EV Daily | Tesla Trials Unsupervised Driving; BYD Debuts Sub-$30K EV in Australia; Lucid Expands in US

【Tesla】

Elon Musk announced that Tesla is conducting internal trials for unsupervised self-driving vehicles. However, these tests currently feature safety drivers, aligning with Tesla's existing Level 2 driver-assist system rather than full autonomy. The trials aim to test the ride-sharing functionality of Tesla's app, as a permit for operating fully autonomous vehicles in California is not yet secured. Additionally, a settlement has been approved in a lawsuit involving Tesla board members returning nearly $1 billion in overcompensation. Tesla has also filed an appeal against a court decision concerning Elon Musk's compensation package, highlighting governance issues within the company.

【BYD】

BYD has launched the Dolphin Essentials, Australia's first electric vehicle priced under $30,000. This model includes a 44.9 kWh BYD Blade Battery with a driving range of 350 km. The move is part of BYD's strategy to expand in overseas markets, with strong demand resulting in 5,500 orders. Additionally, BYD's Shark PHEV pickup and Sealion 07 electric SUV are set to join the lineup in Australia. BYD's overseas push aligns with its goal of increasing sales amid new tariffs on Chinese EVs in the US and Europe.

【Others】

ZEEKR unveiled the 007 GT, a shooting brake version of its 007 sedan, at CES 2025. It incorporates NVIDIA’s DRIVE Thor technology, with production slated for 2025. ZEEKR plans to launch three new BEVs by then. Nissan's Ariya SUV undergoes extreme weather testing to ensure performance in various conditions, reflecting its capability in cold environments. The 2025 model includes new features like a wireless charging pad and retains previous battery options. Lucid has become the first to earn the "Saudi Made" badge on its EVs, highlighting its role in Saudi Arabia's transition from oil. The company continues to grow in the US, with record deliveries in 2024 and the upcoming Gravity SUV featuring Panasonic's new batteries. Aptera revealed its production-intent solar EV, featuring solar panels capable of generating significant daily mileage. The vehicle is expected to start deliveries by the end of the year, with plans for a 400-mile range. Hyundai's first electric minivan, the Staria EV, was spotted without camouflage. Expected to feature an 84 kWh battery, the minivan will launch in overseas markets, including Europe, by 2026.