25 Swiss companies in logistics, distribution, and supermarket fulfillment. 

 “Swiss transport and logistics companies are convinced that hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles have the greatest potential among various alternative energy vehicles. The member companies do not stop at simply introducing hydrogen fuel cell trucks. They have high expectations for the hydrogen energy source that holds great potential for the future and believe that hydrogen will be the key for transitioning to eco-friendly energy,” Jörg Ackermann, Chairman of the H2 Mobility Switzerland Association said. “Specifically, the biggest advantage of hydrogen energy is its excellent storability. This suggests that hydrogen will play an important role in the era of eco-friendly energy. Many distribution companies are already experiencing the benefits directly by using the XCIENT fuel cell trucks, and I think that if summer operation is completed successfully, the demand for the XCIENT fuel cell trucks will increase even more."

XCIENT is available in a 4x2 or 6x2 rigid body configurations.

 The XCIENT range was launched in 2019, and the 2021 model features revised styling and performance improvements. The XCIENT is available in a 4x2 or 6x2 rigid body configuration. A total of 140 units of the 2021 model will be shipped to Switzerland by the end of this year, with 1,600 planned by 2025.

 It’s worth noting that the European Parliament has backed low-carbon hydrogen and plans to significantly increase production over the coming decade but at this stage, there is still limited hydrogen production, storage and refueling capability in the EU. Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility (HHM) leases the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to commercial truck operators on a pay-per-use basis which includes the hydrogen supply as well. The benefit for commercial fleet customers is that there is no initial investment.

Hyundai Motor Company has set an annual sales goal of 110,000 fuel cell electric vehicles worldwide by 2025, under its ‘Strategy 2025’ plan. Meanwhile, the wider Hyundai Motor Group plans to ramp up production capacity for hydrogen-powered vehicles to 500,000 units by 2030.

We certainly welcome the decarbonisation of the transportation sector, but would like to see Hyundai developing its battery technology systems to integrate with its rigid body trucks.

Volvo and Google tease next generation connected OS

Volvo’s Concept Recharge. Image: Volvo Car Group

Volvo Car Group was the first car maker to introduce cars with an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS (distinct from Android Auto) with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built-in. We already know the next generation of Volvos will be exclusively fully electric, and the two companies are looking to build on their strategic partnership to provide a world-leading in-car operating system.

Volvo has released this series of concept renderings overnight, outlining the basic functionality and design of the new OS. The automaker is seemingly staying with the portrait-oriented screen, increasing the size over the Polestar 2 and XC40 Recharge while mounting it closer to the driver.

Volvo promises easy-to-see information and responsive interaction. The Polestar 2 is already excellent in this regard, but Volvo claims the new OS results in “a simple user experience that is consistent, clean, easily scannable and takes a minimalistic and contextual approach.”.

“Our teams have spent a lot of time with Google to further develop and improve our user experience for the next generation of Volvo cars,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer. “Especially in terms of safety, serenity and simplicity, we have made great strides thanks to a deeper integration of design and technological development. We are convinced that it will allow us to create even better Volvo cars and set a new industry standard.”

Volvo hasn’t ditched the driver’s instrument display just yet, retaining a compact, digital cluster and adding a head-up display. Numerous manufacturers are now offering an augmented reality (AR) version of this projection technology—which aids drivers by highlighting navigational directions and hazards in real-time in the line of sight—and Volvo is expected to follow suit.

The ability to use a smartphone to lock and unlock the vehicle will become standard, as will on-demand, over-the-air vehicle updates a la Tesla. Volvo has been building up its software development team too, as it works to move key vehicle development in-house. While we don’t have any confirmation around specific next-generation models to feature this technology, we now know from Volvo that the fully electric successor to the XC90 full-size SUV will arrive sometime2022.

Porsche invests in Cellforce Group GmbH in the pursuit of high-performance battery technology

Porsche and joint venture partner Customcells today announced the launch of production for high-performance battery cells at the Weissach Development Centre. The announcement demonstrates Porsche’s continued technological innovation, and its commitment to e-mobility.

