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Battery swap startup Ample publicly unveiled its second-generation station design in San Francisco today. This next chapter in US battery swaps is the culmination of thousands of previous swaps performed by Ample, which has now cut its processes down to a mere five minutes.

Ample is a California-based startup that has tasked itself with helping get 1 billion electric vehicles on roads around to world. To assist in this, Ample has developed modular battery swap stations that not only alleviate some grid dependency but can get EVs back on roads more quickly. Per its website:

Ample’s mission is to accelerate the transition to electric mobility by offering an energy delivery solution that is as fast, as convenient, and as cheap as gas while being powered by 100% renewable energy. We are a team of technologists, designers, and environmental enthusiasts who believe that this problem is among one of the most critical challenges of our time.

Others believe in Ample’s technology as well. To date the startup has raised over $290 million in funding to support its development, including $31 million in Series A funding from Shell back in 2018.

In March of 2021, Ample began deploying its first generation of autonomous battery swapping stations around San Francisco. Today, the startup has shown The Golden City what it can expect to see in its next generation of swap stations – designed to be installed more quickly and function even more efficiently.

  • Ample battery swap

Ample’s battery swap station supports a variety of EVs

Leveraging its experience working with rideshare companies like Uber and last-mile delivery startup Sally, Ample has been able to not only test its modular battery swap technology but also gather plenty of data to address client needs.

The startup states that electric last-mile fleet vehicles, in particular, can spend upward of 10-12 hours of a work week sitting at a charging station. For passenger EV drivers in crowded cities like San Francisco, Ample says it has recognized that there is a lack of reliable EV charging, especially for those who don’t have access to garages to replenish overnight.

Ample’s solution is its second-generation swap station, designed the support all of the EV types mentioned above, with the goal of converting more drivers to electric by offering a lateral “refueling” solution on par with a trip to the gas station. Per Ample:

Approaching the Ample station, the car is recognized by the station and its door is automatically raised. Once perfectly parked inside, the driver initiates the swap from the Ample app on her phone. Five minutes later, the driver is back on the road resuming her work day. While it may sound simple, the next generation of our EV battery swapping system is a major feat that took years of R&D, thousands of swaps and more than a million electric miles driven behind the scenes to make it possible.  

Ample’s modular battery technology not only expands swap capabilities beyond passenger EVs to last-mile delivery vehicles, but its latest swap station cuts its entire process down from ten to five minutes.

Additionally, Ample states that its new stations are even easier to implement and can be installed and operational in three days. The station is delivered as a few pre-built sections that are erected on site, all without the need for any digging – just like Ample’s first-generation design. The stations can also be stacked side-by-side so that multiple EVs can receive swaps simultaneously.

Ample relayed that its new generation of stations have been “battle-tested” to endure extreme temperatures and weather conditions, allowing the startup to deploy its technology in more inclement cities around the US.

We hope to check out its second-generation station up close soon. In the meantime, here’s a video of Ample’s original swap station design.

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New Tesla Model Y vs Old Model Y – which do you prefer?

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New Tesla Model Y vs Old Model Y - which do you prefer?

Now that the new Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh has been fully unveiled and we know all the details, which one do you prefer: the new one or the old Model Y?

We are curious to get your opinion on the new Model Y design. Opinions appear divided as some see the update with the lightbars as played out, while others appreciate the more aggressive look.

What do you think?

Here are comparison images of the new and old Model Y:

Here are also the updated specs and features, but these are objectively almost entirely positive other than the lack of gear shift stalk, maybe, so the poll is obviously more about the design changes:

Feature Model Y New Model Y
Starting Price After Est. Savings $31,490 Available Now $46,490 Available Starting March
Trims Long Range RWD Long Range AWD Performance AWD Launch Series Long Range AWD
Range 277-337 miles (EPA est.) 303-320 miles (est.)
Seating First row: power recline and heated Second row: manual fold and heated First row: power recline, heated and ventilated Second row: power two-way folding and heated
Displays 15.4″ front-row touchscreen 15.4″ front-row touchscreen 8″ second-row touchscreen
Ride Comfort First-generation suspension First-generation noise reduction hardware Second-generation suspension Second-generation noise reduction hardware
Cameras 7 exterior cameras 8 exterior cameras (includes a new front-facing camera)
Audio Long Range RWD: 7 speakers Long Range AWD: 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer Performance AWD: 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer Launch Series Long Range AWD: 15 speakers, 1 subwoofer
Connectivity First-generation hardware Second-generation hardware
Trunk Power open Hands-free power open on approach
Interior Footwell and door pocket ambient lighting Wooden detailing with black interior Footwell and door pocket ambient lighting Wrap-around ambient lighting Aluminum detailing and premium textiles
Climate Tinted and laminated safety glass Power-actuated first-row air vents Manual second-row air vents Tinted and laminated safety glass with metallic infrared reflective coating Power-actuated first- and second-row air vents

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BYD tops Mercedes, VW in car sales revenue in China despite average prices under $17,000

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BYD tops Mercedes, VW in car sales revenue in China despite average prices under ,000

BYD’s record-breaking year is paying dividends. Despite its vehicles selling for less than $17,000 on average, BYD topped Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, ranking first in car sales revenue in China last year. After taking the market by storm in 2024, the world’s largest EV maker aims for even more growth this year.

