Tesla explores re-entering the Indian market, and Rivian opens its charging network in the US | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
Tesla Is Exploring Re-entering the Indian Automobile Market Again
Key Points:
After several unsuccessful attempts to enter the Indian automobile market, Tesla is reportedly exploring re-entering. India is the largest automobile market that Tesla has not yet entered. Due to the high tariffs imposed by the Indian government on imported vehicles, Tesla has been struggling to enter the Indian market. The Indian government hopes that Tesla will set up a factory in the country, but Tesla prefers to establish the market through imported vehicles first and then invest in building a factory. Earlier this year, the Indian government made a compromise on automobile import tariffs, opening the door for Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers to enter the market. The agreement involves significantly reducing the import tariffs on a limited number of electric vehicles, provided that the automakers make significant investments and commitments to establishing electric vehicle factories in India in the coming years. Although there were indications that Tesla would accept this agreement, CEO Elon Musk canceled his trip to India at the last minute and instead went to China. But now there are new developments.
Tesla Model Y (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
Tesla is actively preparing to re-enter the Indian automobile market and plans to invest 2 to 3 billion US dollars to establish a new electric vehicle factory in India. This move not only shows Tesla's long-term commitment to the Indian market but also is in line with its global expansion strategy. The compromise of the Indian government on import automobile tariffs has paved the way for Tesla's market entry, and it is expected to change the competitive landscape of the local electric vehicle market, promote technological innovation, and bring economic growth and employment opportunities to India. Tesla needs to consider the price sensitivity of the Indian market and may launch more competitively priced models to adapt to the local market. At the same time, it can take advantage of the mature automotive industry base and convenient port facilities in some areas of India to promote the export of its products.
Costco and Electrify America Will Start Providing Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Services in Three States
Key Points:
Costco Wholesale has joined hands with Electrify America, the leading electric vehicle charging network in North America, to provide DC fast chargers for electric vehicle (EV) drivers at specific Costco store locations. This service has now been launched at Costco stores in three states, marking an important step for the two companies in promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
As the largest open DC fast charging network in the United States, Electrify America has more than 4,000 charging points in 47 states and the District of Columbia. With Tesla opening its Supercharger network to all electric vehicles, Electrify America is facing competition, but its signature neon green light charging stations are still widely distributed near major highways and popular stops such as restaurants and retail stores in the United States, providing convenience for electric vehicle drivers.
Costco and Electrify America (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
Costco Wholesale is an international wholesaler that focuses on providing high-quality, low-cost goods to its members. Through services at more than 790 locations worldwide, Costco is committed to providing the best shopping experience for its members. Electrify America is the leading electric vehicle charging network in North America and is committed to supporting the popularization of electric vehicles through its extensive charging station network. By installing chargers on major transportation routes and popular locations, Electrify America provides a convenient charging solution for electric vehicle drivers. Costco recognizes the charging needs of electric vehicle drivers when shopping and has collaborated with Electrify America to install several fast chargers at selected Costco locations. These chargers can provide a charging power of up to 350 kilowatts, allowing customers to charge their vehicles for the journey home while shopping. Although this service is currently available in only a few areas, Costco and Electrify America expect to expand this convenience to more locations in the future.
XPeng G6 and G9 Mid-Term Facelift Cancel the Laser Radar Configuration
Key Points:
According to the disclosure of Chinese regulatory documents, the electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng Motors is planning to carry out a major upgrade of its G6 and G9 SUV models. This upgrade includes a facelift and may abandon the laser radar sensor and instead adopt pure vision camera technology, similar to Tesla's technical route. XPeng Motors has been expanding its electric vehicle product line in domestic and foreign markets and enhancing its brand influence in new markets such as Europe. This facelift is part of XPeng Motors' continuous innovation and improvement of product competitiveness.
In early 2023, XPeng Motors began accepting orders for its flagship G9 SUV, which made its debut in the autumn of 2022. Subsequently, XPeng launched the G6 coupe SUV with a starting price of less than $30,000 in the Chinese market. The latest regulatory documents show that the facelift of these two models will no longer be equipped with a laser radar sensor but will adopt XPeng Motors' "Eagle Eye" pure vision technology.
XPeng G9 SUV (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
The "Eagle Eye" technology is XPeng Motors' new approach in the ADAS and autonomous driving field. This technology uses an advanced camera system that can collect visual information clearly and accurately with a wide coverage range. XPeng Motors claims that its camera technology can achieve "door-to-door" and "parking space-to-parking space" intelligent driving capabilities in urban or road conditions with limitations. According to the latest directory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, the three configuration versions of the G6 and G9 SUVs do not mention the laser radar sensor, indicating that XPeng Motors may fully adopt pure vision technology. The new G6 model is 5 millimeters longer than the existing version and is expected to abandon the dual-motor option and instead offer three single-motor variants. The G9 model remains the same in size and will continue to offer single-motor and dual-motor powertrain options.
