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As promised, XPeng Motors has pulled the sheet off its fifth EV model – an “ultra smart coupe SUV” called the G6. The G6 arrives as XPeng’s first production model to sit atop its next-generation SEPA 2.0 platform architecture, enabling it to offer many new design and performance features, including a huge range increase. Have a look.

While we admire XPeng Motor’s fifth production EV this morning, it’s worth recognizing how the Chinese automaker has evolved during its relatively short life in the segment. XPeng’s EV lineup actually began with an SUV called the G3 in 2018, followed by the P7 sedan a year later.

Next came the P5, which we were able to test-drive with the P7 in Europe as part of XPeng’s expansion into new markets. After the debut of XPeng’s next model – another SUV called the G9 – the original P7 saw a refresh into the P7i. Both those models have the capability to eventually operate XPeng’s top-tier ADAS called XNGP but are still somewhat limited by the automaker’s Silicon Carbide (SiC) “Edward” EV platform.

That will change with the G6 coupe SUV, however, as it is powered by XPeng’s new modular SEPA 2.0 architecture, which also made its public debut this week. XPeng Motors states that SEPA 2.0 will enable its future models to deliver the latest smart driving, intelligent cabin, super fast charging, and superior performance. That begins today in China with the XPeng G6.

XPeng’s G6 promises superior technology, sets new standards

According to XPeng Motors, the new G6 not only represents its next chapter of EV innovation atop the SEPA 2.0 architecture but also several firsts for the automaker and even the industry as a whole. The team states that the new coupe SUV arrives as China’s only mass-produced, die-casted front and rear integrated aluminum body, including cell-integrated body (CIB) technology that optimizes cabin design with added vertical space and increased battery safety.

Its design team aspired to create a “dream car for the younger generation” by combining striking exterior design with “tech-fluid aesthetics,” all with large amounts of interior space and amenities. Combined with SEPA 2.0 and the advanced ADAS capabilities of XNGP, XPeng looks to set new standards in the Chinese mid-size electric SUV segment with the G6. Per its chair and CEO, He Xiaopeng:

G6 is born intelligent, conceived through XPENG’s technological ingenuity and relentless innovation to continuously set new industry standards in the era of smartification. We aspire to redefine the mobility experience of a broad customer base with streamlined configurations, outstanding performance, a unified immersive product experience and efficient development iterations.

Much of the specs shared today were the same mentioned by XPeng during the SEPA 2.0 presentation a couple of days ago, but the automaker did share a few impressive numbers Chinese customers can expect to see in the G6 when it arrives.

The coupe SUV’s 800V Silicon Carbide (SiC) platform combined with 3C battery technology can deliver up to 755 km (469 miles) of electric range – a 71 km increase compared to the longest-driving models on XPeng’s previous platform. The automaker also shared that the G6 will be able to gather 300 km (186 miles) of range after just 10 minutes on DC fast chargers, particularly XPeng’s S4 superchargers in China.

XPeng Motors says the G6 will be sold in China first, and its model name is only for that market. (Pontiac may not be around to sue, but GM still is.) Still, we found it interesting that the coupe SUV was designed to meet the highest safety standards in two other markets outside of China – Europe and North America.

Europe makes sense as the automaker is already selling EVs in several countries now, but XPeng has never given any inclination of intent to enter the US market. That’s likely still the case, but it’s still interesting that it wouldn’t specifically mention safety certifications in a market it has never driven in.

As for other pertinent details, like how the G6 trims will break down and what sort of pricing Chinese consumers can expect, well, that will come later. For now, check out the full reveal video of the XPeng G6 coupe SUV below:

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U.S. crude oil falls below $60 a barrel to lowest since 2021 on tariff-fueled recession fears

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U.S. crude oil falls below  a barrel to lowest since 2021 on tariff-fueled recession fears

A view shows disused oil pump jacks at the Airankol oil field operated by Caspiy Neft in the Atyrau Region, Kazakhstan April 2, 2025. 

Pavel Mikheyev | Reuters

U.S. oil prices dropped below $60 a barrel on Sunday on fears President Donald Trump’s global tariffs would push the U.S., and maybe the world, into a recession.

Futures tied to U.S. West Texas intermediate crude fell more than 3% to $59.74 on Sunday night. The move comes after back-to-back 6% declines last week. WTI is now at the lowest since April 2021.

