BYD calls out the US and Europe for being ‘afraid’ of Chinese EVs
Is the West afraid of Chinese electric cars? According to BYD CEO Wang Chuanfu, there are many examples of politicians who are worried about low-cost Chinese EVs, hinting at the US and Europe.
BYD says the US, Europe are worried about Chinese EVs
“If you are not strong enough, they will not be afraid of you,” Wang said at an industry event on Friday (via Bloomberg).
He added, “There are many examples of politicians in other countries who are worried about EVs in China.” The comments come as the US and Europe aim to hamper Chinese EV imports with new tariffs.
BYD’s CEO said the tariffs are a testament to the strength of China’s auto industry. Wang’s swipe at the West comes after the US increased tariffs on China-made imports, including EVs, batteries, and critical minerals.
The EU is also expected to introduce new tariffs aimed at Chinese EVs shortly. Europe launched an investigation into China-made EVs as the global markets are “now flooded with cheaper electric cars,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in September.
China has since threatened to retaliate with a 25% tariff on imports as global trade tensions heat up.
BYD, China-made EVs take on global markets
BYD posted its second-highest sales ever last month after introducing a series of new lower-cost electric (and PHEV) cars.
The new BYD Seagull, its cheapest EV, starts at just $9,700 (69,800 yuan) in China. Even in overseas markets, the “mini Lamborghini” (as former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger led its design) is still one of the cheapest electric options.
In Brazil, the Seagull EV starts at around $20,000 (99,800 BRL). BYD’s car transport ship, Explorer No 1, landed in Brazil’s Port of Suape earlier this week, unloading 7,000 new energy vehicles (EVs and PHEVs).
The Explorer first docked in Germany in February, carrying 3,000 vehicles, as BYD expands the brand globally.
According to global data collection firm Dataforce, Chinese EVs, like BYD and MG, accounted for around 9% of EVs sold in Europe last year. However, that number is expected to rise quickly over the next few years.
European lobby group Transport and Environment, Chinese EVs could account for a quarter of EVs sold in Europe this year.
After topping VW, becoming China’s top-selling automaker last year, BYD looks to take on global markets.
While addressing the audience Friday, Wang said the industry should embrace competition if it wants to manage the transition to EVs.
Electrek’s Take
BYD is quickly expanding overseas. It’s already an EV leader in key markets like Thailand, Brazil, Israel, Columbia, and others.
Despite its low price tag, BYD’s Seagull has earned praise from industry leaders. Ford’s CEO Jim Farley called it a “pretty damn good” car, warning rivals of BYD’s superior tech.
Even with tariffs, BYD expects the Seagull EV to launch as one of Europe’s cheapest electric cars at under $21,500 (20,000 euros). BYD is also planning a higher-end $27,000 (25,000 euro) model, according to European managing director Michael Shu.
With two planned plants in the region, BYD expects to overcome any potential impacts of tariffs on China-made EVs.
Although BYD is best known for its affordable EVs, the automaker is expanding into new segments, such as mid-size SUVs, luxury vehicles, and pickup trucks.
BYD launched the Sea Lion 07 last month, which will compete with Tesla’s top-selling Model Y. Starting at 189,800 yuan ($26,250), BYD’s new electric SUV undercuts the Model Y in China, which starts at 249,900 yuan ($34,550).
It also launched its first pickup, the Shark PHEV, in Mexico. The BYD Shark will compete with top-selling trucks like Toyota’s Hilux and the Ford Ranger in the region.
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After several months of waiting, Lucid Air drivers now have access to Android Auto. Lucid (LCID) launched the popular feature through a software update this week.
Lucid Air owners gain access to Android Auto
Lucid promised it was coming, and now it’s finally here. “Android Auto is one of the most requested features,” according to Lucid’s head of software engineering, Dr Jean-Philippe Gauthier.
All Lucid Air vehicles now have access to Android Auto Smart Driving Companion through an OTA software update (Lucid OS 2.7.0).
You can now view Android apps, messages, and other media on Lucid’s massive 34″ Air Glass Cockpit. For those with Android 11 or higher, you can connect to Android Auto wirelessly. Those with Android 9.0 or higher will require a USB cable.
Lucid said it would launch the popular feature late last year, but it’s just beginning to roll out to Air owners this week. The company website says the Gravity SUV “will support both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” but no further specifics are mentioned.
