EV Daily | Tesla's Cybertruck Backlog, BYD's Affordable Seal EV, and Industry Innovations in Charging and Pricing
Friday, Aug 9, 2024 4:00 am ET
【Tesla】
Tesla is rapidly processing its backlog of over 1 million Cybertruck reservations. Despite significant reservations, the lower deposit amount and higher price of the production version may deter some buyers. Currently, Tesla offers a "Foundation Series" that combines all options, priced significantly higher than the initial reservations. Despite only selling the dual and tri-motor versions, new reservation holders are being contacted to convert their reservations. Issues in finding enough buyers for the $100,000 trucks have emerged, leading to plans for a cheaper version and market expansion.Tesla's Model 3 Highland was launched almost a year ago in China, and the new Model 3 Performance followed in June. Additionally, Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) is becoming the universal EV plug standard, with ChargePoint introducing the Omni Port technology that combines J1772 and NACS ports.Tesla has faced controversy over Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, as it has recruited over a dozen Tesla employees, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and misuse of Tesla resources. Tesla shareholders are suing for breach of fiduciary duty.
【BYD】
BYD launched the 2025 Seal EV, a Model 3 competitor, starting at $24,500, undercutting the Model 3 by nearly $10,000 in China. The upgraded Seal EV features improved range, power, faster charging, advanced software, and LiDAR for new ADAS capabilities. The interior is revamped with a driver display screen, physical buttons, and a 15.6" rotating infotainment screen. The new Seal EV comes in four trims, with the highest priced at $33,500, and features ranges from 317 miles to 404 miles CLTC.
【Others】
Volkswagen has introduced significant lease discounts for the 2024 ID.4, lowering its effective monthly lease cost to $316, making it a competitive option against Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.Kia's EV3 is generating buzz in the US ahead of its official debut, with a starting price of around $30,700 in Korea and expected to be built in Mexico for the US market. The EV3 will be eligible for a federal tax credit, potentially reducing its price to approximately $25,000.Automobili Pininfarina is showcasing its Batman-themed hypercar, the B95 Gotham, at Monterey Car Week. This one-of-one BEV features 1,900 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time under two seconds, with luxury elements inspired by the Batman franchise.ChargePoint introduced "Omni Port" technology, ensuring all EV drivers can use their charging stations regardless of plug type, eliminating the need for adapters and dedicated charging spaces.Jeep's Wagoneer S, its first fully electric SUV, is undergoing cold-weather testing in New Zealand and is set to launch in the US and Canada by the end of the year, with a starting price of $71,995.Windrose, a Chinese heavy truck manufacturer, plans to build a new assembly plant in the US to avoid tariffs and expand its market, focusing on its all-electric Class 8 trucks featuring advanced charging capabilities and a low drag coefficient.Volvo's EX90 has experienced a price hike, now starting at over $81,000, due to higher material costs. The EX90, despite missing some key features at launch, is expected to receive updates to include them later.Peace Vans has launched customizable campervan conversions for the VW ID. Buzz in the US, with options ranging from a full mobile home setup to a chef's kitchen, available for delivery starting November 2024.
Tesla is rapidly processing its backlog of over 1 million Cybertruck reservations. Despite significant reservations, the lower deposit amount and higher price of the production version may deter some buyers. Currently, Tesla offers a "Foundation Series" that combines all options, priced significantly higher than the initial reservations. Despite only selling the dual and tri-motor versions, new reservation holders are being contacted to convert their reservations. Issues in finding enough buyers for the $100,000 trucks have emerged, leading to plans for a cheaper version and market expansion.Tesla's Model 3 Highland was launched almost a year ago in China, and the new Model 3 Performance followed in June. Additionally, Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) is becoming the universal EV plug standard, with ChargePoint introducing the Omni Port technology that combines J1772 and NACS ports.Tesla has faced controversy over Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, as it has recruited over a dozen Tesla employees, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and misuse of Tesla resources. Tesla shareholders are suing for breach of fiduciary duty.
【BYD】
BYD launched the 2025 Seal EV, a Model 3 competitor, starting at $24,500, undercutting the Model 3 by nearly $10,000 in China. The upgraded Seal EV features improved range, power, faster charging, advanced software, and LiDAR for new ADAS capabilities. The interior is revamped with a driver display screen, physical buttons, and a 15.6" rotating infotainment screen. The new Seal EV comes in four trims, with the highest priced at $33,500, and features ranges from 317 miles to 404 miles CLTC.
【Others】
Volkswagen has introduced significant lease discounts for the 2024 ID.4, lowering its effective monthly lease cost to $316, making it a competitive option against Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.Kia's EV3 is generating buzz in the US ahead of its official debut, with a starting price of around $30,700 in Korea and expected to be built in Mexico for the US market. The EV3 will be eligible for a federal tax credit, potentially reducing its price to approximately $25,000.Automobili Pininfarina is showcasing its Batman-themed hypercar, the B95 Gotham, at Monterey Car Week. This one-of-one BEV features 1,900 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time under two seconds, with luxury elements inspired by the Batman franchise.ChargePoint introduced "Omni Port" technology, ensuring all EV drivers can use their charging stations regardless of plug type, eliminating the need for adapters and dedicated charging spaces.Jeep's Wagoneer S, its first fully electric SUV, is undergoing cold-weather testing in New Zealand and is set to launch in the US and Canada by the end of the year, with a starting price of $71,995.Windrose, a Chinese heavy truck manufacturer, plans to build a new assembly plant in the US to avoid tariffs and expand its market, focusing on its all-electric Class 8 trucks featuring advanced charging capabilities and a low drag coefficient.Volvo's EX90 has experienced a price hike, now starting at over $81,000, due to higher material costs. The EX90, despite missing some key features at launch, is expected to receive updates to include them later.Peace Vans has launched customizable campervan conversions for the VW ID. Buzz in the US, with options ranging from a full mobile home setup to a chef's kitchen, available for delivery starting November 2024.