China

EVs and PHEVs made up a record half of car sales in China in July, the first time this milestone was achieved in the world’s largest auto market.

NIO’s industry-leading battery swap technology is continuing to gain prowess as the Chinese EV company hits another milestone. Yesterday evening, NIO hit 50 million cumulative battery swaps, providing evidence that the EV charging method is not only viable but also preferred by many drivers.

Mercedes-Benz has been certified to begin testing its Level 4 autonomous driving technology in Shanghai, China. It is the first international automaker to garner approval from local regulators as the German automaker looks to set its lineup apart from stiff competition overseas.

China’s Sany brand of heavy trucks made waves when it debuted its all-electric, four-axle “E-mixer” electric cement mixer — and now, Sany thinks it’s ready to take on the world as exports begin.

The production momentum continues for Xiaomi Automobile, the new EV arm of Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi Inc. Today, the automaker shared it has completed a recently announced production ramp up of its flagship model and is on track to hit 100,000 builds this year… two months ahead of schedule.

XPeng Motors and Volkswagen Group have announced an expansion to a recently signed partnership that pushes the collaboration from the co-development of a China-only vehicle platform to now include VW’s global MEB platform technology.

China, the world’s largest pollution emitter, is going green with clean energy alternatives and doing so quickly. Recent energy reports detail the nation’s commitment to implementing solar and wind power, so much so that it is expected to achieve its 2030 clean energy targets by the end of the month.

Media out of China reports that JiYue’s second all-electric model, the 07, has reached some local showrooms and will officially launch in September. Advertised as a fierce competitor to the Tesla Model 3, the JiYue 07 will arrive in multiple powertrain and battery size options, offering impressive (CLTC) range options.

It has only been a year since ZEEKR launched its 009 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), but the EV automaker is already on the cusp of launching a model refresh. The updated version comes in two different seat configurations and a massive battery that promises a leading range in its segment. ZEEKR is also hailing it as one of the safest and most environmentally friendly interiors for MPVs.

I’ve spent many years covering just about every awesome light electric vehicle that has come out of China, from e-bikes and e-scooters to more obscure rides like electric three-wheelers and more. After over a decade in the digital trenches, I’ve felt mighty overdue for a firsthand look at where these fun and functional personal electric vehicles come from. So I made the trip to China and snuck my way behind the scenes at a number of factories to check out some of the biggest and most important players in the industry.

A German offshore wind farm in the North Sea will use Chinese-made turbines for the first time (and they’re mighty).

State-owned power company China Three Gorges Renewables Group will build an 8 GW solar farm as part of a nearly $11 billion integrated energy project.

A new report states that the European Union has slightly tweaked its proposed tariffs on imported EVs from certain Chinese automakers after those companies divulged more details of their businesses. The tariff cuts are marginal but could offer a shred of hope that the EU is still willing to negotiate said duties before they are imposed next week.

The threat of tariffs and an all-out trade war over Chinese EVs is expanding globally, and Canada is reportedly joining the turmoil. The Canadian government is preparing tariffs on Chinese-made EVs to align with the US and European Union, which have already proposed heavy duties to deter “unfair” competition imported from overseas.

On this episode of Quick Charge, Hyundai continues to invest in new electric vehicles, this time teasing a $25,000 (ish) compact EV set to debut later this month, along with a new IONIQ model. On the domestic front, Tesla sales are cratering so hard that they’re making everyone else’s great numbers look bad, Ford is leveling up its self driving software, and China thinks the Europeans are spying on them.

Another day, another deeper understanding of the conversations going on behind closed doors as China and the EU approach the negotiating table as they toe the lines of a looming trade war surrounding vehicle imports and anti-subsidy probes of Chinese EVs.

As anticipated, China and its massive network of EV OEMs are not pleased with the EU Commission’s recent decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles. In retaliation, Chinese automakers have implored their government to increase tariffs on imported European cars.

Despite numerous delays and mounting competition from Ford, Stellantis, and the Chinese, the GM board decided to take $6 billion and pump its share price instead of investing in the company’s future.

Just days after the EU Commission determined EVs imported from China have an unfair advantage due to government subsidies and responding with higher tariffs, Germany, one of the region’s largest automotive markets, has spoken against the decision, stating the imposed tariffs could hurt the success of local automakers selling vehicles in China.

China has installed an 18-megawatt (MW) offshore wind turbine – the world’s largest by power rating – in Guangdong province.

The world’s largest solar farm, in the desert in northwestern Xinjiang, is now connected to China’s grid.