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  • 11/13/23 - Huawei launches its rival to Tesla’s Model S, Tesla Cybertruck Owners Cannot Sell EV Pickup for 1st Year Or They Will Face Lawsuits, Buc-ee’s and Mercedes-Benz are partnering to add high-speed chargers

11/13/23 - Huawei launches its rival to Tesla’s Model S, Tesla Cybertruck Owners Cannot Sell EV Pickup for 1st Year Or They Will Face Lawsuits, Buc-ee’s and Mercedes-Benz are partnering to add high-speed chargers

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  • 🚗 Car reveal/review: Huawei launches its rival to Tesla’s Model S, 10 Things The Land Cruiser Concept Reveals About Toyota's Future, 2025 Mini JCW Countryman Appears With More Power, Hyundai Bringing Flying Taxis To The US Next Year

  • 🏭 Industry trend: US Lawmakers Are Scared Of Chinese EVs Flooding The Market, Tesla Cybertruck Owners Cannot Sell EV Pickup for 1st Year Or They Will Face Lawsuits

  • 🤖 Auto Tech: Buc-ee’s and Mercedes-Benz are partnering to add high-speed chargers

  • ⚡ EV: The Difference Between 400-Volt and 800-Volt Electric Car, Honda confirms sleek new electric scooter to enter production

Huawei Luxeed S7 | CNN

Huawei has unveiled the Luxeed S7, its first sedan, aimed at competing with Tesla. The electric vehicle (EV), developed with Chinese automaker Chery, has a starting price of 258,000 yuan ($35,400) during pre-sales, with regular sales starting on November 28. The S7 features an 800-volt battery pack from Chinese EV battery giant CATL, enabling fast charging and claiming a 400 km (249 miles) range in 15 minutes. While comparisons to Tesla's Model S are ambitious, the S7's lower cost at $35,400 positions it competitively in the Chinese market where Tesla has recently reduced prices.

Toyota Land Cruiser | Top Speed

Toyota introduces the Land Cruiser SE concept, a fully electric SUV with an 800-volt charging system, emphasizing durability and long-range capabilities. Positioned in the off-road-capable electric SUV market, it coexists with other Land Cruiser models, reflecting Toyota's commitment to legacy and future innovations. The move into the luxury segment aligns with market trends, showcasing Toyota's broader vision for sustainable mobility beyond traditional electrification.

2025 Mini JCW Countryman | Kelly Blue Book

The 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman promises an aggressive design, increased power (312 hp). Launched in September, it maintains the classic Mini style with SUV proportions. The John Cooper Works model features visual enhancements, a larger grille, and increased size. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission now delivers 312 horsepower. The handling is improved with wider tires (245 mm) for added grip. The cabin boasts a digital layout inspired by the post-war Mini, and a Level 2 driving assistance system is introduced.

Hyundai futuristic taxis | CarBuzz

Hyundai's air mobility division, Supernal, plans to showcase an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) taxi prototype at CES 2024. The futuristic taxis, designed for commuters, aim to reach 120 mph and accommodate one pilot and four passengers. Test flights are set for 2024, with commercial services projected four years later. Challenges include battery technology, with Supernal eyeing hydrogen power for longer trips. The company intends to open a US manufacturing facility, seek FAA certification, and collaborates with regulators.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers is urging President Biden to increase tariffs on Chinese cars to curb the expected surge in Chinese imports. The lawmakers, including Republican Representative Mike Gallagher, chair of a select committee on China, also want an investigation into preventing Chinese companies from exporting cars to the US from Mexico. Concerns about China's dominance in the global EV market prompt calls for maintaining and raising tariffs, with suggestions to collaborate with allies for a coordinated response to dampen demand for Chinese EVs in the US.

Tesla Cybertruck buyers are facing a new clause requiring them to keep the EV for a year before selling. Violating this may result in a lawsuit. The first deliveries are expected by November 30. Owners can sell back to Tesla, but it's subject to approval. Tesla cites a "no reseller policy" due to limited availability. Breaching terms may lead to legal action, with potential liquidated damages of $50,000 or more. The Cybertruck's delayed production, beginning in 2023, introduced this clause, impacting owners' resale flexibility and introducing legal consequences.

Mercedes-Benz collaborates with Buc-ee's for fast EV charging hubs at key locations in the South and Southeast, aiming for around 30 operational by end-2024. This partnership is part of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America's plan to establish over 400 charging hubs by 2027, providing renewable energy sources and accessibility to all EVs.

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) highlights the importance of charging systems. A comparison between 400-volt and 800-volt EVs reveals advantages like quicker charging and reduced downtime with the latter. While 800-volt systems enhance performance, their limited infrastructure and higher costs pose challenges. Porsche, Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, and Audi offer 800-volt models, emphasizing efficiency gains. Notably, Tesla's Cybertruck adopts an 800-volt architecture, showcasing a potential industry shift towards faster and more convenient EV charging.

Honda unveiled the SC e: electric scooter at EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show, featuring distinctive design, swappable batteries, and targeting emission-free urban mobility. Set for mass production, it's expected to debut in 2025, aligning with Honda's goal to release 10 electric motorcycles by 2025. The company also introduced the portable Honda Motocompacto, a compact scooter without swappable batteries, designed for urban range extension.

And.. that’s a wrap