XCMG Group showcases equipment equipped with BYD's battery swap technology, and the sales proportion of pure electric vehicles in Norway reaches a new historical high | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
XCMG Displays Electric Heavy Equipment with BYD Battery Swap Technology
Key Points: XCMG Group presents its electric heavy equipment with BYD's battery swap technology at the upcoming CES exhibition. This technology enables heavy trucks and construction machinery to swap BYD-developed 400 kWh battery packs in just three minutes, with a charging speed comparable to that of diesel vehicles.
XCMG is one of China's largest construction machinery manufacturers, and the launch of this new product marks its leading position in the field of electric heavy equipment. XCMG's electric equipment is not limited to off-road and heavy-duty equipment; its replaceable BYD batteries are also used in on-road trucks.
At last month's Bauma China exhibition, XCMG showcased its latest electric equipment, including the updated 85-ton autonomous electric mining truck ZNK95. This truck features a cockpit-less design and does not require an operator to be present. Its dedicated permanent magnet synchronous electric drive system can output 800 kW (1070 horsepower) and 22,000 Nm (16,200 lb-ft) of torque.
XCMG Autonomous ZNK95 Truck and XE1600H Hybrid Excavator (from International Mining)
The advantage of the autonomous driving solution is to remove the operator from extreme and dangerous environments. XCMG Group stated that its new electric heavy equipment can operate in high-altitude and extremely cold environments with temperatures as low as -40°C, a temperature at which most diesel vehicles cannot start. Even in these extreme climate conditions, XCMG's equipment can complete tasks through an autonomous driving system that integrates a variety of cutting-edge technologies such as environmental perception, decision planning, vehicle control, and communication. The ZNK95 truck has been put into use in a large open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia, China, which adopts XCMG's comprehensive unmanned and electrified construction solution.
The company said that when all ZNK95 orders are delivered by 2026, the mine will reduce harmful carbon emissions by 149,000 tons per year compared to using diesel trucks. In addition, XCMG's battery swap technology is produced in a joint venture factory with BYD, using BYD's blade battery cells, and has been widely used in the Chinese market. More than 1,500 electric devices with battery swap capabilities (such as the XG2 EX630S cab truck) have been delivered and put into use in China.
Opinion: The electric heavy equipment and battery swap technology presented by XCMG not only demonstrate its innovation ability in the electrification field but also set a new benchmark for the global construction machinery industry. The fast charging capability of the battery swap technology solves the problem of insufficient battery life of traditional electric equipment, making electric heavy equipment more competitive in practical applications. From a global perspective, XCMG's leading position in the field of electric heavy equipment reflects the rapid development of China's electrification technology.
Compared with traditional diesel equipment, electric equipment can not only significantly reduce carbon emissions but also maintain efficient operation in extreme environments, which is of great significance for promoting global sustainable development. However, the promotion of electric heavy equipment still faces some challenges, such as infrastructure construction, cost issues, and market acceptance. In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and policy support, electric heavy equipment is expected to be more widely used globally. XCMG's successful experience also provides a valuable reference for other enterprises, promoting the green transformation and innovative development of the entire industry.
LG Displays AI Truck Concept at CES 2025
Key Points: LG Electronics presents an innovative "Mobility Lifestyle Solution" concept vehicle at CES 2025, extending LG's AI home convenience and comfort to the mobile space. The concept vehicle, named "Lifestyle Solution for Mobility," introduces LG's Mobility Experience (MX) platform, integrating LG's smart living solutions to bring a new lifestyle experience to users. LG's MX platform combines LG's innovative home appliance hardware and AI technology through a modular packaging system, transforming the vehicle's interior space into an adaptable environment. This space can not only serve as an extension of the home but also as a private media lounge or creative studio, providing potential customers with abundant "space-as-experience" opportunities.
The MX platform features a dual-cabin design: the front cabin is the driver's cabin, and the rear cabin is a customizable experience space. Users can configure this multifunctional space in different forms according to their needs, such as dividing it into multi-functional areas or transforming it into a highly personalized creative studio, business lounge, or leisure and hobby area. The modular design allows the rear cabin to be equipped with various home appliances, and users can choose the combination according to their own needs and preferences. LG plans to offer the MX platform as a subscription service to make it accessible to a wider audience. The MX platform is supported by LG's AI home solution ThinQ ON, allowing users to customize the in-vehicle environment and enjoy lifestyle services such as daily schedule management and information briefings. In addition, other services from external suppliers, such as food and beverage ordering, laundry, and hotel reservations, can be integrated to further expand and enrich the user experience.
