EV Daily | Tesla Secures Permit for California Ride-Hailing, Moves Beyond Employee-Only Test Program

【Tesla】

Tesla has secured a permit in California to operate a ride-hailing service, but it is not for robotaxi operations. The service will use an internal fleet with drivers for pre-arranged trips. Contrary to rumors, the permit does not allow Tesla to operate unsupervised self-driving vehicles, as they have not applied for such a permit yet. The move is seen as a step to expand their ride-hailing test program beyond employees. Despite stock fluctuations, Tesla has yet to deliver on its long-promised customer-level robotaxi capabilities. Tesla is facing protests across the US, with many targeting CEO Elon Musk's perceived influence. The protests have escalated to vandalism, including arson attacks on Tesla vehicles. The FBI is investigating these incidents, and President Trump has suggested classifying them as domestic terrorism. Despite the disruptions, the protests are more impactful than violent actions, as Tesla can claim insurance for the damage. Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature has been marketed as enhancing vehicle value, but data shows Tesla vehicles depreciate more quickly compared to others in the market. Elon Musk previously claimed Tesla vehicles would appreciate due to autonomous driving capabilities, but over-the-air updates have not resulted in significant value increases. Recent data indicates Tesla vehicles lose value at a higher rate, and FSD's effectiveness is questioned, hindering its potential as a robust investment. Tesla's stock experienced a decline following lower car insurance registration numbers in China, indicating weaker sales compared to previous quarters. The company has adjusted its Model Y pricing strategy to manage demand, reintroducing 0% financing for the RWD version while increasing the AWD price. Tesla faces growing pressure from competitors like BYD and ZEEKR in China, impacting its market position.

【BYD】

BYD unveiled a new 1,000-volt EV platform allowing vehicles to recharge in five minutes with 1,000 kW rates, providing a comparable experience to traditional fuel stations. This advancement offers faster charging alternatives beyond battery swaps, enhancing convenience for EV users.

【NIO】

NIO has partnered with CATL to develop a standardized battery swap network, aiming to provide the largest and most advanced infrastructure for EVs. The collaboration focuses on unified battery standards and sharing technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in battery swaps, promoting greater adoption of EVs.

【Others】

Hyundai is promoting its upgraded IONIQ 5 with extended range and new features, including a free home charger for new EV purchases. This initiative is part of Hyundai's strategy to enhance user convenience and support EV adoption. Xiaomi Automotive has achieved rapid sales growth, reaching 200,000 EV deliveries in record time. The automaker is expanding production targets and plans to launch its second model soon, capitalizing on strong demand in China. Rivian is preparing for its new midsize R2 electric SUV production, aiming for a lower price point and expanding its production facilities. The R2 will feature advanced manufacturing techniques and aims to maintain Rivian's brand essence while offering a more affordable option. Volkswagen plans to launch its entry-level EV, the ID.1, as an affordable software-defined vehicle. The production is ahead of schedule due to collaboration with Rivian and will feature advanced software architecture for updates throughout its lifecycle.