BYD's world's largest car ro-ro ship launched, Volkswagen plans to expand $5.8 billion to strengthen cooperation with Rivian | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
Volkswagen Plans to Expand $5.8 Billion Partnership with Electric Vehicle Partner Rivian
Key Points:
On Friday, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume hinted at expanding the electric vehicle partnership with Rivian, causing Rivian (RIVN) stocks to rise. Blume claims that Volkswagen can provide a "huge opportunity" for Rivian. Since the establishment of the "Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technology LLC" joint venture between the two parties in November last year, Volkswagen has been planning to expand the cooperation. Blume disclosed to the German media "Der Spiegel" that Volkswagen considers sharing modules and integrating procurement volumes with Rivian, and Volkswagen has planned to invest up to $5.8 billion for this cooperation. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe considers this a "meaningful financial opportunity".
Rivian (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
Currently, the cooperation between the two parties mainly focuses on software support. Rivian uses its software expertise to develop a new electric vehicle architecture to drive new software-defined electric vehicles (SDV). Rivian's existing platform and software stack consists of seven control units, while Volkswagen models generally have more than 100. The next step for the two parties may be to deepen the cooperation through joint procurement, and this architecture aims to reduce costs and increase efficiency. It is reported that the new ultra-luxurious three-row Porsche electric SUV with the code "K1" and the successor model of the electric Golf will be the first to apply this new architecture.
BYD Launches the World's Largest Automobile Ro-Ro Ship to Realize Its Global Electric Vehicle Ambition
Key Points:
BYD has achieved remarkable results and made continuous moves in the field of new energy vehicles. In terms of the launch of new ships, the new ro-ro ship "BYD Shenzhen" officially left the port. It can carry 9,200 vehicles and is the world's largest car carrier. It is also the fourth ro-ro ship launched by BYD since 2024. The previous "BYD Explorer 1", "BYD Changzhou" and "BYD Hefei" have a carrying capacity of 7,000 vehicles each, and each has its own operational progress. In terms of sales performance, BYD's new energy vehicle sales reached 4.25 million units last year, an increase of more than 40% compared to 2023, covering a variety of models. It is expected that the sales will exceed global automotive giants such as Ford, Honda and Nissan.
BYD Hefei (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
In terms of overseas expansion, BYD is helping its overseas business by launching multiple ro-ro ships, such as the "BYD Hefei" that set sail last week carrying 5,000 new energy vehicles. BYD claims that it will accelerate the internationalization process of China's new energy vehicles. This series of actions demonstrates BYD's determination and strength to actively promote the overseas expansion strategy with its excellent sales performance, and is expected to further increase its global market share in 2025. It not only promotes the internationalization of China's new energy vehicle industry, but also may affect the global automotive industry pattern.
Dodge Ram Abandons the Plan for an Electric Pickup with a Range of Over 800 Kilometers (500 Miles)
Key Points:
There is a major adjustment in the model planning of the Ram brand. The highly anticipated long-range version of the Ram 1500 REV electric pickup project has been cancelled. The model was originally planned to be equipped with a 229 kWh battery and have a range of more than 500 miles (about 804.67 kilometers). Stellantis informed the suppliers to suspend the production plan of this long-range version and asked the suppliers to stop related activities and expenditures. The Ram 1500 REV electric pickup was launched in 2023 and was originally planned to have two battery versions, of which the 168 kWh standard battery has a range of about 350 miles (about 563.27 kilometers). In addition, the launch time of the Ram all-electric pickup has been postponed from the end of 2024 to 2026. Currently, the company is focused on the plug-in hybrid pickup Ramcharger to be launched in the first half of 2025, which is driven by a 92 kWh battery and a 3.6-liter V6 engine, with a target range of 690 miles (about 1110.43 kilometers).
Ram Electric Pickup (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
In terms of sales and brand dynamics, Stellantis performed poorly in the US market last year, with an overall sales decline of 15%. The sales of its brands such as Ram, Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler in the US in 2024 were significantly lower than the previous year. In addition, earlier this week, Stellantis' Chrysler shelved the highly anticipated electric crossover project, while the first batch of Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona EVs finally arrived at US dealerships.
"Big Events"
An Order of 3,500 Units Makes BT the Largest Commercial Electric Vehicle Fleet in the UK
BT Group, a British telecommunications provider and one of the largest commercial vehicle operators in the UK, with a total fleet size of over 27,000 vehicles, has committed to adding 3,500 electric vehicles to its commercial truck and van fleet in the next two years, making the total number of electric vehicles reach 8,000 and creating the largest electric vehicle fleet in the UK.
BT Fleet (Source: Electrek)
It plans to achieve a complete net-zero emission by 2031 and electrify all (or almost all) vehicles within the next five years. Company executives believe that the new electric vehicles from brands such as Ford, Stellantis, Toyota and Renault will help upgrade the full-fiber network for British residents.