"Mobility Lifestyle Solution" Concept Vehicle (from electriccarsreport)
At LG's booth at CES 2025, visitors can explore the "Mobility Lifestyle Solution" experience space of the MX platform. This will showcase highly customizable space solutions and mobility lifestyle solutions, showcasing LG's cutting-edge home appliances and Internet of Things devices, providing a fresh preview of the future of mobility and connected hybrid living spaces. In addition, LG, in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, will launch the innovative Cross Domain Controller (xDC) platform at CES 2025. This platform is based on Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon Ride Flex system-on-chip (SoC) and pre-integrates the Snapdragon Ride autonomous driving stack and computer vision, integrating LG's in-vehicle infotainment system and advanced driver assistance system into a single controller. The xDC platform will redefine vehicle performance and enhance the mobility experience.
Opinion: LG's AI truck concept presented at CES 2025 not only demonstrates its strength in technological innovation but also provides new ideas for the future of mobility lifestyles. By extending the convenience and comfort of AI homes to vehicles, LG has successfully transformed vehicles from simple means of transportation into a multifunctional living space. This transformation not only enhances the user's driving experience but also points the direction for the development of the automotive industry. With the continuous progress of technology, consumers' demands for vehicles are also constantly changing. The traditional concept of transportation is gradually being broken, and vehicles are no longer just a means of moving from point A to point B but have become an indispensable part of people's lives.
LG's MX platform and the xDC platform in collaboration with Qualcomm are in line with this trend, providing users with a more intelligent and personalized driving experience by integrating advanced AI technology and in-vehicle systems. However, to realize this vision, some challenges need to be overcome. For example, how to ensure the stability and safety of the system, how to meet the personalized needs of different users, and how to reduce the cost of related technologies. Only by solving these problems can the seamless connection between vehicles and life be truly achieved, providing users with a more convenient and comfortable lifestyle. In the future, with the continuous maturity of technology and the expansion of the market, we have reason to believe that LG's innovative concept will bring more possibilities to the automotive industry.
Norway's Electric Vehicle Market Continues to Expand, with Pure Electric Vehicle Sales Share Reaching a Record High in 2024
Key Points: Registration data in Norway shows that an astonishing 90% of new cars sold in the country in 2024 are pure electric vehicles, further consolidating its leading position in the global electric vehicle market. This significant figure puts Norway on track to achieve its ambitious goal of only adding electric vehicles to its roads by 2025. According to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), the share of pure electric vehicles in the new car market reached 88.9% in 2024, a significant increase from 82.4% in the previous year. Tesla emerged as the best-selling brand with an absolute advantage, followed by Volkswagen and Toyota. It is worth noting that Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have also made significant progress, currently accounting for nearly 10% of new car sales.
The top 10 best-selling passenger cars in Norway in 2024 are as follows:
Tesla Model Y: 16,858 units
Tesla Model 3: 7,264 units
Volvo EX30: 7,229 units
Volkswagen ID.4: 7,222 units
Toyota bZ4X: 6,007 units
Škoda Enyaq: 4,610 units
Nissan Ariya: 3,772 units
Volkswagen ID.3: 3,634 units
Audi Q4 e-tron: 3,449 units
Hyundai Kona Electric: 3,278 units
Christina Bu, the head of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, said: "Norway is on track to become the first country in the world to almost completely eliminate gasoline and diesel vehicles in the new car market." This significant shift is attributed to Norway's strategic approach. The country imposes high taxes on gasoline and diesel vehicles while providing substantial incentives for electric vehicles, including exemption from import duties and value-added tax. Despite the reintroduction of some taxes in 2023, the overall policy framework has remained consistent across different governments, contributing to its success. Bu explained: "In other countries, tax incentives and exemptions are often implemented and then suddenly cancelled." The European Union has stipulated a ban on the sale of carbon dioxide-emitting vehicles by 2035, but Norway's proactive policies have already achieved practical results. In 2024, the number of pure electric vehicles on Norwegian roads exceeded that of traditional gasoline vehicles, accounting for more than 28% of all vehicles in operation, according to the Public Roads Administration.
