EV Daily | Tesla Partners with Sunrun in Texas; NIO Hits 50M Battery Swaps; Ford Sets EV Range Record

【Tesla】 Tesla's electric utility division, Tesla Electric, has partnered with solar installer Sunrun to expand its user base in Texas, focusing on integrating solar energy with at-home batteries to enhance grid reliability and customer savings. The program allows Powerwall owners to actively trade electricity, providing a buffer against peak prices and generating income. The partnership has enrolled over 150 Sunrun customers in an aggregated power program, with plans to scale further. Tesla Electric customers in Texas have made substantial profits from the program, highlighting the financial benefits of solar integration. Tesla has terminated its marketing program with Costco in Taiwan, with CEO Elon Musk stating it was not approved. This decision reflects Musk's unpredictable management style and raises questions about Tesla's marketing strategies amid declining deliveries. Furthermore, Tesla's mission alignment under Musk's leadership has been questioned, impacting corporate sales. German firm Rossmann ceased purchasing Tesla vehicles due to Musk's actions and statements, highlighting potential impacts on Tesla's sales. 【NIO】 NIO has achieved a milestone of 50 million cumulative battery swaps, demonstrating the viability and preference for battery swapping among its customers. The company’s battery swap network in China includes 2,464 stations, indicating significant adoption of this technology. NIO claims battery swaps have provided substantial time and cost savings for its users compared to traditional public charging. 【Others】 Jeep is planning to launch an electric Gladiator truck, Wrangler, and Grand Cherokee models, although these won’t enter production until at least 2027. The Wagoneer S aims to attract new customers, competing with brands like Tesla. Rivian's Q2 2024 earnings report highlights significant cost-cutting measures and improvements in production efficiency, with the company expecting its first gross profit by the year's end. The introduction of new drive units and a partnership with Volkswagen are notable developments. Rivian’s R2 model, set to launch in 2026, has over 100,000 pre-orders, indicating strong market interest. Kia's EV4, initially unveiled as a sedan, will also be available as a hatchback. The EV4, part of Kia's low-cost EV lineup, is designed to offer a racecar-like feel with modern design elements. It will feature a new infotainment system and is expected to be produced in Slovakia for European distribution. The EV4 aims to be affordable, with a starting price anticipated to be lower than Kia’s EV3. Mercedes-Benz has received certification to test its Level 4 autonomous driving technology in Shanghai, making it the first international automaker to gain approval for such trials. This move aims to set Mercedes apart from local competitors like XPeng, which also plans to introduce Level 4 autonomous driving by 2025. SunPower has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to sell parts of its business to Complete Solaria for $45 million. Despite restructuring efforts, the company's financial challenges have led to this decision, marking the end of a significant player in the solar industry. Ford's Mustang Mach-E has set a new Guinness World Record by traveling over 569 miles on a single charge, showcasing the potential of EVs. This achievement emphasizes the improvements in battery efficiency and range capabilities. Velotric has introduced the Fold Lite, a lower-cost folding e-bike, along with upgraded "Plus" models of its existing bikes. The Fold Lite features a 500W motor and a maximum range of up to 48 miles. The new models, including the Discover 1 Plus and T1 ST Plus, offer enhanced features while maintaining affordability, catering to various user needs from commuting to recreational riding.