EV Daily | Tesla Tests Robotaxi Service in Austin; BYD Expands in Japan; GM Tops Canada EV Sales

【Tesla】

Tesla has begun testing its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, using self-driving Model Y cars without safety drivers for the past several days. CEO Elon Musk claims the testing is a month ahead of schedule, with plans to launch the service to paid customers next month. The service is expected to heavily rely on teleoperation, though the specifics remain unconfirmed. Concerns have been raised about Tesla not communicating parts of the planned rollout to local authorities, and comparisons to competitors like Waymo highlight differing approaches to safety and testing duration.

【BYD】

BYD is making strides in Japan, selling over 2,200 vehicles last year. The company is preparing to launch its first mini EV, anticipated to challenge Nissan, Honda, and Toyota. Priced at ¥2.5 million, the mini EV is expected to arrive in 2026. BYD's current offerings in Japan include the Atto 3 SUV, Dolphin, Seal, and the recently launched Sealion 7 midsize electric SUV. Additionally, BYD plans to introduce the E-Vali electric van in Europe, a large light commercial vehicle designed for delivery services, featuring a BYD Blade LFP battery and substantial cargo capacity.

【Others】

GM has surpassed Tesla as the top EV seller in Canada, with a substantial increase in sales driven by new Chevy and Cadillac models. The Chevy Equinox EV, Silverado EV, and Cadillac OPTIQ are among the top sellers. GM plans to expand its lineup with new models like the Cadillac Escalade IQL and next-gen Chevy Bolt EV.

The Genesis GV90 has been spotted in the US, showcasing its luxurious interior design and advanced technology features. The full-size SUV is expected to launch in mid-2026, further enhancing Genesis's luxury offerings with a focus on tech and sophisticated design.

KG Motors is generating buzz with its mibot mini EV in Japan, priced at ¥1 million. Designed for city travel, the single-seat EV offers a range of 100 km and is gaining traction with over 2,250 orders received. The company plans to produce 10,000 units annually, aiming to challenge the perception that EVs won't become popular in Japan.

Honda has enhanced its lease offers on the 2025 Honda Prologue EV, providing up to $16,500 in savings, including financing options. The Prologue, with an MSRP of $51,850, is now among Honda's best lease deals, indicating a strategic push to boost its EV market presence.

Toyota is expanding its electrified vehicle lineup, offering hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs. The company anticipates increased demand for PHEVs and plans to introduce several new EV models in the US by mid-2027. Toyota's forthcoming EVs include a three-row SUV and an updated Lexus ES sedan, supported by in-house battery production beginning soon in North Carolina.

NIO and ZEEKR have partnered to allow mutual access to their charging networks in China, enhancing charging accessibility for drivers. The collaboration brings together significant charging infrastructure from both brands, further advancing China's EV technology landscape.

Brazil is witnessing a surge in electric motorcycle sales, driven by environmental awareness and expanding infrastructure. Companies like VMoto and Yamaha are leading the shift, offering models tailored for urban use. The country's renewable energy grid supports this transition, positioning Brazil as a potential leader in electric mobility. By carefully addressing each brand's product developments and strategic initiatives, you can gain a comprehensive view of the current landscape in the automotive industry.