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche, Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg. Images: Porsche

“The battery cell is the combustion chamber of the future. As a new Porsche subsidiary, the Cellforce Group will be instrumental in driving forward the research, development, production, and sale of high-performance battery cells,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche. “This joint venture allows us to position ourselves at the forefront of global competition in developing the most powerful battery cell and make it the link between the unmistakable Porsche driving experience and sustainability. This is how we shape the future of the sports car.”

Porsche has been involved in the research of high-performance cells with silicon anodes for a while now; early research in this new battery technology has demonstrated it is possible to significantly boost the power density of cells compared to current batteries. New chemistry reduces the battery’s internal resistance, and it can offer the same energy content with a smaller footprint, and crucially, less weight. Silicon anodes effectively hold many more lithium ions, and they can move more freely than through graphite. An extra benefit is that lower-quality silicon can be used to no detriment, potentially making silicon anode Li-ion batteries cheaper than current graphite anode technology.

This graphic demonstrates how current batteries are charged and discharged. Image: Porsche

Porsche holds an 84 per cent majority stake in the new venture, which will be headquartered in the university town of Tübingen. The town is also a likely contender for a new battery cell factory, due to its proximity to the abovementioned development centre in Weissach and Porsche AG’s Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen headquarters.

The number of employees is expected to grow from the initial workforce of 13 provided jointly by both companies to up to 80 by 2025. The Federal Republic of Germany and the state of Baden-Württemberg are funding the project with around 60 million euros.

Michael Steiner, Boris Palmer, Torge Thönnessen, Winfried Kretschmann and Oliver Blume (f.l.t.r.)

“We founded Customcells with the aim of developing customer-specific battery cells for the most demanding of applications, and this is exactly what we can now realise together with Porsche. The goal for the planned production plant is to reach a minimum annual capacity of 100 MWh. This is equivalent to high-performance batteries for 1,000 vehicles,” explains Torge Thönnessen, CEO of Customcells. “We are not only contributing our expertise in cell technology and production into our partnership with Porsche, but also agility, innovative strength, and individual problem-solving skills,” adds Leopold König, who is also the new company’s CEO.

Source: Porsche

EVGateway to provide software for Revel New York City EV Charging Superhubs

Revel’s first EV charging Superhub is expected to open in Brooklyn by July 2021. Images: Revel

An artists impression of Revel’s first Superhub.

Electric mobility company Revel, which recently announced plans to launch an all-electric rideshare service in New York City has also committed to building a network of EV fast-charging Superhubs across New York City.

The Network will be open to the public, and not limited to Revel’s rideshare drivers. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Partnering with Tritium and EvGateway, the sites will utilize Tritium’s newest modular RTM75 DC chargers, with specialized software provided by EVGateway.

"The EvGateway software can be customized for every client and charging requirement. To help facilitate the expansion of EV infrastructure, EvGateway offers solutions for any charging scenario (commercial, fleet, private, residential, employee, hotel, utility, parking lots, etc.). Revel's mission of advancing electrification closely aligns with EvGateway's philosophy of helping to shape a zero-emissions future," said EvGateway President Reddy Marri.

Revel's rideshare service is launching in Manhattan within the next few months, operating below 42nd Street initially. It will expand to other areas of the borough in 2022. 50 blue Tesla Model Ys will be specially outfitted to provide maximum passenger comfort, as well as safety for both drivers and passengers.

The first DC charging Superhub will be going live by July, and is located at 630 Flushing Avenue Williamsburg, on the site of the former Pfizer Building headquarters. It will consist of 30 stations capable of delivering 100 miles (161 km) of charge to vehicles in about 20 minutes, the company announced earlier this year. The chargers will be open to the public on a 24/7 basis and accessible to owners of any electric vehicle brand.

Source: Newswire

Revel’s rideshare Model Y will be modified to provide maximum passenger comfort.