BT Group Chief Financial Officer Simon Lowes said that increasing the use of electric vehicles is of great significance in reducing the carbon footprint and supporting the UK's transition to a green future, and it also helps engineers quickly connect customers when expanding the full-fiber network coverage. In addition, BT Group actively supports the UK's proposal to ban the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles in 2030, and has been praised by political supporters. The government also allocates funds to support the promotion of zero-emission vehicles.
Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S Can Travel 941 Kilometers on a Single Charge in Tests
Volkswagen conducted a test at the Nardo circuit in southern Italy. A production ID.7 Pro S with a standard technical package and 210 kilowatts (286 horsepower) was driven by a professional driver. Under the conditions of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and simulating the speed of the peak hours in a big city (an average speed of 29 kilometers per hour), the vehicle traveled 941 kilometers on a single charge with a battery with a net capacity of 86 kWh, exceeding the maximum combined range of the WLTP by 232 kilometers (32.7%), with an average power consumption of 9.2 kWh per 100 kilometers, equivalent to about 1 liter of fuel consumption per 100 kilometers of a diesel vehicle, creating a new efficiency milestone.
Volkswagen ID 7 Pro S (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
Its excellent efficiency is due to its excellent aerodynamics (a drag coefficient of 0.23) and the advanced APP550 drive system (a maximum torque of 545 Nm, a WLTP power consumption of 16.2 - 13.6 kWh per 100 kilometers, a zero to 100 kilometers acceleration of 6.6 seconds, a DC charging power of 200 kilowatts, and a 244-kilometer range can be replenished in 10 minutes, and a 10% - 80% charge takes about 26 minutes). The ID.7 sedan and station wagon are suitable for families and long-distance driving due to their spacious and comfortable interiors and long range. According to Martin Sander, who is responsible for sales at the Volkswagen brand, the ID.7 has received positive orders in the European market, and its sales have exceeded the Passat. It is a meaningful pure electric product for the brand, suitable for long-distance driving and as a company vehicle.
Harbinger Electric Truck Brand Secures $100 Million Series B Funding
Despite some notable bankruptcies in recent times raising doubts about the prospects of electric vehicle startups, this week the medium-duty electric truck manufacturer Harbinger has gained market confidence with a large-scale $100 million Series B financing led by the Capricorn Technology Impact Fund.
Harbinger Electric Truck (Source: Electrek)
In recent weeks, emerging electric vehicle brands such as Lion Electric and Canoo have struggled, while the van manufacturer Harbinger has bucked the trend. It has driven this round of financing with orders worth nearly $500 million and a total of 4,690 vehicles. Its well-known customers, such as Bimbo Bakeries and Thor Industries (also one of the Series B investors), as well as other important investors such as Tiger Global Fund, have participated.
Harbinger is highly attractive for investment due to its ability to achieve important milestones faster than other electric vehicle companies, reduce costs through internal research and development, and use funds efficiently. The company plans to use the funds to increase production to meet orders, strengthen sales, customer support and service operations. Co-founder and CEO John Harris said the company is in a rapid growth stage, focusing on expanding the production of the customer-facing platform. The funds will promote revenue growth, and the products are highly compatible with the market segments suitable for electrification, which will help the development in 2025 and beyond. It has raised $200 million since its establishment in 2021.
Michigan State Police Deploys the First Electric Patrol Vehicle
In Michigan, which is highly representative in terms of automobiles and automotive culture, a major step towards the future has been taken by deploying the first 2024 Ford Mustang Mach - E all-electric police vehicle. This vehicle has been assigned to the Michigan State Police National Security Operations Division, and uniformed armed police officers are responsible for law enforcement and security of state-owned facilities in the Lansing area.
Mach - E All-Electric Police Vehicle (Source: Electrek)
State Police Chief Colonel Grady II believes that this is an opportunity to study the patrol performance of battery electric vehicles in real time. The local patrol has a short mileage, low speed and charging facilities, which is suitable for testing. Its Precision Driving Department is famous for the annual police vehicle evaluation. In the previous tests, electric vehicles performed well, but the state police were previously cautious about pure electric vehicles. Lieutenant Darlington, the commander of the Precision Driving Department, said that since the tests in 2022, only hybrid vehicles have been alternative fuel vehicles in the fleet so far. Adding this electric vehicle can study its performance for a long time and explore the possibility of cost reduction and wide application. Now, Michigan, like many states such as Wisconsin and California, has deployed electric patrol vehicles to save fuel and maintenance costs, and more states will follow in the future.
"Cool Products"
Electric Mini Cooper van
This is an extremely rare "flat roof" style Mini Cooper van produced in 1962. The vehicle's paintwork precisely replicates the style of the spare van of the original racing team of the Cooper Car Company, generously lent by Mike Cooper.
Electric Mini Cooper van (Source: TopGear)
This van is equipped with an electric power system with unique advantages, and its notable feature is that it can be installed by the user at home. Moreover, this power system can output a strong power of 135 horsepower.
Electric Mini Cooper van (Source: TopGear)
The electric modification of this vehicle is carried out by Electrogenic, a company located in Oxfordshire. It is worth noting that Electrogenic is well-established in the field of vehicle modification. In addition to this modification of the Mini Cooper van,