EV Daily | BYD Tops in China & Europe, Tesla Faces Struggles in Canada, XPeng Launches AI-Driven EV

【Tesla】

Tesla's sales in Quebec fell 87% in Q1 2025, with only 524 vehicles delivered. Tesla faced accusations of filing questionable incentive requests worth $42 million CAD, adding to brand damage in Canada due to CEO Elon Musk's controversial political stances. Increased tariffs and higher prices further impacted sales. Tesla doesn’t plan to import more vehicles this quarter due to low demand. The aging lineup, reliance on Model Y, and brand issues contribute to the bleak outlook for Tesla in Canada.

【BYD】

BYD has become the top EV brand in China, surpassing Tesla in Europe for the first time in April. BYD sold 7,231 EVs in Europe and had its best sales week in China with nearly 68,000 vehicles sold. UBS survey places BYD as the top choice for EV brands in China. BYD's global expansion and price cuts in China are increasing pressure on Tesla.

【Xpeng】

XPeng Motors launched the MONA M03 Max in China at RMB 139,800 ($19,400), offering advanced AI-centric technologies at affordable prices. The MONA M03 Max features XPeng's proprietary AI Turing Smart Driving System with NVIDIA Orin X chipsets and ultra-HD sensors. It also includes XPeng's AI Tianji 5.7.0 Smart Cockpit with enhanced voice interaction capabilities.

【Others】

Chevy is rolling out affordable EVs like the Silverado, Equinox, and Blazer, with sales boosted by low interest rates and tax credits. Chevy sold 10,329 Equinox, 6,187 Blazer, and 2,383 Silverado EVs in Q1 2025. Chevrolet continues to offer competitive leasing deals.

【Others】

Voltpost has launched its first public lamppost EV charger in Oak Park, Illinois, retrofitting existing lampposts with modular Level 2 charging platforms. This sustainable approach aims to expand EV charging access in public spaces and private locations.

【Others】

Zoox partnered with Resorts World Las Vegas as its first official robotaxi provider, offering autonomous rides on the strip. Zoox's expansion into new cities includes a focus on improving perception systems for diverse weather conditions.

【Others】

Nissan offers buyouts at its Canton plant as part of its recovery plan amid slumping sales. The company plans to cut 20,000 jobs globally and delayed US EV production until 2028. Nissan aims to launch the upgraded LEAF and "Adventure Focused" SUV by 2027.

【Others】

Toyota is expanding its PHEV, hybrid, and EV lineup, aiming to increase plug-in hybrid sales to 20% by 2030. Toyota is focusing on increasing EV-only range in its PHEVs, such as the updated RAV4 PHEV with 50 miles EV range.

【Others】

A Swedish team crossed the Mediterranean in Candela's C-8 Polestar hydrofoil electric boat, showcasing the viability of clean maritime transport. The C-8's hydrofoils help reduce energy usage by 80%, proving electric boats' readiness for open sea challenges.