Opinion: Norway's performance in the electric vehicle market is remarkable, and its successful experience provides valuable lessons for other countries around the world. By implementing a series of powerful policy measures, such as imposing high taxes on traditional fuel vehicles while providing tax incentives for electric vehicles, Norway has successfully promoted the popularization and development of electric vehicles. The consistency and coherence of this policy are one of the key factors for its success. In addition, Norway's electric vehicle market also shows the maturity of electric vehicle technology and the high recognition of electric vehicles by consumers. The success of brands such as Tesla lies not only in their advanced technology and excellent performance but also in their brand influence and consumer trust in the market. The rise of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in the Norwegian market also indicates that the competitive landscape of the global electric vehicle market is changing, and emerging market brands are gradually emerging. However, to achieve the full popularization of electric vehicles, some challenges still need to be addressed, such as the improvement of charging infrastructure, the further improvement of battery technology, and the reduction of costs. In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and the continuous support of policies, the electric vehicle market is expected to achieve more extensive development globally. Governments and enterprises around the world should strengthen cooperation to jointly promote the sustainable development of the electric vehicle industry and contribute to achieving global sustainable development goals.
"Big Events"
Electric Porsche Macan Receives Five-Star Rating in Euro NCAP Test
The electric version of the Porsche Macan has received the highest five-star rating in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) test. This four-door sports car performed outstandingly in all test items and received top scores. To ensure the high safety level of its vehicles, Porsche continuously develops and tests new assistance systems, whose performance far exceeds legal requirements. In the Euro NCAP test, the electric Macan proved to be one of the safest models in 2024. Approximately 150 developers, engineers, and test personnel were involved in the development and integration of the new Macan's safety assistance systems, and the development process lasted about three years.
Björn Kern, an expert in Porsche's active safety systems, said: "In the development of these systems, Porsche always goes far beyond the minimum legal requirements to optimize safety." For example, in the Macan, the emergency braking assistance system processes data from the front camera, central radar, and front corner radar. The legal minimum requirement only requires a front camera. The combination of radar and camera expands the field of view and significantly extends the area of effect. With this system, the Macan is able to function in complex situations, such as in the dark, when pedestrians appear from blind spots, or when turning at intersections.
Electric Porsche Macan (from electriccarsreport)
Kern said: "The biggest challenge is to build trust in the system. You only notice them when it's almost too late and a critical situation is about to occur." The upgrade strategy of the assistance system is that the vehicle initially issues a warning, and the driver can still respond. If the driver does not intervene, the assistance system will automatically brake to reduce the consequences of a collision or completely avoid a collision. Euro NCAP emphasizes: "In the response tests with other vehicles, the performance of the automatic emergency braking system (AEB) is sufficient. Collisions were avoided in several tests." The test also positively emphasized the protective effect of the system on pedestrians and cyclists. The lane departure warning and lane change assistance systems also represent significant safety gains. These two systems together improve safety, especially on highways.
Another innovation is the off-vehicle warning system, which provides a visual reminder for road users approaching from the rear at all exits. If there is a risk of a collision, such as with a cyclist, the assistance system delays the opening of the door to minimize the danger. Fatigue and distraction also often cause accidents. The rest recommendation suggests a break when the driver shows signs of fatigue. This recommendation is based on the analysis of driving and lane behavior. In the future, the camera system inside the vehicle will be able to detect microsleep or visual distraction, thereby further improving safety. Despite the innovative assistance systems, the responsibility still lies with the driver.
During the Euro NCAP test, the vehicle spends approximately six to eight weeks on the test track, in the laboratory, and on the road. Four of the six test vehicles were destroyed in the crash test. The safety assistance systems are tested in high-precision, robot-assisted driving tests. Here, the Macan achieved an impressive score of 78%. Euro NCAP rated the protection of vulnerable road users at 83% and the protection of occupants and children at 90% each.
City of Hamburg, Germany Orders 350 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Electric Buses for Zero-Emission Public Transport
The public transport operator Hamburger Hochbahn AG in the German city of Hamburg has recently ordered 350 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses from Daimler Buses to be used in the city's zero-emission public transport system. This move marks an important step for Hamburg towards achieving sustainable transportation. The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric bus has received high praise from Hamburg for its low total cost of ownership (TCO) and ease of maintenance. These buses are equipped with a 98 kWh battery pack and can be configured with different specifications of 294 kWh, 392 kWh, 490 kWh, or 588 kWh according to operational needs. This enables the buses to meet the range requirements of different routes while ensuring the efficiency and economy of operations.