St Baker Energy Fund to invest $20 million in TrueGreen Mobility ahead of introduction of $35k BYD EA1 and T3

L to R: Trevor St Baker, StBEIF CEO Rodger Whitby, and TrueGreen Mobility CEO Luke Todd. Image: TrueGreen Group

This week, Australia’s e-mobility focused TrueGreen Group announced that the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund (StBEIF) will be injecting $20 million into its business, as the company looks to roll out two BYD electric vehicles in Australia later this year from $35,000.

The BYD T3 commercial van will lead the charge, offering a 50 kWh battery with 300 km (186 mile) range. The compact BYD EA1 — recently unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show — will follow later in 2021, and will offer customers a 500km range .

Luke Todd, TrueGreen Mobility chief executive said there was “pent-up demand” from businesses for electric transport and that TrueGreen Mobility expected to sell thousands of small vans nationally.

Speaking with The Driven, he stated “With our products, electric vehicles have now reached price parity with combustion engines, so a switch to EVs makes perfect economic, commercial, environmental and moral sense.”

Rodger Whitby, CEO of the StBEIF, said the $20 million financial injection was a “relatively small token of collaboration” and that the fund would spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars expanding Evie Networks’ public charging sites according to the Australian Financial Review.

A little history. If you don’t know the name Trevor St Baker, you probably should. An expert in electricity utility planning in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, he ultimately went on to found a number of private power development companies, with investment in Australia, South East Asia, and the United States.

Mr. St Baker is pro-nuclear and coal power, and has publically criticised the idea that renewables can provide baseload power while advocating for coal power stations to delay their closure.

Nexport’s $35,000 BYD T3 van. Image: Nexport Australia

In 2013, he formed the StBEIF, of which the primary purpose was to invest in energy start-up businesses, and that’s where Tritium — an EV charging hardware company you may have heard of — comes in.

The StBEIF is focused on investing in electric vehicles, despite its history in the oil and gas sectors. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Mr. St Baker said “People are marching in the street for decarbonising and net-zero emissions and they’re really serious about it,” he said. “Decarbonising and electrifying the transport sector is an absolutely essential part of that.”

Trevor St Baker, Luke Todd, and Rodger Whitby with a BYD T3 electric van. Image: TrueGreen Group

The StBEIF’s $40 million ($31.051 million USD) investment in Tritium paid off, with the Australian-based company set to list on the NASDAQ through special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Decarbonisation Plus Acquisition Corporation II, itself owned by asset management firm Riverstone Holdings. The enterprise value is expected to be $2.2 billion ($1.708 billion USD).

The StBEIF will also assume a seat on the board of TrueGreen Group. The fund also backs Australian high-speed EV charging company Evie Networks.

Zero interest loans for electric vehicles in Australian first: 2 years free registration and $15,000 interest free loans

From today, May 24 2021, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) became the first jurisdiction in Australia to incentivise EV uptake, by offering a raft of measures it hopes will reduce the territory’s emissions, and provide great zero-emission vehicle choice to its residents.

Already offering zero stamp duty for zero-emissions vehicles, the Labor-Greens government has added two years free registration (a saving of $317-573 per year depending on vehicle weight) and the ability to access an interest-free loan of up to $15,000 to assist with the purchase of an EV.

The ACT’s nation-leading incentives show a firm commitment to address emissions within the territory, and is part of a broader plan to support clean energy job-creation, decarbonise public transport, and roll out a fast-charging network. More information can be found on the ACT Government’s website.

Under the ACT government’s new incentives, MG’s ZS EV could cost around $28,990 with the $15,000 interest free loan applied. Image: MG Motor Australia

Policy certainty is key to receiving investment from overseas manufacturers in Australia, and increasing consumer choice in the marketplace. “We already adopted a zero-emissions vehicle action plan in 2018, and it was first and foremost about transitioning our own government fleet.” according to Shane Rattenbury MLA, Attorney-General and Minister for Water, Energy, and Emissions Reduction, who spoke with us on a recent podcast. “We wanted to help create a more stable market so that the car companies would start bringing vehicles to Australia. We now want to move into encouraging more private uptake.”

