Techwheel Current
Newsletter 2025-05-09
🔑 Key EV Insights
- EV adoption impacts travel behavior patterns.
- BYD targets 50% international sales by 2030.
- Battery electric vehicles surged in Europe 2024.
- BYD unveils 5-minute fast charging technology.
- Battery swapping offers quick charging solution.
📘⚡ EV Research
- A March 2025 study in Transportation Research Part D analyzed commuting patterns of 741 Norwegians, identifying three groups: Dedicated Motorists, Devoted EV Owners, and Multimodal Travelers. Despite the rise in EV use, the study found that EV owners remain car-dependent, similar to those driving internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Sustainability and Policy Implications: The research revealed that environmental awareness among EV users does not reduce car usage, suggesting EVs may reinforce rather than replace car-centric habits. This highlights a need for transport policies that go beyond EV promotion, encouraging active transport and public transit to ensure more sustainable and equitable urban mobility.
📊 EV Insights & Trends
BYD aims for 50% of vehicle sales from international markets by 2030, primarily targeting Europe and Latin America. Achieving this goal could elevate BYD to a top market player.
- Sold 4.27 million vehicles last year, with 90% in China, indicating challenges ahead.
- Focused on plug-in hybrids and battery electric models, resulting in a 41.26% sales increase in 2024.
In April 2024, Germany saw a remarkable 53.5% rise in battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, totaling 45,535 units, now 18.8% of new car sales. - Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) surged 60.7% to 24,317 units. - Together, BEVs and PHEVs make up nearly 29% of new passenger vehicle sales, while petrol and diesel registrations declined significantly.
The Tesla Roadster, unveiled in 2017 and promised for production in 2020, has faced multiple delays, leaving customers frustrated. With impressive specs like a 620-mile range and 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, interest remains high. However, CEO Elon Musk's latest estimate for production is July 2024, raising doubts about the vehicle's future and Tesla's communication.
The Radar R6, China’s leading electric pickup, is now expanding globally after dominating the domestic market with over 50% share from 2023 to 2025. Launched by Geely in 2022, it features three battery options and a range of 392 miles. Marketed as the Riddara outside China, it aims to sell 30,000 units across 50 countries.
🧠 Autonomous & Smart EVs
- Tesla showcases its self-driving advancements, with Li Auto CEO Li Xiang praising FSD 13.0 during an AI Talk event.
- Successful FSD rollout in China includes navigating challenging terrains, highlighting Tesla's commitment to semi-autonomous technology.
- Elon Musk responded to Bill Gates' criticisms, reaffirming Tesla's leadership in autonomous driving innovation and European expansion plans.
Tesla plans to launch its robotaxi service in Austin this June, competing with Waymo, which started its service in March. Elon Musk claims Tesla has no rivals in the field, while former Waymo CEO John Krafcik argues Tesla lacks progress. The competition showcases contrasting self-driving technologies: Tesla's vision-based system versus Waymo's lidar-heavy setup.
🔋 Charging & Battery Tech
- BYD has developed Megawatt charging technology, reducing EV charging time to just five minutes.
- This system provides 1,000 kilowatts at 1,000 volts, enabling the Han L sedan to gain almost 250 miles of range quickly.
- Although extensive charging infrastructure is still needed, this innovation could significantly change consumer perceptions of EV charging times.
The Indonesian government is updating regulations to allow private firms to build electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Announced by Minister Rosan Roeslani, this initiative aims for 2.5 million EVs annually by 2030. Indonesia plans to expand from 3,772 to 63,000 charging stations, requiring about $1 billion in investment, enhancing access for the EV community.
- Tesla is piloting a dynamic pricing model for Supercharger stations, adjusting costs based on real-time demand.
- Initially tested at ten sites in North America, including Davis, California, prices will fluctuate with usage.
- A new feature will help users find nearby Superchargers with lower prices, enhancing the overall charging experience.
- A used 2014 Tesla Model S was bought for $13,000, showcasing the pros and cons of older EVs.
- With over 100,000 miles and the original battery, battery degradation is a concern, as replacements can cost about $20,000.
- Nevertheless, the car shows good efficiency with a range of 233.6 miles, just 12% less than its original capacity.
Europe's battery storage market has achieved 21.9 GWh of installations, showing a 15% growth in 2024, but this rate is slower than in previous years. A SolarPower Europe report stresses the need for strong policies to meet renewable energy goals. By 2025, new installations may add 29.7 GWh, with total capacity nearing 120 GWh by 2029.
- Battery swapping provides a quick alternative to traditional EV charging, letting drivers exchange depleted batteries at stations, which reduces wait times.
- It addresses past issues like limited stations and enhances battery longevity through refurbishment, extending battery life by up to 50%.
- Overall, battery swapping represents a promising advancement for the EV industry.
🚇 Electric Mobility & Transport
- BYD has launched the Sealion 07 DM-i, a mid-sized SUV priced from 169,800 to 205,800 yuan (approx. $23,500 to $28,500), aimed at global markets.
- It features a fifth-generation DM hybrid system with a pure-electric range of 150 km and a combined range of 1,320 km, alongside advanced tech and luxury interior options.
Tesla has launched a rear-drive version of the Model Y compact electric SUV, priced at $46,630, which is $4,000 less than the Long Range AWD model. It features an EPA estimated range of 357 miles but accelerates to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Orders are open, with delivery expected in three to five weeks.
🚛 Commercial & Fleet EVs
Scania and DHL are testing the world's first extended-range electric truck (ERET) in Germany to explore diesel alternatives for commercial vehicles. Unveiled on February 20, 2025, this 10.5-meter truck features a 416kWh battery and 120kW generator. The initiative aims to tackle electrification challenges in logistics, promoting sustainable transport solutions and reducing CO2 emissions while enhancing industry confidence.
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Mahmudur Rahman, PhD, Creator and Editor of Techwheel Current
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