EV Daily | Tesla Cybertruck Launches in Canada Amid Price Concerns; BYD Undercuts Model 3 in China

【Tesla】

Tesla has launched the Cybertruck in Canada, with high prices that may deter potential buyers. The company is quickly addressing its Cybertruck backlog and is now converting Canadian reservations into orders. However, the prices in Canada are simply the US prices converted to CAD, making them less attractive.

Tesla plans to open orders for the regular Cybertruck by year's end, excluding the rear-wheel-drive version. The Cybertruck AWD Foundation Series is priced at $137,990 CAD and the Cyberbeast Foundation Series at $165,990 CAD.

Tesla has introduced a new bundle offering 3 years of Full Self-Driving (FSD), Supercharging, and premium connectivity for $5,000 as it struggles to sell its FSD package. The price of the FSD package has been reduced from $15,000 to $8,000 over the past year.

The tri-motor Tesla Model S Plaid starts at $113,700 in China. Tesla is also testing Supercharging at over 300 kW and has launched new bundles with 3 years of FSD, Supercharging, and premium connectivity.

【BYD】

BYD has launched the 2025 Seal EV, undercutting Tesla Model 3 prices by nearly $10,000 in China. The new flagship GT, the Denza Z9 GT, aims to compete with luxury automakers like Porsche and BMW. The Denza Z9 GT features BYD's new e-Platform 3.0 and three motors providing nearly 1,000 hp, enabling a 0 to 62 mph sprint in under 3 seconds. The 2025 Seal EV starts at under $25,000, making it significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model 3.

【Xpeng】

XPeng's AI-centric model, MONA M03, has begun mass production and is expected to launch later this month. Priced at RMB 200,000 ($27,900), the M03 targets younger buyers. It will be available in two single-motor variants with different power outputs.

【Others】

Rivian's R2 will have a charge port on the driver’s side for easier use with Tesla Superchargers. The R2 mid-size electric crossover starts at $45,000 and is designed for both adventures and everyday use. It has over 100,000 pre-orders and will begin production in 2026.

Nissan is hinting at an electric version of the GT-R, with the Hyper Force EV concept showcasing potential design elements. The GT-R Nismo was discontinued in Europe in 2022, but an electrified version is being considered due to regulatory pressures.

Toyota launched the all-electric Proace Verso and Proace City Verso MPVs in the UK. The new models feature a larger battery, increased range, and updated tech and style. The Proace Verso's new 75 kWh battery offers a WLTP range of 214 miles, while the Proace City Verso retains a 50 kWh battery for up to 213 miles of range.

LiDAR specialist Hesai Technology argues that LiDAR is critical for Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, offering better obstacle detection and reduced false activations. Hesai's ATX model, set for mass production in Q1 2025, promises enhanced safety features.

Oxford University scientists are developing a new solar power-generating material that can be applied to various surfaces, potentially increasing solar electricity generation efficiency. The material has achieved over 27% energy efficiency and could exceed 45% in the future.

Ørsted has entered into a partnership with Mission Clean Energy to develop 1 gigawatt of standalone battery storage systems in the Midwest. This marks Ørsted's first standalone battery storage partnership.