The ACT should also be commended for recognising that cost is a huge barrier to entry into a zero-emissions vehicle for many Australians, and that by electrifying government fleets, they are creating a secondhand EV market in three or four years time.

The ACT government has also committed to electrifying their entire bus fleet, and has recently acquired 20 hydrogen fuel cell Hyundai Nexo vehicles — the first hydrogen vehicles to be registered in Australia — which it will lease from the Korean manufacturer.

You can view our full interview with Shana Rattenbury MLA below.

Chinese automaker NIO plans NeoPark, an EV Industry Park in Hefei with $7.7 billion US initial investment

A concept rendering of NeoPark in Hefei, Anhui. Image: NIO

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Hefei lies about 5 hours drive from Shanghai. Image: Google Maps

NIO’s founder, chairman and CEO William Li announced plans this week for a new smart electric vehicle industry park in conjunction with the Hefei municipal government at Xinquao, Hefei, Anhui province, about 5 hours west of Shanghai.

In a ceremony with Chinese government officials, NIO announced that it will be the first major manufacturer to be based within this world-class EV industry cluster, designed as a mega campus to house everything the EV manufacturing industry needs. The automaker has also committed 50 billion RMB ($7.7 billion US) to the initial stages of planning and construction.

NeoPark will be a hub for research and development, design, autonomy as well as parts and components manufacturing, and the concept allows for hundreds of key supporting enterprises to be able to function as an industry cluster within the park.

Excited to be a part of the NeoPark with 11.3 square km, over 10,000 R&D personnel, 40,000 technical workers and an annual production capacity of 1 million vehicles & 100 GWh battery. NeoPark is expected to realize a gross yearly output of RMB 500 billion https://t.co/917IdE3Kcw pic.twitter.com/x2vwfQxbhW

— NIO (@NIOGlobal) April 29, 2021

At 16,950 acres (over 11 square kilometers), the campus of NeoPark will contain manufacturing areas, research and development areas, living space, and an eco-park. It’s estimated that over 50,000 workers will be able to live/stay on campus at any one time, and Hefei plans to support the industry by providing policy support and funding, which, in turn, should attract more EV chain businesses and talent.

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A NIO showroom within NeoPark rendered for the presentation.

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NeoPark is launch before Chinese media.

Hefei will increase its support for the smart electric vehicle industry through funding, favourable policy and construction. NIO will be heavily involved in the long-term development planning of the park, and will introduce more EV chain businesses through establishing an R&D, corporate and manufacturing presence there.

NeoPark claims green credentials too, though the media event didn’t highlight any specifics at this stage.

NeoPark has the potential to realise an annual production capacity of 1 million vehicles and 100 GWh of battery storage according to NIO, and the campus gross yearly output could reach RMB 500 billion ($77.23 billion US).

Nio executives at the launch of NeoPark.

Source: CNEVPOST, NIO

Auto Shanghai 2021: The coolest new models, concepts and more! All the EV news from the show [updated]

After years of declining patronage at international auto shows, it’s nice to see Auto Shanghai 2021 bustling with concept cars, consumers and of course electric vehicles. We’re putting together a full run down of all new and concept electric vehicles that Auto Shanghai 2021 has to offer; check back here as this page is updated!

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Audi A6 e-tron concept

Chinese buyers love large, luxurious sedans, so what better venue for Audi to unveil its A6 e-tron concept? With similar dimensions to the current A6/A7 models, the e-tron concept is based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) modular architecture that also underpins Porsche’s Taycan and the e-tron GT. Set for a 2023 release, the A6 e-tron concept signals a new design direction for Ingolstadt, with complex, angular surfaces out, and an aerodynamic shape with seamless concave and convex surfaces in. It features a drag coefficient of 0.22cd, and Audi claims up to 100 kWh of battery cells, up to 700 km (434 miles) range and 270 kW peak charging speed thanks to its 800V system architecture.

