EV Daily | Tesla Expands Supercharger Network and Shifts Strategy with Cybercab Unveil
Thursday, Nov 28, 2024 7:00 am ET
2min read 【Tesla】
Tesla is enhancing its Supercharger network with longer cables to accommodate non-Tesla EVs, improving stall availability by updating its software and site designs. Tesla's new software now accurately estimates stall availability, marking stalls as occupied if a non-Tesla vehicle blocks them. Tesla plans to have more long cables within 18 months and encourages automakers to standardize charge port positions. Tesla has introduced a direct charge port defrosting option in its latest software update, allowing selected vehicle models to specifically activate the charge port heater. This aims to mitigate freezing issues experienced in cold weather, previously addressed by broader defrosting functions. Tesla now offers lease buyouts across its vehicle range, diverging from earlier plans of retaining vehicles for a robotaxi fleet. This change indicates a shift from Tesla's prior autonomous vehicle ambitions due to ongoing challenges in achieving full self-driving capabilities. Tesla's new lease-end policy applies to all models, except in Iowa and Louisiana, with a $350 purchase fee. Tesla unveiled the Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle without steering controls, intended for release before 2027. The Cybercab, along with a pivot from existing models as robotaxis, illustrates Tesla's evolving strategy in autonomous mobility. This shift responds to the slow progress in achieving full autonomy, originally envisioned for Tesla’s fleet.
【BYD】
BYD is expanding its market reach in Europe with new models after surpassing Nissan and Honda in global deliveries. The company is pushing aggressively into the price war in China, suggesting a focus on maintaining competitiveness while ramping up production. BYD's leaked email indicates planned supplier price cuts to intensify the price war. Despite most sales occurring in China, BYD aims to double exports and expand globally.
【Xpeng】
Volkswagen and Stellantis have partnered with Chinese brands Xpeng and Zhejiang Leapmotor to jointly develop new electric vehicles, signaling increased international collaboration to bolster EV development and market presence.
【Others】
Hyundai is updating its IONIQ 6 with a refreshed design, potentially integrating new ADAS features and a bigger battery for extended range. The updated model is expected to maintain its starting price. Hyundai's IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 models are adopting Tesla's NACS port, enhancing compatibility with Tesla Superchargers. Genesis is set to launch its luxury GV90 electric SUV, with features such as coach doors and advanced interior technology. The GV90 aims to compete with high-end brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Production prototypes are being developed for public road testing. Ford plans significant job cuts in Germany, indicating a strategic shift amid slow EV demand and increased competition. This move has sparked backlash, with threats to its operations in Cologne. Ford aims to focus on smaller, profitable EVs with a new platform, although production won’t start until 2027. Maxeon Solar Technologies is refocusing on the US market and putting its Albuquerque solar cell factory plans on hold. The company is selling international assets to TCL Group and aims to start manufacturing in Albuquerque by 2026. Maxeon faces scrutiny over its supply chain amid US Customs and Border Protection concerns.
Tesla is enhancing its Supercharger network with longer cables to accommodate non-Tesla EVs, improving stall availability by updating its software and site designs. Tesla's new software now accurately estimates stall availability, marking stalls as occupied if a non-Tesla vehicle blocks them. Tesla plans to have more long cables within 18 months and encourages automakers to standardize charge port positions. Tesla has introduced a direct charge port defrosting option in its latest software update, allowing selected vehicle models to specifically activate the charge port heater. This aims to mitigate freezing issues experienced in cold weather, previously addressed by broader defrosting functions. Tesla now offers lease buyouts across its vehicle range, diverging from earlier plans of retaining vehicles for a robotaxi fleet. This change indicates a shift from Tesla's prior autonomous vehicle ambitions due to ongoing challenges in achieving full self-driving capabilities. Tesla's new lease-end policy applies to all models, except in Iowa and Louisiana, with a $350 purchase fee. Tesla unveiled the Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle without steering controls, intended for release before 2027. The Cybercab, along with a pivot from existing models as robotaxis, illustrates Tesla's evolving strategy in autonomous mobility. This shift responds to the slow progress in achieving full autonomy, originally envisioned for Tesla’s fleet.
【BYD】
BYD is expanding its market reach in Europe with new models after surpassing Nissan and Honda in global deliveries. The company is pushing aggressively into the price war in China, suggesting a focus on maintaining competitiveness while ramping up production. BYD's leaked email indicates planned supplier price cuts to intensify the price war. Despite most sales occurring in China, BYD aims to double exports and expand globally.
【Xpeng】
Volkswagen and Stellantis have partnered with Chinese brands Xpeng and Zhejiang Leapmotor to jointly develop new electric vehicles, signaling increased international collaboration to bolster EV development and market presence.
【Others】
Hyundai is updating its IONIQ 6 with a refreshed design, potentially integrating new ADAS features and a bigger battery for extended range. The updated model is expected to maintain its starting price. Hyundai's IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 models are adopting Tesla's NACS port, enhancing compatibility with Tesla Superchargers. Genesis is set to launch its luxury GV90 electric SUV, with features such as coach doors and advanced interior technology. The GV90 aims to compete with high-end brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Production prototypes are being developed for public road testing. Ford plans significant job cuts in Germany, indicating a strategic shift amid slow EV demand and increased competition. This move has sparked backlash, with threats to its operations in Cologne. Ford aims to focus on smaller, profitable EVs with a new platform, although production won’t start until 2027. Maxeon Solar Technologies is refocusing on the US market and putting its Albuquerque solar cell factory plans on hold. The company is selling international assets to TCL Group and aims to start manufacturing in Albuquerque by 2026. Maxeon faces scrutiny over its supply chain amid US Customs and Border Protection concerns.
