EV Daily | Tesla Faces Legal Challenges as EV Rivals Gain Ground in China and Worldwide Markets

【Tesla】

Elon Musk is hyping a new Full Self-Driving (FSD) update, claiming "less nag" and 10x higher parameters. Despite previous promises, Tesla's FSD requires driver supervision, and unsupervised self-driving remains distant. The update aims to justify recognizing deferred revenue from FSD package sales. The best data suggests Tesla achieves about 400-500 miles between critical disengagements, needing a 50x improvement for unsupervised self-driving. Additionally, Tesla's deliveries in China declined by 11.7% year-over-year in Q2, despite production and discount efforts. Tesla faces competition from Chinese EV makers offering advanced, affordable models.

Tesla's ride-hailing service, Revel, shutting down due to lack of profitability, sold its fleet of Tesla Model Ys. The service, similar to Tesla's Robotaxi app, struggled without achieving full autonomy. Tesla's small fleets of 10-20 vehicles make profitability challenging.

Following a $243 million ruling against Tesla in a wrongful death suit in Florida, similar legal challenges emerge in California and from shareholders. Tesla's legal troubles are expanding, raising concerns about brand impact.



【BYD】

Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, acknowledged that companies like BYD are major global players, as the automotive industry faces a crossroads. BYD is expanding into new segments with luxury SUVs, electric supercars, and super sedans.



【Li Auto】

Lei Jun, Xiaomi's CEO, recommended the XPeng G7, Li Auto i8, and Tesla Model Y for those needing a quick car purchase.



【Xpeng】

NIO's CEO claimed the L90 SUV is among China's top three best-selling large SUVs. NIO, Xpeng, and Li Auto are vying for market share against BYD, known for low-priced models.



【Others】

Xiaomi's YU7 electric SUV, with a longer driving range and more advanced tech than the Tesla Model Y, has seen high demand in China, with orders reaching 240,000 post-launch. The YU7's entry-level model offers a 519-mile range and is cheaper than the Tesla Model Y RWD. Despite long wait times, the YU7 is impacting Tesla Model 3 sales in China.

Mercedes' Vision V electric van concept showcases ultra-luxury features and is built on the VAN.EA architecture. The van, offering multiple configurations, will launch as the VLS and VLE in 2026. Mercedes aims to make vans desirable luxury vehicles, a strategy in line with Chinese market trends.

Lucid is teasing a new EV concept called "Gravity," likely an off-road variant, with its debut at Monterey Car Week. Lucid's Gravity Grand Touring, starting at $94,900, offers a range of up to 450 miles.

Blink Charging's new EV Totem concept combines car chargers with elevated screens for visibility, aiming to promote EV charging awareness. The EV Totem is available now, with initial units in service at Mountain View Village, Utah.

Hyundai's IONIQ 2, a smaller sibling to the IONIQ 5, is set to debut at the Munich Motor Show. Positioned between the Inster EV and Kona Electric, the IONIQ 2 will offer various battery options and share styling with Kia's EV2.

Lightship begins production of its AE.1 Cosmos Edition electric travel trailer. The AE.1, featuring proprietary TrekDrive, offers variants with different battery sizes, such as the AE.1 Atmos and Panos.

Ford announced a new Universal EV Platform aimed at affordable electric vehicles starting around $30,000. The platform involves a significant redesign for vehicle production, emphasizing efficiency and flexibility. Ford's mid-sized truck, based on this platform, will debut in 2027.

Hyundai and Kia are gaining momentum with new EV models like the IONIQ 9 and EV4, boosting sales. In Europe, Hyundai's low-cost Inster EV is the top-selling small electric car. Kia's EV3 leads in the UK market. Upcoming models include the IONIQ 2 and EV2, expected in 2026.

Greenlane's new electric truck corridor along I-10 connects Southern California to Phoenix, addressing gaps in freight infrastructure. Supported by Windrose Technology, the corridor aims to bolster long-haul electric trucking with high-speed charging facilities.