EV Daily | Tesla Faces Political Strife; BYD Expands EU Charging; GM to Produce Affordable US EVs

【Tesla】

Elon Musk's feud with Trump over recent comments caused Tesla's stock to tumble, prompting Musk to retract statements and align with the President. Political tensions risk impacting Tesla's emission credits and earnings, particularly with upcoming legislative changes. Additionally, Tesla faces scrutiny from NHTSA regarding its Austin robotaxi service, which could be halted due to concerns over its self-driving technology. Tesla's reliance on emission credits for earnings is noted, and political challenges could impact future financial stability. Musk's political stance has affected Tesla's image, leading to a lawsuit from French leaseholders seeking lease termination due to perceived far-right associations.

【BYD】

BYD is preparing to launch a network of ultra-fast chargers across Europe, capable of providing up to 400 km of range in just five minutes. This initiative aims to boost BYD's presence in the European market, with plans to establish dealerships and production facilities by 2030. Its flash charging technology promises significant reductions in charge times, enhancing consumer confidence in EVs. BYD's expanding dealership network in Europe is detailed, alongside plans for increased production capabilities and strategic partnerships.

【Others】

AES completed the first phase of Bellefield, the largest solar-plus-storage project in the US, with 1,000 MW of capacity. Using advanced robotic systems for efficient construction, the project aims to power 467,000 homes annually and prevent over 1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. AES has secured contracts with major tech giants for clean energy supply. The completion of Bellefield 2 is expected in 2026, potentially creating more union jobs. Windrose has validated a 578-mile electric semi-truck route across the US, demonstrating the feasibility of long-haul EV trucking with minimal emissions and efficient performance. GM announced plans to produce affordable EVs in the US, including the next-gen Chevy Bolt at its Kansas plant. The company aims to enhance EV driving experiences and leverage Ultium-based models for cost-effectiveness, amidst political challenges from tariffs impacting the auto industry. Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra set a new record for production EVs at Nürburgring, showcasing the company's expanding automotive ambitions. Subaru, in collaboration with Toyota, is rumored to bring back the iconic Brat as an EV, leveraging Toyota's electric pickup concept for design inspiration. Kia's EV4 has become Korea's best-selling domestic electric sedan, with promising battery options and recharge capabilities. The EV9 model also sees strong sales in the US, with updates planned for the 2026 release.