EV Daily | BYD Unveils 1,000 kW Charger, Challenges Tesla Amid Market Shifts

【Tesla】

John Krafcik, a veteran in the auto industry, criticized Tesla’s Cybercab project, suggesting it might not succeed and could be a "fake" launch in Austin. Tesla plans to launch a robotaxi service in Austin in June, using vehicles without human drivers. However, it falls short of delivering fully autonomous driving as promised for Tesla vehicles since 2016. Krafcik highlights Tesla's limitation by using only cameras instead of radar or lidar, impacting sensor cleanliness and functionality. Trump’s promotional event for Tesla did not significantly boost sales, as Tesla's inventory, especially for the Model Y, remains largely unchanged. Despite Trump's ad, Tesla continues to discount old Model Y models. In Germany, Tesla faces declining sales due to political issues, with a survey showing 94% of Germans unwilling to buy Tesla vehicles. Tesla's sales in Germany dropped sharply in 2024 and 2025, influenced by increased competition and dissatisfaction with CEO Elon Musk's political actions.

【BYD】

BYD is set to launch a new "Super e-Platform," introducing innovations in electric vehicle technology. The event will showcase a new ultra-fast 1,000 kW EV charger, doubling the power of current industry leaders. BYD is also preparing to open pre-sales for its new Han L and Tang L models, which are speculated to support high charging power atop the Super e-Platform.

【Others】

Honda's electric SUV, the 2025 Prologue, offers over 300 miles of range and improved features at competitive pricing, with financing and leasing options available. Kia unveiled its first electric van, the PV5, featuring a futuristic design and multiple configuration options. The PV5 offers significant range and fast charging capabilities, with sales beginning in 2025. BMW plans to launch the iX3 as part of its Neue Klasse lineup, promising enhanced range, charging speeds, and efficiency, aiming to boost EV sales significantly by 2030. Volkswagen faced a production cut for the ID.4 in the US due to anticipated lower demand and new tariffs impacting German brands.