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Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

The new Audi Q4 range is incredibly important for the brand from Ingolstadt in the Chinese context; sales in China were up 5.4 percent in 2020 to 727,358 units (up from 690,083 in 2019), and globally, SUVs account for 66 percent of the brand’s sales. With two body styles, two battery sizes — 52 kWh and 77 kWh — and DC fast charging up to 125 kW, the Q4 is Volkswagen Group’s premium offering on the MEB platform, sitting alongside the cheaper VW ID.4. The Q4 range will be the first Audi model to roll out of SAIC-VW’s joint venture (JV) manufacturing facility in Shanghai, and pricing is expected to start around RMB 420,000 ($64,640 USD).

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Baojun KiWi EV

Based on the Baojun E300 from the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, this microcar is the product of a further corporate tie-up with DJI. The drone company appears to be keen to utilise its expertise to develop hardware, sensors and autonomous software for electric vehicles, following years of development. It’s just a concept for now, but we fully expect SAIC-GM-Wuling to leverage DJI’s technology for future BEVs.

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BMW i4 M-Sport

Though we still don’t have the full specifications for BMW’s upcoming i4 sport sedan, the company is teasing us with this M-Sport variant that wears tougher looking front and rear bumpers complete with carbon fibre trim. We’re not sold on this look — especially next to some of the fantastic design coming out of Ingolstadt Germany and Namyang South Korea — but we are sold on the 0-62 mph (0-100km/h) time of 4 seconds, 80 kWh battery with 300 miles (482 kilometres) range and the fact this is a sport sedan rather than a hulking SUV. The i4 range is expected to go on sale worldwide in the second half of 2021.

See more of our BMW i4 coverage and full image gallery here

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BMW iX

Speaking of hulking SUVs, here’s BMW’s iX. We understand the importance of this car given the success of BMW’s X5 and X7 models, so it’s great to see BMW emphasising the importance of zero emissions drivetrains. The iX will come in xDrive50 and xDrive40 variants, with 370 kW (503 PS) and 240 kW (326 PS) respectively. The iX range will offer up to 249 miles (400 kilometres) of range, and debut BMW’s new technology toolkit, with enhanced connectivity, digital services, and a new generation i-Drive system. Chinese consumers will find Tencent applications built into the BMW iX, as well as a native WeChat functionality. Read more of our iX coverage here.

BYD’s EA1 Hatchback

BYD EA1

BYD’s newest small car debuted at Auto Shanghai, and signals the future direction of the brand’s compact-class city models. Designed by BYD’s Global Design Director Wolfgang Egger, It features some pleasing design details that mimic VW’s ID.3, while retaining a unique Chinese personality. Based upon the company’s e-Platform 3.0, the EA1 won’t be short of cutting-edge technology, with BYD’s signature blade battery and 800 volt architecture available across the model range. BYD plans a ‘hot’ variant, and in exciting news for Australia, BYD and Australian importer Nexport plan to bring the EA1 down under in late 2021.

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Cadillac Lyriq (General Motors)

GM has gone all in on battery electric vehicles, and the luxury brand Cadillac has debuted its full-size electric SUV based on the new Ultium platform. This modular design allows for efficient packaging of electronics, batteries and thermal management, and includes new technologies like a wireless battery management system. There are familiar Cadillac styling cues, with the vertical, slim-line headlights and angular design. The Lyric features a full-length glass roof, 23 inch wheels, and a 33 inch (yes, 33) in car LED display. Cadillac will also debut an in-car active noise cancelling system, aiming to reduce wind noise and tyre hum for passengers. Cadillac has stated that Chinese buyers will be able to order the Lyric in late 2021, for deliveries commencing early next year.

