EV Daily | Tesla Faces Supercharger Delays in Sweden Amid Union Strikes; BYD Advances Battery Swap Tech

【Tesla】

Tesla drivers in Sweden face long wait times at Supercharger stations due to union strikes, particularly by IF Metall, which prevent new stations from being connected to the grid. The strike, initially involving a small number of Tesla service workers, has gained momentum with support from other unions. Tesla has historically resisted unionization, and this situation highlights ongoing tensions with labor groups. Tesla's head of charging has acknowledged the issue and the company's plan to continue investing in new sites, despite the lack of a resolution to the strike's impact on Supercharger availability. Elon Musk remains staunchly opposed to negotiating with unions, further complicating the situation.

【BYD】

XCMG, in collaboration with BYD, has introduced heavy trucks and construction equipment featuring interchangeable battery swap technology, utilizing BYD's 400 kWh battery packs. These batteries enable quick swaps and charging, highlighting China's advancements in electrification technology. The battery swapping process, although common in China, did not warrant a major announcement due to its routine nature in the region.

【Others】

DRYFT1, a new company based in Venice, California, has launched the DRYFT Board, a hybrid electric product combining elements of a BMX bike and skateboard. This innovative product is designed for road use, offering features such as a 500W front hub motor, a bamboo, fiberglass, and carbon fiber deck, and custom-engineered suspension for sliding and drifting. The DRYFT Board provides a new form of electric mobility with two ride modes and is available in two colors. US police departments, like the one in Manhattan Beach, are cracking down on high-power electric motorbikes, such as those from Sur Ron and Talaria, often used by teens on public roads. These vehicles exceed legal electric bicycle limits and pose safety and regulatory challenges, prompting increased enforcement and calls for better education on their use. Hamburger Hochbahn AG has placed a significant order for 350 fully electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses from Daimler Buses to be used in Hamburg's public transport system. This move aligns with the city's commitment to zero-emission transport by 2030, supported by sustainable energy sources. XCMG, a major Chinese construction machinery company, showcased its electric equipment with battery-swap technology at Bauma China. The ZNK95 electric autonomous haul truck, designed for extreme environments, exemplifies their push for innovation. XCMG's battery-swap capable vehicles are being deployed, emphasizing the company's leadership in heavy-duty electric vehicle technology.