EV Daily | BYD Overtakes Tesla in Global BEV Sales; Hyundai's IONIQ 6 Faces Upgrade to Rival Model 3

【Tesla】

Tesla's Model Y led a price dip in May. A Bloomberg report inaccurately claimed Tesla is superior to Waymo in self-driving technology by misrepresenting data. This follows Tesla's controversial "robotaxi" service launch in Austin, Texas, which critics call a distraction from unfulfilled promises. Bloomberg compared Tesla’s Autopilot data, which only includes severe crashes, to Waymo’s broader statistics, creating misleading conclusions about safety. Tesla's self-driving claims are disputed, with the company using teleoperation in Austin, a small fleet managed by remote operators, showing limitations compared to Waymo's established services. Furthermore, a Tesla Model 3 was involved in a minor collision with a train while reportedly in self-driving mode, highlighting ongoing challenges and safety concerns with Tesla's technology. CEO Elon Musk's history of missed deadlines and promises casts doubt on Tesla's position in autonomous driving, especially compared to competitors like Waymo.

【BYD】

BYD achieved a milestone in 2024 by surpassing Tesla in global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales for the first time. They saw a 25% increase in BEV sales and a 47% rise in combined BEV and plug-in hybrid sales year-over-year. Automakers, including BYD, have enhanced energy efficiency, charging speed, and driving range with new high-performance models.

【Others】

Hyundai's IONIQ 6, initially promoted as a Tesla Model 3 competitor, failed to meet expectations, with sales declining in the US despite offering over 350 miles of range and fast charging. Despite underwhelming sales, Hyundai is upgrading the IONIQ 6, potentially rivaling Tesla's Model 3 with improved features. Hyundai's new IONIQ 6 has become Korea’s longest-range EV, boasting up to 430 miles of range and a sleek design. It is set for a significant upgrade this year, promising better competition with Tesla's offerings.

Kia's EV2, a compact and affordable electric SUV, was spotted in public testing ahead of its launch next year. Despite its size, it offers advanced tech, including vehicle-to-load capability, dual navigation screens, and is expected to be cheaper than the EV3. However, it won't be available in the US, as Kia focuses on Europe and other regions.

KG Mobility launched its Musso EV pickup, aiming to expand globally, with favorable reviews. The pickup offers a spacious interior, advanced features like a ClearSite Ground View camera, and a range of nearly 250 miles. It starts at around $35,000 before incentives.

BETA Technologies and Republic Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding to evaluate BETA's all-electric aircraft for regional flights, enhancing regional connectivity with advanced air mobility. Wisk Aero announced partnerships to establish air taxi operations in Miami and Japan, exploring autonomous flight possibilities.

Nissan's N7 EV gained momentum with over 20,000 orders since its launch, starting at $17,000. It offers tech-heavy features, driver-assist systems, and a range of up to 395 miles, marking a "new starting point" for Nissan's EV strategy. The N7 is part of Nissan's plan to introduce nine new EVs and PHEVs in China by 2027.