EV Daily | Tesla's Cybercab Robotaxi Tests in Texas Amid Push for Unsupervised FSD by 2025

【Tesla】

Tesla's Cybercab robotaxi, lacking a steering wheel and pedals, has been spotted testing at Gigafactory Texas. Texas's relaxed autonomous driving regulations make it ideal for Tesla's testing. Although limited to supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD), Tesla aims for an unsupervised system with 600,000 miles between disengagements by Q2 2025. The company plans to launch Cybercab in 2026. Despite challenges, Tesla continues to avoid California's strict data reporting rules.

【BYD】

BYD is on track to surpass Ford in annual vehicle deliveries, achieving a significant milestone with 534,003 vehicles sold in October 2024. BYD has exceeded Tesla's quarterly revenue, with impressive profit margins of 21.9%. Its new Sealion 7 SUV, launched at the Paris Motor Show, is set to rival top EVs in Europe, featuring advanced design and technology. With plans to expand in Europe, BYD is rapidly growing its global presence, despite challenges in North America due to tariffs.

【Others】

The Ponie P2 electric motorbike is ready for production after extensive development. It features a large cargo space and a 6.7 kWh CATL battery for stable performance. The bike is designed for utility, with a range of 93 miles at city speeds. The Ponie P2 aims to replace larger cargo vehicles with its nimble design and is set to begin pilot programs with partners like DHL. Kia has launched the EV3 compact electric SUV in Europe, offering up to 375 miles of range. The EV3 is positioned to compete with leading models, featuring advanced technology and a spacious design. Priced competitively, it is available in Europe and will soon launch in the US. Kia aims to expand its EV lineup with the upcoming EV4. Zoox has expanded its robotaxi testing to San Francisco, following success in Foster City and Las Vegas. Zoox's vehicles are purpose-built for autonomous transport, lacking manual controls. Testing in San Francisco will begin with employee rides, with plans for broader operations. Zoox's Las Vegas operations have expanded to include the entire Strip area. Toyota plans to double its production in China by 2030, despite challenges in the local EV market. The company is focusing on leveraging local partnerships to boost sales and development speed. Toyota's strategy contrasts with other Japanese automakers retreating from the Chinese market. Hyundai is preparing to debut its IONIQ 9 electric SUV, following the popular IONIQ 5 and 6 models. The IONIQ 9 features a spacious design and advanced technology, targeting the large SUV market. It is expected to be built in the US, qualifying for tax incentives, with a debut scheduled for the LA Auto Show. China's EV sales reached a record 1.43 million units in October 2024, supported by government incentives and advanced technology. The country's NEV penetration is nearly 47%, with strong growth in both BEV and PHEV segments. The success of Chinese EVs highlights the potential for global adoption of affordable electric vehicles.