Tag Archives: EVs

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BYD sent a ship with 5,000 EVs to Europe

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In March 2024, Chinese carmaker BYD ordered seven new transport ships to meet the goals and the increasing demand for electric cars in Europe. The first of the new ships (BYD Changzhou) set sail from the port of Yantai in late November with 5,000 new EVs.

The 200-meter-long ship, with a capacity of 7,000 vehicles, headed for the ports of Bristol (UK) and Rotterdam (Netherlands) with vehicles produced in several plants. It was built to high international standards and uses a dual-fuel LNG drive, which reduces carbon emissions during the journey.

These seven ships will help BYD to transport its cars around the world faster. Currently, Chinese companies own fewer than 50 car cargo ships, and their combined capacity is less than 150,000 vehicles. In comparison, Japanese companies have ships that can transport 1.6 million vehicles.

“Having our own ships helps us better control our exports. We can now deliver our environmentally friendly vehicles to customers around the world in an even more efficient manner,” the company said.

Since the beginning of the year, Chinese manufacturers have exported 5.28 million vehicles, up 25 percent from 2023. BYD currently operates in 99 countries and regions around the world, and plans to acquire more ships to enhance its global supply of quality and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Source: BYD

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13 of 80 EVs suitable for long-distance driving

The largest European automobile association, ADAC, tested more than 80 electric vehicles and showed that only 13 of them are suitable for long-distance driving.

ADAC first tested vehicles with a range of over 750 kilometers. The best results were achieved by the Hyundai Ioniq 6 with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, and a range of 931 kilometers with one stop and an additional short charge. The Lucid Air achieved the second best test with 859 kilometers, the BMW iX traveled 835 kilometers, the Mercedes EQS achieved a range of 825 kilometers, the EQE SUV achieved a range of 806 kilometers and the Polestar 2 traveled 801 kilometers.

After that, vehicles with a range between 500 and 750 kilometers were tested (42). These vehicles are considered to be suitable for long distances or vehicles suitable for long distances with a slightly longer charging time.

Also, 14 vehicles with a range of 400-500 km were tested, and vehicles with a range of less than 400 km, such as the Fiat 500e with a 23.8 kWh battery, which had a range of 233 kilometers despite additional charging.

The measurement was carried out with the battery charged to 90 percent, which is the case in most situations, because drivers usually go on the road with a deviation of up to 10 percent. The test also included the additional autonomy that can be achieved after charging on a fast charger during a 20-minute break in ideal conditions.

In conclusion, when purchasing an EV, buyers should pay attention to battery size, power consumption, and charging time.

Source: ADAC, Photo: Authors’ Union Mobility/ADAC/Ralph Wagner

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Škoda will continue to develop ICE and hybrid cars

Last month, Mercedes announced that it will continue to develop ICE and hybrid cars in the future, and it seems that Škoda will follow the same path. At least as long as there are buyers who choose this type of vehicle.

The growth of demand for electric cars in the world is on the rise, however, most European car manufacturers are struggling with competition, which, supported by government subsidies and lower labor costs, offers cars at lower prices. This forces most of the world’s manufacturers to continue offering cars with ICEs.

“We will offer our customers everything they are looking for, from diesel and petrol engines, through mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids, all the way to electric vehicles. From our point of view, this is not about competing for the latest internal combustion engine, but about putting the desire of our customers in the center of attention. Our position, but our attitude is as reasonable as the one Škoda has accustomed us to,” said Chairman of the Board of Management of Škoda Klaus Zellmer to the Spanish motor.es.

Although EU regulations are forcing manufacturers to switch to fully electric cars, it is the customers who set the speed. A large number of them still do not trust electric cars and choose ICEs or hybrids. In addition, under the pressure of the current situation with Chinese cars that are rapidly conquering the European market, Renault Group head Luca de Meo suggests that European manufacturers join forces to protect the European market.

Last month, Luca de Meo stated that Europe is facing major challenges and that the alienation and disorientation of the European automotive industry will lead to a structural trade deficit for Europe. He also warns that the phase-out of internal combustion engines, which is planned for 2035, could mean a decrease in the competitiveness of the European car industry. According to him, ICEs have been a protective barrier for Europeans for years, and now with the development of electric cars and the increased need for batteries, that protection is disappearing because the Chinese control 75 percent of global battery production.

“Speed is important against the Chinese. We are in an uncertain world. In the past, when we had cars with internal combustion engines, we could predict what was coming. Now, if you take four or five years to react, it is too late,” said de Meo.

Source: motor.es, Automotive News Europe, Škoda