EV Daily | Tesla's Components Fuel Custom EVs; BYD's EVs Aid Japan; Lucid & Polestar SUVs Launch

【Tesla】

A Tesla Model S Plaid powertrain has been successfully integrated into a Cobra kit car, resulting in an extremely fast, lightweight electric vehicle. This is part of a trend of using Tesla components for custom conversions. Additionally, Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y remain two of the top-five most leased electric vehicles in the U.S., trailing behind only Hyundai and Honda models. Tesla has introduced incentives such as free Full Self-Driving and Supercharging for certain end-of-year vehicle deliveries. They have also secured a significant Megapack order for an energy storage project in France, highlighting their expanding energy division. The project will utilize Tesla’s Autobidder platform for market optimization and is set to be one of the largest in Europe.

【BYD】

BYD is leveraging its electric vehicles as mobile power sources in Japan, securing a deal with the Japanese government for disaster prevention efforts. The firm's Atto 3 model can supply electricity for households, and the Dolphin EV offers a low-cost alternative to popular Japanese models. BYD's Seal electric sedan competes with Tesla's Model 3 and topped imported EV sales in Japan by August. In Europe, BYD is pivoting towards hybrid vehicle production to bypass high EV tariffs. Their first plug-in hybrid in Europe, the Seal U DM-I, is strategically priced below major competitors to maintain market growth.

【Others】

Lucid Motors has commenced production of its Gravity electric SUV, promising significant range and cargo capacity. The first customer models were completed in Arizona. The Polestar 3 electric SUV, with a new single motor variant, is now produced in the U.S., offering a more affordable option without compromising range. Mercedes-Benz has delivered the first electric-powered popemobile to the Vatican, emphasizing their commitment to electric mobility. QuantumScape has achieved a milestone with its Cobra solid-state separator production, advancing its solid-state battery technology. Stellantis, in collaboration with Zeta Energy, is developing lithium-sulfur batteries promising greater range and faster charging, aiming for production by 2030. Rivian has opened its second charging outpost in Joshua Tree, expanding access to all EV models. Segway is preparing for a major U.S. launch of its Xafari and Xyber e-bikes, implementing a dedicated electric bike team for the rollout. Ford plans to establish an EV plant in Indonesia, leveraging the country's nickel resources to expand its electric vehicle production amidst challenges in other markets.