EV Daily | Tesla Faces Demand Woes Amid Leadership Shake-Up, GM EV Sales Surge in the US

【Tesla】

Elon Musk has taken over Tesla's North America and Europe sales amid a leadership shake-up. Tesla's production constraints are a thing of the past, yet demand problems persist, with Musk's controversial political involvement partly to blame. Omead Afshar, former sales overseer, was dismissed, and Musk attributes Tesla's sales woes to him. Zhu, leading Tesla operations in China, now oversees all Gigafactories. Despite new Model Y production, Tesla's sales are down 22,000 units year-to-date. Tesla's financial performance has been underwhelming, with expectations of continued poor delivery results for Q2. LFP battery production is set to start in Tesla's Nevada factory, set to aid Megapack production and avoid tariffs amid reliance on Chinese manufacturers. Yet, Tesla faces stiff competition from BYD and CATL in LFP cell production.

【Others】

Hyundai is seeing a boost in its U.S. sales with the launch of the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9. Hyundai's new EV plant in Georgia aims to capitalize on this momentum. The IONIQ 5 offers competitive lease prices and NACS charging compatibility, making it an attractive EV option. Hyundai's expansion includes plans for the IONIQ 2, expected to debut in 2026, featuring the Pleos software platform, enhancing user experience. Kia's EV4 hatchback, now available in the UK, offers an impressive range and advanced features on the E-GMP platform. Ridley's E-ASTR gravel e-bike, powered by TQHPR40 motor, offers a lightweight electric assist option for riders. Ford's EV sales dropped significantly in Q2, with recalls affecting the Mustang Mach-E and supply issues impacting overall sales, though Ford plans to revitalize its lineup with affordable models. GM's EV sales, led by the Chevy Equinox EV, doubled in Q2, making it the fastest-growing EV brand in the US. The Chevy Equinox EV's affordability and range contribute to its success, positioning GM as a dominant player in the EV market.