EV Daily | Tesla's Cybercab Spotted with Steering Wheel; BYD Tops Global EV Production in 2024

【Tesla】

Tesla's Cybercab, also referred to as a Robotaxi, was recently seen with a steering wheel, sparking speculation about its design intentions. Initially presented as a steering wheel-less vehicle for autonomous ride-hailing, it was later shown in a version with a wheel, likely for testing purposes. The development aligns with Elon Musk's claims of 'unsupervised self-driving trials,' though skepticism remains as Tesla's current tech relies on supervision. In 2024, BYD surpassed Tesla in production, becoming the world's largest EV maker by a slight margin, although Tesla led in global sales by 25,000 units.

【BYD】

BYD is significantly expanding its global presence, planning to open a large EV manufacturing plant in Indonesia by 2025 with a capacity of 150,000 vehicles annually to support exports. The expansion follows BYD's record sales of over 4.27 million NEVs and its success in Indonesia, where it leads the EV market. BYD sold more electric cars in Japan than Toyota in 2024 and plans to open new plants in various countries. The company is also launching new models across diverse segments. Its luxury model, the Denza Z9 GT, reached 10,000 deliveries rapidly, showcasing its performance with a tri-motor setup and extensive range.

【Others】

Hyundai has launched its electric SUV, the Creta Electric, in India, starting at over $20,000 with a range of nearly 300 miles. The Creta EV aims to leverage Hyundai's strong market presence, and the company plans to introduce more models in India by 2030.

Kia's EV6 GT, noted for its performance, is undergoing upgrades. Spotted in the US, the refreshed model offers improved features and a larger battery for extended range. The EV6 GT, with its affordable pricing and powerful performance, remains competitive in the sports EV segment.

UBCO, a New Zealand-based electric motorcycle maker, has entered receivership despite previous expansions and partnerships, notably with Australia Post. The company is known for its dual-purpose electric motorbikes, which are praised for their rugged performance across varied terrains.