EV Daily | Tesla Expands in Middle East; BYD Launches Affordable SUV; Hyundai Offers Free NACS Adapters

【Tesla】

Tesla is planning an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to launch its vehicles in the region, marking its entry into a new market. Meanwhile, Tesla's Supercharger network has seen more brands gain access, including Hyundai and Kia, as the industry shifts to the NACS standard. The FBI has formed a task force to address violence against Tesla properties, labeled as domestic terrorism by the government. Tesla has faced challenges with its "Full Self-Driving" system in China, leading to a rollback and rebranding due to regulatory scrutiny. In Canada, Tesla has been banned from federal EV rebates amid investigation over rebate claims. The new Model Y Launch Edition is experiencing weak demand in the US, leading to immediate availability for most configurations, and Tesla's performance in Europe has declined with a 43% drop in deliveries.

【BYD】

BYD has launched its new Sealion 05 EV, a mass-market electric SUV featuring smart driving technology, long range, and a starting price of around $16,000. The company continues to expand internationally, setting ambitious sales targets, and is introducing nearly 20 new models in 2025. BYD's competitive pricing and in-house battery production contribute to its significant market presence.

【Others】

Hyundai has announced free Tesla NACS adapters for its EV customers, expanding access to the Supercharger network. The upcoming Insteroid EV concept, based on the popular Inster EV, will debut soon, featuring a sporty, muscular design. Rivian's R2 midsize SUV production remains on schedule for 2026, with ongoing expansion at its Illinois plant. Zenobē has reached a significant investment milestone in Scotland with its energy storage projects, enhancing the UK’s energy infrastructure. GM, Pilot, and EVgo continue to expand their EV charging network across the US, with a significant number of fast chargers already operational in 25 states. Toyota faces delays in its EV battery production plans in Japan, affecting its future EV lineup, while launching new models like the bZ3X in China.