The 2025 Lucid Air is the “world’s most efficient car” with over 420 miles of EPA-estimated driving range. It also boasts the highest MPGe of any EV at 146 MPGe.
After resuming Gravity deliveries in April, Lucid is quickly ramping up production of its first electric SUV. Lucid expects to produce 20,000 vehicles this year, more than double the 9,000 it made last year.
The Lucid Gravity GT is now available for sale at $94,900, boasting an impressive range of up to 450 miles. Later this year, Lucid will launch the lower-priced Touring trim, starting at $79,900.
After launching its largest discounts to date earlier this month, Lucid is currently offering over $30,000 off select 2025 Air models.
Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find current deals on the Lucid Air and Gravity near you.
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Another entry-level electric car is on the way. The Honda Super EV Concept may look a bit funky, but it could be the automaker’s next big hit at an affordable price.
Is Honda launching an affordable EV?
We will get our first full look at the funky new Super EV Concept at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England, next month.
The concept will make its global debut during the event, previewing a “new, small-size” electric vehicle. Despite its compact size, the company promises that it will be fun to drive, with an experience that is “unique to Honda.”
Designed as an A-segment electric SUV, Honda says the affordable EV offers an “uplifting, heart-pounding driving experience.”
The company is already testing prototypes in the UK. Although Honda confirmed plans to launch a production model in the future, it didn’t specify a date or offer any other technical details.
Honda will also use the event to hold the European premiere of the electric 0 Series SUV. Earlier this year, we got a look at the upcoming electric SUV (also a bit funky looking) after a prototype was showcased at a Formula One event in Tokyo.
You can see Honda is using the same purple camouflage used for the 0 Series electric SUV to disguise it. The Super EV Concept looks like a futuristic successor to the Honda e. However, with a new EV platform, batteries, and motor, Honda’s new models look to be a significant upgrade.
The new EV SUV will be one of seven new electric vehicles Honda plans to launch by 2030. A production version of the Super EV concept is expected to join it.
The new Super EV Concept will make its official debut, climbing the 1.16-mile (1.856 km) hill course at Goodwood FOS, which runs from July 10 to July 13.
Will Honda launch its new entry-level EV in the US? According to a Nikkei report earlier this year, Honda plans to launch an affordable EV, priced under $30,000 in the US, following the 0 Series electric SUV and sedan.
We’ll have to wait until closer to launch for confirmation. Check back soon for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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Tesla (TSLA) has reportedly told employees that it will pause production at Gigafactory Texas, where it produces Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles, for the second time in as many months.
In late May, Tesla extended a long weekend into a week-long production shutdown at Gigafactory Texas.
The move came amid lower demand and inventory buildups.
We reported earlier today that Tesla has to rent out empty parking lots around the US to use as overflow lots for its extra inventory.
Now, Tesla told employees that it is again shutting down Model Y and Cybertruck production at Gigafactory Texas over the first week of July.
With the Fourth of July being a Friday this year, it was going to be a long weekend, but Tesla again decided to extend the production shutdown from June 30th through the following week, according to employees talking to Business Insider.
Tesla claimed that it will enable the company to perform “maintenance and improvements on production lines.” Employees are being offered paid time off or to come in for training.
As we have previously reported, Tesla has been throttling down production of the Cybertruck in 2025 as sales are currently tracking about half of last year.
That’s despite having launched cheaper versions of the electric truck, gaining access to the federal tax credit for the Cybertruck, and offering bigger discounts and incentives.
Tesla reported a 13% decrease in deliveries in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year, which the automaker attributed to its Model Y design changeover reducing production.
However, Tesla’s deliveries are currently tracking to be down even more in the second quarter compared to last year, despite Tesla having ramped up production.
Electrek’s Take
What’s going to be the excuse this quarter? As I reported earlier today, Tesla is currently tracking to deliver 355,000-360,000 units in Q2, which would be down 19-20% compared to 2024.
It would be an even steeper decline even with the new Model Y.
It clearly wasn’t the problem.
The automaker had already reduced its production capacity at most factories in 2024, when it ran at about 60% capacity due to lower demand.
Now, Tesla is stopping production of its best-selling Model Y with the new design twice in two months?
This is not looking good.
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