Techwheel Current
Newsletter 2025-05-03
🔑 Key EV Insights
- XPeng G6 aims to disrupt Australian market.
- BYD sees record sales for pure EVs.
- Chinese PHEVs rise due to EU tariffs.
- New battery tech reduces nickel emissions significantly.
- Electric trucks enhance commercial sustainability.
📊 EV Insights & Trends
The 2025 XPeng G6 Standard Range is entering the Australian electric vehicle market, competing with the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV5. Priced at $54,800 (around $60,000 drive-away), it features a 66kWh battery for 435 km range. The Long Range variant offers an 87.5kWh battery, extending range to 570 km, both emphasizing value and essential features.
BYD set a record in April 2025, delivering 380,089 new-energy vehicles, marking a 20% year-on-year increase. BYD's stock has risen nearly 40% this year, despite market challenges.
- Pure electric vehicle sales surpassed plug-in hybrids for the first time since 2024.
- The company plans to launch new models with advanced smart-driving features and ultra-fast charging.
- Chinese automakers BYD and Chery are increasing PHEV sales in the EU, avoiding high BEV tariffs. BYD sold 3,269 PHEVs in March 2025.
- Chery sold 310 BEVs and 757 PHEVs, benefiting from a lower tariff of 10%.
- PHEV imports from China rose by 892%, reflecting industry adaptation to trade barriers.
The article examines inequities in Australia’s road funding, spotlighting a Coalition proposal to impose a road user fee on electric vehicle (EV) owners who currently pay no fuel excise.
- The funding model, reliant on state fees, has long been unfair.
- A comprehensive review is needed to address disparities affecting all vehicle owners.
- The Iberian Peninsula's recent power grid collapse has sparked debates over solar energy's reliability, highlighting challenges in integrating decentralized renewables into an outdated grid designed for fossil fuels.
- Solar now constitutes 80% of new generation, with renewables exceeding 90% of global capacity additions.
- Addressing grid issues is crucial for solar adoption and reducing carbon emissions.
Tesla chair Robyn Denholm denied media reports of a CEO search to replace Elon Musk, labeling them "absolutely false." Musk aims to refocus on Tesla in May.
- Musk called the report an ethical breach due to no official denial.
- Tesla struggles with a 66% drop in Q1 2025 sales and Musk's political activities affecting performance.
🧠 Autonomous & Smart EVs
Aurora Innovation has launched the U.S.'s first commercial driverless freight service, utilizing autonomous 18-wheelers between Dallas and Houston. This achievement follows extensive testing, accumulating over 1,200 driverless miles. The Aurora Driver system has been validated for safety. Initial customers include Uber Freight and Hirschbach Motor Lines, with plans to expand to El Paso and Phoenix by late 2025.
Huawei has joined forces with 11 Chinese carmakers, including Audi China and SAIC Motor, to launch an "intelligent assisted driving safety initiative" in the electric vehicle sector. This initiative aims to improve safety standards, promote research, and educate users on autonomous driving technology, amid concerns following a recent fatal Xiaomi EV accident, enhancing Huawei's position against Tesla.
- Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could save him over $1 billion in federal fines.
- A Senate report shows Musk's companies face $2.37 billion in liabilities, including racial harassment at Tesla and misleading Neuralink claims.
- Recent DOJ actions suggest reduced regulatory scrutiny, alarming Democrats about oversight on Musk’s businesses.
Waymo and Toyota are teaming up to challenge Tesla in the self-driving vehicle market. Waymo currently offers 250,000 paid rides weekly, while Tesla plans to launch a limited self-driving ride-hailing service in Austin. The partnership aims to enhance road safety and mobility by merging Toyota's manufacturing with Waymo's autonomous technology for next-generation personally owned vehicles.
🔋 Charging & Battery Tech
Julia McNally's research on electric vehicles (EVs) reveals the home charging debate. With Canada's zero-emission vehicle mandate, accessible, affordable charging options will be crucial for consumers.
- Many owners choose Level 2 chargers for faster refueling, but Level 1 charging often meets daily needs.
- Level 1 adds six kilometers per hour using standard outlets, avoiding costly installations.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a carbon-free nickel extraction method that could cut emissions by 84%. Key points include:
- Nickel is vital for stainless steel and EV batteries, with demand projected to double by 2040.
- The method uses hydrogen plasma for efficient extraction, reducing costs and emissions while improving energy efficiency by 18%.
Shubham Mishra and Ajay Vashisht, Indian engineers, created EV Doctor, an AI-based tool that evaluates electric vehicle battery health in 15 minutes. Prompted by a 2020 incident involving a hazardous e-bike battery, Mishra, co-founder of BatteryOk Technologies, aimed to improve safety. Launched in 2019, EV Doctor has gained traction in both Indian and global markets.