BYD ranked first in car sales revenue in China in 2024

BYD capped off an impressive run in 2024, selling over 500,000 vehicles for its third straight month in December. The year-end sales push bumped BYD’s total passenger car sales to over 4.25 million passenger vehicles last year, up 41% from about 3 million in 2023.

After topping Volkswagen to become China’s largest car maker in 2023, BYD became the country’s largest auto group in October 2024, surpassing SAIC. SAIC has joint ventures with Volkswagen and GM.

Not only is BYD selling more cars than its overseas rivals, it’s also making more on vehicle sales. According to China’s Sina Finance (via CarNewsChina), BYD ranked first among automakers in China in car sales revenue last year.

BYD sold 3.49 million vehicles in China, generating 420.7 billion yuan, or around $58 billion. Mercedes-Benz was second, with 710,000 cars sold for 307.9 billion ($42.5 billion) in revenue.

BYD-first-sales-revenue
BYD Dolphin (left) and Atto 3 (right) Source: BYD

Volkswagen placed third with 2.1 million vehicles sold in 2024 and 303.2 billion yuan ($41.9 billion) in sales revenue.

The most interesting part is that BYD’s average selling price (ASP) per vehicle was just $16,700 (121,000 yuan), compared to Mercedes-Benz’s $59,500 (430,000 yuan) and Volkswagen’s $19,700 (143,000 yuan).

Ranking Automaker Average Vehicle Selling Price
(*USD)
Vehicle Sales Revenue
(*USD)
1 BYD $16,700 $58.1 billion
2 Mercedes-Benz $59,500 $42.5 billion
3 Volkswagen $19,700 $41.9 billion
4 Toyota $23,300 $36.7 billion
5 BMW $46,900 $32.7 billion
6 Tesla $33,800 $22.3 billion
7 Aito $55,500 $21.4 billion
8 Li Auto $42,000 $21.1 billion
9 Honda $20,800 $17.8 billion
10 Geely $12,700 $13.2 billion
Top ten automakers by car sales revenue in China for 2024 (Source: CarNewsChina/ Sina Finance)

BYD beat out Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Toyota, BMW, and Tesla even with a significantly lower average selling price.

Electrek’s Take

After BYD stopped making fully gas-powered vehicles in 2022, the company has become a force in the auto market. With over 1.76 million EVs sold in 2024, BYD ranked second, slightly behind Tesla, which delivered over 1.78 million vehicles.

Despite this, BYD was the “world’s top EV maker,” beating out Tesla with about 4,500 electric cars produced in 2024.

With China becoming saturated with domestic rivals, BYD is aggressively expanding overseas to drive growth in 2025. Last year, it sold more EVs in Japan than Toyota, and it was BYD’s first full sales year in the country.

BYD was Singapore’s best-selling car brand last year, the first Chinese automaker to achieve this feat. With plans to rapidly expand in Europe, Central and South America, and other key regions, BYD is poised to see even more growth in 2025.

Although it’s best known for low-cost electric cars, like the Seagull, which starts at under $10,000 in China, BYD is quickly expanding its lineup with new pickup trucks, smart SUVs, off-road models, and electric supercars rolling out.

Earlier this month, it launched the world’s largest car carrier, which will ship up to 9,200 vehicles overseas as BYD prepares for another big year in 2025.

Source: CarNewsChina, Sina Finance

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How Washington is turning emissions taxes into cheaper electric bicycles

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How Washington is turning emissions taxes into cheaper electric bicycles

Electric bicycle incentive programs have grown considerably over the last few years, and Washington State is one of the most recent to lay the groundwork for yet another program designed to reduce the cost of this alternative transportation for lower-income commuters. But the state is also going about it in a unique way, by using funding raised from its emissions taxes.

That’s right, a new $5 million budget earmarked for electric bicycle rebates in the state is being funded by the state’s emissions taxes as part of the Climate Commitment Act, which received a groundswell of support among voters in the state.

The rebates will range from $300 for those making more than 80% of the area median income to up to $1,200 for lower-income residents.

Applications will take place via a still-in-development online portal system, and the rebates will be honored at the register, meaning riders won’t have to fork over the entire amount and then wait for a reimbursement check or tax rebate.

Unlike other e-bike incentive programs we’ve seen, such as the infamous California state program that was beset with issues from the start, the Washington State e-bike incentives won’t be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, lucky state residents will be randomly selected from the pool of entrants in a lottery-style drawing. However, many of the other details of the program are still being hashed out ahead of final implementation.

E-bike incentive programs like this one have been gaining traction nationwide as policymakers recognize the role electric bicycles can play in expanding transportation access. These programs often specifically target lower-income individuals who may not have the upfront cash to invest in an e-bike, despite the long-term savings they offer.

For many people, car ownership is an expensive burden, with costs for gas, insurance, and maintenance quickly adding up. E-bikes provide a cost-effective alternative, allowing people to commute to work, run errands, and access essential services without the financial strain of owning a car.

Beyond affordability, these programs also help address transportation equity and environmental concerns. Many lower-income neighborhoods have limited public transit options, making daily travel difficult for those without a car.

E-bikes can bridge that gap, providing a reliable and efficient mode of transportation that extends the reach of bus and train networks. Shifting more trips from cars to e-bikes reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner air and more livable cities.

via: Seattle Bike Blog

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