EV Daily | Tesla Faces Sales Drop in Germany; BYD's Seagull Expands to Europe; Nissan Secures Battery Deal

【Tesla】

Tesla is experiencing a significant drop in sales in Germany due to increasing competition and negative public perception of CEO Elon Musk's political actions. A survey manipulated by bots falsely indicated a high willingness to buy Tesla. Meanwhile, there are concerns about vandalism against Tesla, with accusations of coordination without evidence. Protests continue against Musk's leadership, with some groups exposing Tesla owners' information. Financial issues also plague Tesla, with a $1.4 billion accounting gap and missing funds raising concerns. Additionally, Trump administration officials are controversially promoting Tesla stocks despite their decline in value.

【BYD】

BYD's Seagull, its cheapest EV, is set to launch in Europe as the Dolphin Surf, offering advanced safety features. It's already a bestseller in China due to its affordability and technological features. Efforts to expand production in Mexico face delays due to concerns about technology transfer to the US. Despite these challenges, BYD's plans for international growth continue, including new markets and facilities.

【Others】

Nissan has secured a deal with SK On for 100 GWh of US-made EV batteries, supporting its North American production plans. This deal includes a $661 million investment and supports 1,700 jobs. The batteries will be used in upcoming models, including the next-gen LEAF and other electrified vehicles.

South Korea's largest EV fast-charging hub has been built at KINTEX, featuring 46 chargers. This development is part of Goyang's green infrastructure push.

Xiaomi's SU7 EV is gaining traction, with Hyundai reportedly testing it near its R&D center, suggesting interest in adopting successful Chinese tech.

Rivian debuts its R1S as a police cruiser in Palo Alto, marking its entry into law enforcement use with its impressive capabilities.

Chick-fil-A is piloting solar and battery storage microgrids at its California locations to enhance sustainability and reduce energy costs.