Stellantis and Factorial Energy have developed a new semi-solid-state battery cell, achieving automotive-grade standards through rigorous testing. This innovative battery, using gel-like electrolytes, boasts energy densities of 375 Wh/kg, significantly surpassing traditional lithium-ion batteries. It enables rapid charging, long vehicle ranges, and operates efficiently across various temperatures, marking a promising advancement in electric vehicle technology.
Rivian (RIVN) is stockpiling EV batteries to brace for potential auto tariffs under the Trump administration. The company acquired lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) cells from Gotion High-Tech for its Commercial Van. Rivian is also shifting battery supply from Korea to the US with Samsung SDI, while securing future agreements with LG Energy Solution for next-gen batteries, produced in Arizona.
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the U.S. faces challenges due to limited public charging infrastructure, but improvements are underway. By 2025, the landscape will improve, yet still may not meet user demands. The 2025 Lucid Air stands out for its fast charging and long range, making it an appealing choice for consumers who frequently use public chargers.
🚇 Electric Mobility & Transport
The CPSC has recalled 2,850 Heckler 9 Electric Bicycles in the U.S. and 550 in Canada due to fire hazards from lithium-ion batteries.
- Three fire reports caused property damage but no injuries.
- Affected bikes were sold between October 2021 and January 2025, priced from $8,750 to $13,900. Customers should stop use and disconnect the battery.
- Slate Auto will produce a sub-$20,000 electric pickup truck in Warsaw, Indiana, reviving a closed factory and creating up to 2,000 jobs.
- The truck will be simple and customizable, with no power windows or stereo, aiming to lower costs.
- Slate plans significant investment in renovations and offers over-the-air updates for owners' smartphones.
🚛 Commercial & Fleet EVs
- Kenworth has launched the T880E, a new battery-electric truck, at ACT Expo, expanding its electric lineup.
- Orders are available in the U.S. and Canada, with deliveries anticipated later this year.
- The T880E offers customizable battery options, enabling ranges of 100 to over 250 miles, with power ratings up to 605 hp and torque of 1,850 lb-ft.
Mack Trucks is enhancing its electrification strategy with the Pioneer Class 8 diesel tractor, launched at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo.
- It features an 11% fuel economy improvement over the Anthem.
- The company supports various clean technologies, including battery-electric and fuel cell options, while advocating for efficient diesel technology to reduce emissions.
Pride Disposal, based in Sherwood, Oregon, has launched its first fleet of zero-emission electric collection trucks, celebrated on April 22.
- These trucks will serve residential areas in Washington County, reducing emissions and noise.
- They feature advanced safety systems and comply with EPA zero-emission certifications, enhancing the company’s sustainability efforts and community health.
Incat, a Tasmanian shipbuilder, has unveiled the world's largest battery-electric ship, marking a pivotal moment in maritime innovation.
- This ship symbolizes a significant leap towards sustainable shipping and reduced environmental impact.
- Subscription options include a four-week digital plan for $4 and a 12-month plan at $312, highlighting the need for awareness in technology advancements.
✨ EV Bytes & Beyond
The article advocates for capping electric bike speeds at 10 mph to enhance safety for riders and pedestrians, particularly in crowded urban areas. This limit could reduce accidents and injuries, making e-biking safer for children and inexperienced riders. It addresses concerns over reckless riding and aims to promote harmony between cyclists and pedestrians while prioritizing public safety.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly cost-effective compared to petrol vehicles as fuel prices rise. As technology and infrastructure improve, EVs will likely become an even more attractive option for consumers seeking sustainable and economical transportation solutions.
- Petrol drivers face high per-mile costs, straining budgets.
- EVs offer lower operating costs, tax incentives, and reduced maintenance.
- A survey is evaluating the feasibility of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Noida condominiums to boost EV adoption.
- It seeks resident input on charging needs, supporting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions.
- Results will inform future EV infrastructure projects, aligning with Noida’s commitment to environmental sustainability and smart city development.
- Owen McIntire, a 19-year-old college student, was released from federal custody to continue vital sex-change treatment.
- He is accused of setting two Tesla Cybertrucks on fire and faces charges for unregistered device possession and malicious damage.
- Currently under home detention, the court is considering his medical needs, with a hearing set for further updates.
Tesla's Board is reportedly searching for a new CEO due to concerns over Elon Musk’s political involvement affecting the brand. Following tensions from Musk's ties to Trump, he announced plans to distance himself from politics and focus on Tesla. Analyst Daniel Ives believes Musk will remain CEO for at least five more years, viewing his recent actions positively.
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