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Image: Ford China

Ford Evos

Ford has debuted the EVOS at Auto Shanghai, the first model from the blue oval under a new China 2.0 plan and “Progressive Energy in Strength” design philosophy. According to Ford, the company is focused on “electrification and intelligence, customer-centered products and services and upgraded customer experience”. The EVOS features a 1.1m-wide horizontal screen, a virtual personal assistant (similar to NIO’s Nomi) and is based on the all-new Fully Networked Vehicle E/E architecture, which supports dynamic over-the-air software updates. The Ford EVOS will be built by Changan Ford, sold and serviced through the Ford NDSD distribution network across China.

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Image: Ford China

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford is bringing the Mustang Mach-E to China, and the first domestically built variant — the Mustang Mach-E GT First Edition — is now available to pre-order. Prices will range from RMB 265,000-379,900 ($40,820-$58,520 USD). Ford says owners will have access to over 160,000 fast chargers in more than 340 cities across the country through an exclusive app, as well as access to NIO’s nationwide fast charging network. The Mustang Mach-E GT first edition will be powered by two electric motors making 358 kW (486 PS) and 860 Nm (634 pound-feet) torque. A less expensive entry model will eventually be introduced, but all Mustang Mach-E’s in China will receive the GT front fascia.

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The Genesis Electrified G80. Image: Genesis

Genesis Electrified G80

Genesis’s design language has evolved into something quite striking; it’s not pretty but it is elegant, and has loads of presence. Sort of like a futuristic tech-heavy Bentley to our mind. Utilising Hyundai Motor Corporation’s BEV experience and expertise, the Electrified G80 comes with dual motor all-wheel-drive as standard, and 350 kW rapid charging with 427 kilometres WLTP range. Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, 400 - 800 volt electricals are standard, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) is available for customers. Genesis quotes a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds for the luxe sedan. Expect more details and a North American launch later in 2021.

Hyundai’s Giugiaro inspired Ioniq 5

Hyundai Ioniq 5

We love the look of this car. It’s 8-bit retro-futurism personified, with the Giorgetto Giugiaro inspired headlights and roofline, to the ‘parametric pixel’ design language. Available with 52 kWh and 72 kWh batteries in rear and all wheel drive, Chinese buyers looking for something different should appreciate the road presence of the Ioniq 5 (it’s bigger than a Tesla Model 3) as well as the interior comfort. Thanks to the company’s new E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 5 is able to push the wheels to the corners of the car, and stretch the wheelbase to 3 metres. We were hands on with the Ioniq 5 last week, and can tell you that that wheelbase provides for an incredibly spacious and relaxing interior.

The Mercedes Benz EQB. Image: Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz EQB

The Mercedes Benz battery electric vehicle onslaught is here, with the EQB following the recent EQS and EQA launches. Mercedes would like to you think this EQB is based on its all-new Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA), it’s actually based on the combustion engined GLB, and it shows. Thankfully, it’s dorky looks should mean plenty of interior space, with seven seats available. Battery capacity is up to 66.5 kWh with 100 kW rapid charging, and there are front and all wheel drive options available in Europe and China. Expect the US and Australia to get all wheel drive only variants.

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NIO’s ET7 sedan. Image: NIO

NIO ET7

We really hope NIO brings the ET7 to markets outside China. This rather good looking sports sedan will offer battery sizes of 70, 100 and 150 kWh, dual motor all wheel drive, and a system output of 480 kW (652 PS) and 850 Nm (626 lb ft). NIO has commenced body-in-white production this month, and hopes to have customer ready ET7s landing in Q1 2022. As the first sedan in NIO’s line up, the ET7 is an important car, and is expected to compete with Tesla’s refreshed Model S, as well as offerings from BYD, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. the ET7s party piece is its Aquila Super Sensing system with over 33 high-performance sensing units including one ultralong-range high-resolution LiDAR.