XPeng Motors, like Tesla, is one of the few electric vehicle manufacturers that use pure vision cameras instead of laser radars. Although XPeng Motors has not officially confirmed that these facelift models will remove the laser radar, more detailed information is expected to be provided when the official release is made.
"Big Events"
Skoda Elroq Compact Electric SUV Enters the UK Market
Skoda Elroq is the Czech brand's first fully electric model in the strategically important compact SUV category, making its debut in the UK electric vehicle market. It is also the first model to adopt Skoda's new "Modern Solid" design language, which combines robustness, functionality, and authenticity. As the electric version of Karoq, Elroq offers the same recommended retail price as its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart. With its compact size, spacious interior, and excellent driving characteristics, Elroq is ideal for urban and suburban environments as well as outdoor adventure activities.
Skoda Elroq Electric SUV (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
The exterior of Elroq is characterized by its unique styling and clean lines, making it the first model to adopt Skoda's new "Modern Solid" design language. This design language reinterprets traditional Skoda design elements from a new perspective. The shiny black Tech-Deck front replaces the typical Skoda grille while still referencing familiar Skoda lines. The front of the new car is also characterized by a sturdy front bumper and unique dark chrome inserts, while the Skoda SUV's signature "four-eye" headlight design has been completely reinterpreted. Elroq is also the first model to feature Skoda lettering on both the hood and the steering wheel. Elroq has an excellent aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of only 0.26, thanks to a series of innovative design elements, enabling a top speed of 111 miles per hour.
Global EV Alliance Survey Shows That After Buying an Electric Vehicle, Almost Less Than 1% of Drivers Will Switch Back to Using a Fuel Vehicle
Tesla Model Y (Source: Electrek)
A new survey by the Global EV Alliance shows that more than 90% of electric vehicle (EV) owners plan to buy another electric vehicle after replacing their gasoline-powered cars. Only 1% of respondents said they would return to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This study collected data from more than 23,000 electric vehicle drivers from 18 different countries, including the United States, Canada, France, India, Brazil, etc. The survey found that electric vehicle drivers are more inclined to stick with the electric option rather than return to gasoline-powered cars. 92% of respondents plan to buy an EV again, while only 1% said they would return to a gasoline-powered car, and another 4% of respondents said they would choose a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). The biggest factor behind the decision is the lower operating cost (45%). Other main reasons include that electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly (40%), better for the local environment (32%), have good driving performance (21%), and have low maintenance costs (18%).
Stanford University Says Electric Vehicle Battery Lifespan May Be 40% Longer Than Expected
American Electric Vehicle (Source: Electrek)
A new study from the Stanford-SLAC Battery Center finds that real-world driving and charging habits could make the lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries longer than researchers previously thought. The study, published in the journal Nature Energy on December 9, suggests that real-world driving habits - such as stop-and-go traffic, highway driving, rapid urban trips, and significant periods of parking - could make the lifespan of EV batteries about one-third longer than previously expected. This means that the average EV owner may not need to replace their battery pack or upgrade to a new vehicle within a few years, saving money and extending the lifespan of their car.
Rivian Opens Its Charging Network to Non-Rivian Electric Vehicles
Rivian R1 SUV (Source: Electric CarsReport)
Rivian has announced plans to launch its first next-generation Rivian Adventure Network charging stations, which will be open to non-Rivian brand electric vehicles, allowing them to charge alongside Rivian's R1T pickup and R1S SUV. These stations are an important milestone in supporting the electrification of the entire transportation industry. Rivian's first next-generation site is the Joshua Tree Charging Outpost in California, which is now open to the public. This year, Rivian expects to open additional charging stations in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York.
"Cool Products"
Aston Martin Valhalla Production Version
Aston Martin Valhalla is the brand's first mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar. Valhalla is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine and a plug-in hybrid system composed of three electric motors, with a combined maximum power of 1079 horsepower (828 PS) and a maximum torque of 1100 Nm. The combined horsepower of the system reaches 1064 horsepower, the zero-to-hundred acceleration time is only 2.5 seconds, and the top speed can reach 350 km/h.
Aston Martin Valhalla (Source: Aston Martin)
Aston Martin Valhalla (Source: Aston Martin)
Valhalla is globally limited to 999 units and is expected to start delivery in the second half of 2025. In pure electric mode, Valhalla's maximum speed is 130 km/h, and the pure electric cruising range is 15 km. The design of Valhalla combines extreme performance and elegant proportions. It does not require car wings to increase downforce. The smooth body integrates functionality and aesthetics in a style that perfectly suits the new generation of mid-engine supercars. The interior design is inspired by F1, equipped with two screens and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and the steering wheel is inspired by the F1 racing car.
