EV Daily | Tesla Faces Struggles as BYD's Seagull EV Gains Market Share with Affordable Innovations

【Tesla】

Elon Musk recently encouraged betting on Tesla’s Robotaxi service, but the odds of its success have greatly diminished, leading to significant financial losses for some investors. Tesla’s alleged launch of the Robotaxi service doesn’t meet market resolution criteria due to the presence of human supervisors in the vehicles. Betting markets show a low probability of Tesla launching unsupervised full self-driving soon. Despite Musk’s optimism, Tesla struggles with declining sales and market share, impacted by brand damage and competition, particularly in China and Europe. The Cybertruck has failed commercially, highlighting a lack of new vehicle launches. Musk’s focus on autonomous driving has stagnated Tesla’s EV programs. Political involvement and misinformation have alienated customers, further damaging Tesla’s reputation. Musk’s AI startup competes for talent with Tesla, leading to shareholder lawsuits. The company's financial health is deteriorating, with sales declining and regulatory credits reducing. Tesla’s potential return to profitability involves firing Musk, correcting past promises, expanding EV lineups, and considering lidar technology. Leadership changes could help regain talent and focus on innovation. Tesla needs to refresh its product lineup and improve PR and marketing strategies. Speculation about licensing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology to other automakers continues, but Ford dismisses Tesla’s approach, preferring Waymo’s lidar-based technology.

【BYD】

BYD has introduced a new variant of its Seagull EV, offering a longer range at an affordable price. The Seagull EV, now called Dolphin Surf in Europe, is a top seller in China and has reached one million units in production. BYD’s upgraded Seagull features intelligent driving assistance, increasing its competitiveness in the market. The Seagull’s success reflects BYD’s strategy of providing affordable EVs with advanced technology, contributing positively to its sales growth. Additionally, BYD’s electric MPV, the eMax 7, is set to compete with Kia’s upcoming models in India, showcasing BYD’s expanding product lineup.

【Others】

Dodge is recalling approximately 8,000 Charger Daytona EVs due to missing amplifier components responsible for exterior sound emission, failing to meet federal sound regulations for hybrid and electric vehicles. This recall highlights the challenges in the EV industry of incorporating features that cater to specific consumer expectations. Dodge’s efforts to replicate the muscle car experience through artificial engine noises have faced criticism. Kia’s PV5 electric van, part of its Platform Beyond Vehicle initiative, offers diverse configurations including passenger, cargo, and open bed models. The PV5 aims to redefine mobility solutions with advanced software and flexible design. Kia prepares to launch its Carens Clavis EV, a three-row electric SUV in India, featuring shared underpinnings with Hyundai’s Creta Electric, offering competitive battery packs and range. Joby Aviation advances its eVTOL technology, conducting piloted flights in the UAE. Collaborations with regional authorities aim to establish commercial air taxi services by 2026. Pebble begins deliveries of its Flow solar-electric travel trailer in the US. The Flow offers features like automated waste disposal and active propulsion, setting new standards in the RV industry. Geotab’s study shows medium and heavy-duty electric trucks are road-ready, with many routes suitable for electrification. Collaboration between fleet operators and utilities is essential for successful electrification. States like California and Illinois lead in commercial fleet electrification, aided by incentives and infrastructure development.