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Image: Great Wall Motors

ORA Lightning Cat (Great Wall Motors)

ORA is Great Wall Motors’ all-electric brand, and the Lightning Cat is a kooky-but-fun visual mashup of a VW beetle, Porsche 911 and Panamera and Tesla Model 3. With dual motors and all wheel drive, the Lightning Cat can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds according to Great Wall Motors. Oval headlights, two-tone paint and a glasshouse that resemble the Porsche Panamera’s somehow work, and the interior at least looks quite upscale, with a sporty three spoke steering wheel, retro instruments, a suspended centre control area with additional touchscreen, and orange sports seats.

The Seres SF5. Image: Huawei

Seres SF5

Seres’s entry into the BEV market comes in the form of a jointly-developed SUV with tech giant Huawei. The SF5 dual motor variant features 405kW and 820Nm, as well as a 1.5 litre four cylinder engine which acts as a range extender. According to Chinese market information, the SF5 has an electric-only range of 150 kilometres, but the small battery helps keep the cost of the vehicle down; RMB 216,800 in China ($33,370 USD). As you would expect, seamless integration with Huawei’s smart phones is available through the in car entertainment system, and the SF5 features adaptive cruise control and active steering assistance technology as part of its Level 2 autonomous driving system.

Image: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota BZ4X

Toyota has finally been dragged into the BEV sphere, announcing the BZ4X SUV as part of a full-scale electrified model roll-out by 2025. The BZ4X is based on the e-TNGA platform co-developed with Subaru, and features Subaru’s all-wheel drive system. Not a huge amount is known about the drivetrain under this model as it is still officially a concept, but the BZ4X is expected to be built in Japan for western markets, and at the Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co factory for the Chinese domestic market. Expect a launch date sometime in 2022.

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Volkswagen’s China-only ID.6 X and ID.6 Crozz. Image: Volkswagen

Volkswagen ID.6 X, ID.6 Crozz

The ID.6 range is the first all-electric model designed for a specific market, with popular Chinese apps and the ability to check local air quality levels in the infotainment system. Based on the EV-only MEB platform architecture, this 4,876mm long (192 inches) SUV is longer and wider than the US-only Atlas model. 58 and 77 kWh versions will be available, with 430 km (270 miles) and 580 km (365 miles) NEDC range. Rear and all-wheel-drive versions will be available, but pricing isn’t expected to be finalised until later this year. VW’s rivals in this segment include the NIO ES8, Li Xiang One, and Geely’s Xingyue L.

Xpeng’s new P5 sedan. Image: Xpeng

Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV Convertible (SAIC-GM-Wuling)

Errr… What is this? I hear you ask. Bear with us; this is the coolest little convertible going into production at Auto Shanghai. Based on the Hong Guang Mini EV, The Convertible is a chic city car with 120 km (75 miles) of range from a 9.3 kWh battery, or 170 km (106 miles) of range from a 13.9 kWh battery. Top speed is low — as you would expect — peaking at 100 km/h (62 mph). However it seats four, and is guaranteed to be easy to park at 2,917 mm long. The Convertible should be a good seller for Wuling; the hardtop version sold over 40,000 units in March, to be China’s best selling EV. Keep an eye out for it later in the year.

Xpeng P5

We’ve previously covered the Xpeng P5 launch extensively, and as the Chinese NEV luxury sedan market heats up, the P5 will prove to be an important car for the new automaker. Xpeng will likely beat NIO to market with the first production vehicle to feature a LiDAR-based autonomous driving system, and according to the company, the system works in challenging scenarios such as night and low-light conditions, backlighting, and alternating light and dark illumination in tunnels. The P5 should have a range of around 600km (373 miles) on the Chinese NEDC cycle, and full technical details are expected in the coming months, ahead of a late-2021 launch.

Image: Zhijiang Geely Holding Group

Zeekr 001

In a sea of electric SUVs, it’s hard not to get giddy at the sight of something a bit different. Geely’s new Zeekr brand debuts the production version of the Lynk & Co Zero Concept we saw last year. It’s a big, bold shooting-brake-meets-Panamera wagon based on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), and we love it. With 400 kW (543 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb ft), the Zeekr 001 should hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds. It’s set for release later in 2021, and let’s hope it makes it outside China.