Worries are mounting that tariffs could lead to higher prices for businesses, which could lead to a slowdown in economic activity that would ultimately hurt demand for oil.

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Oil futures, 5 years

The tariffs, which are set to take effect this week, “would likely push the U.S. and possibly global economy into recession this year,” according to JPMorgan. The firm on Thursday raised its odds of a recession this year to 60% following the tariff rollout, up from 40%.

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What EV sales slump? Illinois’ EV sales outpace the nation by 4:1

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What EV sales slump? Illinois' EV sales outpace the nation by 4:1

Fueled by incentives from the Illinois EPA and the state’s largest utility company, new EV registrations nearly quadrupled the 12% first-quarter increase in EV registrations nationally – and there are no signs the state is slowing down.

Despite the dramatic slowdown of Tesla’s US deliveries, sales of electric vehicles overall have perked up in recent months, with Illinois’ EV adoption rate well above the Q1 uptick nationally. Crain’s Chicago Business reports that the number of new EVs registered across the state totaled 9,821 January through March, compared with “just” 6,535 EVs registered in the state during the same period in 2024.

Those numbers represent more than 50% growth in EV registrations – far beyond the expected 12% first-quarter increase nationally being projected by Cox Automotive. (!)

What’s going on in Illinois?

File:Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker (33167937268).jpg
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker at the Chicago Auto Show; by Ray Cunningham.

While President Trump and Elmo were running for re-election, they campaigned on the threat promise of canceling the $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs. Along with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois’ Governor JB Pritzker made countermoves – launching a $4,000 rebate for new electric cars and up to $1,500 for the purchase of a new electric motorcycle.

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At the same time, the state’s largest utility, ComEd, launched a $90 million EV incentive program featuring a new Point of Purchase initiative to deliver instant discounts to qualifying business and public sector customers who make the switch to electric vehicles. That program has driven a surge in Class 3-6 medium duty commercial EVs, which are eligible fro $20-30,000 in utility rebates on top of federal tax credits and other incentives (Class 1-2 EVs are eligible for up to $7,500).

We covered the launch of those incentives when the program was announced at Chicago Drives Electric last year, but the message here is simple: incentives work.

SOURCES: Chicago Business, Ray Cunningham; featured image by the author.

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XCMG launches XE215EV battery swap electric excavator ahead of bauma

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XCMG launches XE215EV battery swap electric excavator ahead of bauma

The electric construction equipment experts at XCMG just released a new, 25 ton electric crawler excavator ahead of bauma 2025 – and they have their eye on the global urban construction, mine operations, and logistical material handling markets.

Powered by a high-capacity 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery capable of delivering up to 8 hours of continuous operation, the XE215EV electric excavator promises uninterrupted operation at a lower cost of ownership and with even less downtime than its diesel counterparts.

XCMG is delivering on part of that reduced downtime promise with the lower maintenance and easier repair needs of electric equipment, and delivering on the rest of it with lickety-quick DC fast charging that can recharge the machine’s massive battery in 1.5-2 hours … but that’s not the slick bit. The XCMG XE125EV can be powered up without leaving the job site thanks to its BYD battery swap technology.

We first covered XCMG and its battery swap technology back in January, and covered similar battery-swap tech being developed by MOOG Construction offshoot ZQUIP, as well – but while XCMG’s battery tech has been in production for several years, it’s still not widely known about in the West (even within the industry).

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XCMG showed off its latest electric equipment at the December 2024 bauma China, including an updated version of its of its 85-ton autonomous electric mining truck that features a fully cab-less design – meaning there isn’t even a place for an operator to sit, let alone operate. And that’s too bad, because what operator wouldn’t want to experience an electric truck putting down 1070 hp more than 16,000 lb-ft of torque!?

Easy in, easy out

XCMG battery swap crane; via Etrucks New Zealand.

The best part? All of the company’s heavy equipment assets – from excavators to terminal tractors to dump trucks and wheel loaders – all use the same 400 kWh BYD battery packs, Milwaukee tool style. That means an equipment fleet can utilize x number of vehicles with a fraction of the total battery capacity and material needs of other asset brands. That’s not just a smart use of limited materials, it’s a smarter use of energy.

You can check out all the XE215EV’s specs at this tear sheet, and get an in-person look at the Chinese company’s latest electric excavator this week in Munich, Germany.

SOURCE | IMAGES: XCMG.

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