Global EV leader BYD is taking Europe by storm. BYD’s first cargo ship landed in Germany Tuesday, with about 3,000 vehicles set to roll out
BYD’s first cargo ship lands in Germany with 3K cars
BYD’s first car transport ship, the Explorer No.1, arrived in China earlier this year. The so-called “Ro-Ro” (roll on, roll off) transport ship is 653 ft long and can carry 7,000 vehicles.
The ship is owned by Zodiac Maritime, with BYD leasing it. The vessel is the first of eight for exports. As the first ship built by a Chinese shipyard designed for exporting vehicles, BYD’s Explorer No.1 marks a major milestone. Electric cars already helped China top Japan to become the leading global auto exporter.
By using green and clean liquified natural gas as the main fuel, China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC), which built the vessel, says it can “significantly reduce emissions.”
After setting sail earlier this month, BYD’s first cargo ship landed in Bremerhaven, Germany, on Tuesday. Around 3,000 BYD vehicles will be unloaded and launched as the automaker expands its overseas presence.
The company plans to use the Ro-Ro vessels not only for BYD vehicles but also to open partnerships with Chinese automakers, according to BYD Corporate GM Wang Junbao.
Overseas expansion is heating up
BYD’s overseas expansion is just beginning. The automaker produced over 3 million cars in China and sold about 240,000 overseas. Its new car transport fleet is expected to accelerate exports.
The Chinese automaker already owns 20% of Japan’s EV imports last month after launching just last year. It’s also a leader in Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and others. Recent launches in Australia, India, and other key markets should boost exports this year.
BYD also showed off its Mercedes G-Class rivaling Yangwang U8 off-road SUV at Tuesday’s Geneva Motor Show.
Yangwang was launched last January as BYD’s ultra-luxury brand. The U8 off-roader was the first vehicle launched, with the first models rolling out last December. BYD’s electric SUV includes premium features like tank turns and “float mode” to help during deep water emergencies.
BY’s Yangwang revealed its first electric sedan, the U7, last month. It also officially launched the U9 electric supercar with a 0 to 62 mph time in 2.36 seconds and a $233,000 (1,680,000 yuan) price tag.
Although BYD has recently expanded into new segments like luxury and mid-size SUVs, it recently declared a price war on gas-powered cars with the launch of its cheapest EVs yet.
BYD launched the new Dolphin EV Honor Edition for $13,900 (99,800 yuan) and the Qin Plus EV Honor Edition for $15,000 (109,800 yuan). The automaker said the models open “a new era of electricity is lower than oil.”
Last year, BYD launched the Qin Plus Champion Edition for $13,900, the first time BYD’s DM-i model was priced below the 100,000 yuan mark. BYD said with the same starting price as gas-powered vehicles, the new launches are “directly destroying the moat of joint venture fuel vehicles.”
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The IONIQ 5 N is the fastest Hyundai ever made, electric or gas-powered. The sporty electric car is so good that it’s now drawing the attention of some of the industry’s finest. Hyundai’s EV sports car was recently spotted outside a Lamborghini test facility. Check out the video below.
Hyundai’s EV sports car caught at a Lamborghini test site
As the first EV to wear its “N” badge, Hyundai aimed to set the bar even higher. And that it did. The IONIQ 5 N is not only the most powerful Hyundai, it’s also the most fun to drive with a series of track-ready features.
Based on its advanced E-GMP platform, Hyundai’s electric sports car delivers up to 641 hp. That’s when using its N Grin boost feature, which gives you a 10-second power surge.
When on the track, N Launch control enables you to adjust to different road conditions for the perfect takeoff. Other features, like N e-Shift, simulate an 8-speed N Dual Clutch Transmission, making it feel like you’re in a true race car.
With N Active Sound+, you cannot only feel the performance but also hear it. Eight internal and two external features sync to your vehicle’s performance.
Hyundai’s EV sports car is apparently good enough to attract Lamborghini’s attention. A Hyundai IONIQ 5 N model was recently spotted leaving Lamborghini’s test facility.
The video from YouTuber Varryx shows a Lamborghini test driver leaving the “Porta Sud,” suggesting the sports car maker could be benchmarking Hyundai’s EV.
Lamborghini unveiled the Lanzador in 2023, its first fully electric vehicle. The concept introduces a new high-ground-clearance GT with 2+2 seating. Or, in other words, like a supercar sitting on an SUV. It’s expected to launch in 2029.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N already beat a Lamborghini Urus Performante in a drag race (see the video here), so it’s no wonder the Italian sports car maker is taking notes.
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The board of directors of the troubled hydrogen fuel cell maker has voted to dissolve the company that developed the first HFC garbage truck to North America last spring, pending shareholder approval.
After a promising global start that saw the American startup announce pilot programs that would see its hydrogen fuel cells put to work in transit buses in Brisbane, its tow trucks (above) in Victoria, and five 154-ton severe duty trucks scheduled to service a zinc refinery operation in north Queensland, slow sales and an inability to deliver on its ambitious goals saw the company quit Australia in July.
Now, Hyzon is quitting altogether.
After issuing a WARN letter to employees in December announcing layoff plans, citing an inability to raise funding and the future uncertainty relating to the availability of government subsidies. Now, it appears the Hyzon board of directors has unanimously voted to dissolve the company and liquidate its assets (pending shareholder approval).
Unanimously approved, subject to stockholder approval, the transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets through an assignment for the benefit of creditors, and the liquidation and dissolution of the Company pursuant to a plan of dissolution while continuing to pursue strategic alternatives and potential funding sources intended to maximize the value of its business and assets.
If Hyzon is unable to find a buyer or an patient, bullish customer soon, expect all of Hyzon’s staff at its Bolingbrook, Illinois and Troy, Michigan facilities to be laid off by the end of February 2025.
Data scientists at General Motors (GM) are using AI and machine learning to pinpoint ideal EV charging station locations across the US.
As EV sales hit record highs for GM in 2024, many drivers are still unsure where to charge their vehicles. To tackle this, GM has partnered with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers to boost public charging options and improve the overall charging experience.
Partnerships with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers
GM and EVgo are working together to install 2,850 DC fast charging stalls nationwide. This includes 400 flagship fast-charging locations in major metro areas with 350 kW chargers for ultra-fast charging. These stations feature pull-through layouts for easier vehicle maneuvering, bright lighting for safety, and canopies to protect against the elements.
Additionally, GM has teamed up with Pilot Flying J and EVgo to add up to 2,000 DC fast chargers at 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. So far, more than 130 locations are operational.
Using AI to site EV charging stations
To ensure new charging stations are sited where they’ll have the most impact, GM’s data scientists are tapping into artificial intelligence. AI tools analyze EV traffic patterns, driver behaviors, and existing infrastructure to identify optimal locations for chargers.
By treating site selection as a mathematical optimization problem, these algorithms evaluate factors like traffic flow and proximity to other chargers. The results are then visualized on detailed maps, helping stakeholders understand the reasoning behind each recommendation. Human experts review and refine these suggestions to finalize charging site plans.
Once the data-driven decisions are made, GM works with its partners to bring these strategic charging stations online.
This approach blends advanced technology with industry collaboration to tackle one of the most significant hurdles for EV adoption, ensuring drivers have the confidence to make the switch.
What do you think about the use of AI to site EV charging stations? Let us know in the comments below.
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