Nio has finally launched the much-anticipated Firefly brand in China, which will be targeting the most affordable corner of the EV market. Its first model is a small electric hatchback with swappable batteries, aimed at global markets including Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Firefly EVs will be positioned below the Nio and Onvo in terms of size, features, and pricing. The goal of the brand is to make “small, electric high-end cars accessible to a broader audience”.

More: Is BYD Making A Cutprice Electric Porsche 911 Rival? (New Photos)

The urban hatchback is simply known as the Firefly. Responsible for its design is ex-BMW and Ford designer Kris Tomasson. The exterior has a few references to the discontinued Honda e, with a similar greenhouse, a black-finished roof, and matching pillars. The signature trait of the Firefly is the three-piece circular LED headlights and taillights that look like iPhone cameras.

Other highlights include the flush door handles, the six-spoke wheels, and the clean surfacing. According to Firefly, the plastic cladding on the lower part of the bodywork is made from a sustainable material. The company didn’t reveal the dimensions of the EV, which looks like a rival to the likes of the BYD Dolphin, Citroen e-C3, Fiat Grande Panda, and Renault 5.

The latest Chinese EV features a 92-liter (3.2 cubic feet) frunk with layered storage and a drainage function, which is larger than what you get in most EVs. This is combined with a boot that can reach up to 1,250 lt (44 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded flat. There are no photos of the interior, but earlier spy shots revealed a minimalist dashboard with a Tesla-style infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster.

Firefly claims that the turning circle of 9.4 m (30.8 feet) and the “multi-scene automatic parking assist function” will make it easy to navigate the EV in tight urban areas.

The EV has been engineered to score five-star ratings on the C-NCAP and Euro-NCAP tests. This was made possible thanks to the extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum comprising 83.4% of the body structure, double anti-collision beams in the front doors, and nine airbags as standard, and claims to offer the best torsional stiffness in its segment (35,700 Nm).

Details about the electric motors and battery pack have yet to be announced. However, we know that the latter will be swappable, although not compatible with the existing battery swapping stations of Nio and Onvo due to its smaller size.

The Firefly is already available to pre-order in China for ¥148,800 ($20,400), ahead of its official market launch in April 2025. The model will reportedly roll out in Europe in the first half of 2025, where it is expected to be more expensive. As reported by Car News China, Nio wants the products of the Firefly brand to be available in 25 countries by the end of 2025.

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The Tesla Model Y is gearing up for its most significant update since its 2019 debut. Of course, by “significant,” we mean it’s still largely the same car—just with enough fresh bells and whistles to keep it reigning atop global sales charts. Now, a camouflaged prototype of the updated Model Y was spotted in California, coinciding with reports that production could kick off in China as early as next month.

More: Everything We Know About The Tesla Model Y Juniper

According to the latest information circulating in Chinese media including Sina, production of the facelifted Model Y, codenamed “Juniper”, is set to kick off in January 2025 at Tesla’s Shanghai plant. This aligns with Elon Musk’s earlier comments indicating that the facelifted Model Y wouldn’t launch in 2024. Reports also suggest that Tesla has already built prototypes in Shanghai as part of its preparations for full-scale production, signaling that the company is moving quickly to refine the next iteration of its best-seller.

A New Longer Six-Seater Variant For China

Tesla is expected to introduce two versions of the updated Model Y: a standard five-seat model, which offers an optional third row for two additional (and very small) passengers, and a longer-wheelbase six-seater variant designed exclusively for the Chinese market, set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025. Both versions will come with a range of exterior, interior, and mechanical updates to keep the Model Y fresh and competitive.

Read: Tesla Exec Confirms $30K Model Q For 2025, Deutsche Bank Report Claims

The redesigned bodywork of the Model Y is expected to echo the updates seen on the Model 3 ‘Highland’, featuring slimmer headlights and a more streamlined front bumper. In a recent spy video shared on X by photographer Colin W., the new DRLs (daytime running lights) can be seen glowing through a thick camouflage wrap. The prototype is also equipped with newly styled wheels. While the rear end remains fully covered, earlier spy shots revealed a full-width LED taillight bar with a frosted finish, adding a more modern touch to the design.

Video quality is uploaded at 720p because I don’t have Premium pic.twitter.com/WOQGFztBwN

— Colin W. (@Y2KColin) December 12, 2024

Bye, Bye Stalks

Inside, the Model Y is expected to ditch its wiper and turn signal stalks, along with the gear shifter, in favor of an even more minimalist design. However, it will gain a redesigned steering wheel, an infotainment display with slimmer bezels, more comfortable seats, multi-color ambient lighting, and an additional touchscreen for rear passengers to control climate settings, just like the Model 3 facelift.

More importantly, the EV will reportedly benefit from better-quality materials inside the cabin and improved NVH, courtesy of chassis and suspension upgrades. These will be likely joined by onboard technology upgrades too.

Battery and powertrain options should be carried over from the outgoing model, although a more powerful Model Y Performance trim sounds plausible, mirroring the specs of the Model 3.

More: New Tesla Models Crippled By AP4 Computer Failures, Breaking Essential Features

In the lead-up to the updated model’s release, Tesla has cut the price of the Model Y in China by an additional ¥10,000 ($1,370), dropping it to its lowest price ever. The move seems to be paying off: between January and November 2024, the Model Y was China’s best-selling vehicle, with 373,000 units sold, accounting for 73% of Tesla’s sales in the region.

Prospective Tesla Model Y buyers in the U.S. face a tough decision: wait for the updated model or buy the current version now to secure the $7,500 federal tax credit, especially with the possibility that the next administration may follow through on its promise to eliminate it.

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Malaysia’s Proton has just unveiled its first-ever EV, the e.MAS 7, an SUV that wants to stand out but doesn’t quite stick the landing. Beneath its Porsche styling cues and ambitious marketing, the e.MAS 7 is, at its core, a rebadged Geely Galaxy E5. It’s a straightforward exercise in badge engineering that doesn’t break new ground but does manage to look modern.

More: Huawei’s Maextro S800 Looks Like Someone Put A Maybach, A Rolls And A Porsche In The Blender

Let’s start with the basics. The Proton e.MAS 7 is a compact SUV that stretches 4,615 mm long (that’s 181.7 inches if you’re too cool for the metric system) and boasts a wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.3 inches). If you’ve seen the Geely Galaxy, congratulations, you’ve already seen the e.MAS 7. The only visible differences are a Proton badge slapped onto the hood and the glaring absence of the Geely’s illuminated grille. Proton’s big EV debut is essentially the automotive equivalent of putting a new logo on a Word doc template and calling it “custom design.”

Porsche Vibes, but Make It Discount

The e.MAS 7and Galaxy twins borrow some pretty obvious Porsche styling cues. The full-width LED taillights? Yep, straight off a Cayenne. The greenhouse and surface sculpting? Also Cayenne-ish. The paint? Oh, you mean “Quartz Rose,” which just happens to look suspiciously like Porsche Macan EV’s Provence debut color? Totally a coincidence, we’re sure.

Proton also offers four other shades, including Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, and Lithium White, with an Indigo Blue interior, in case you’re into low-budget luxury cosplay.

Of course, the Geely Galaxy E5 and Proton e.MAS 7 aren’t the only Chinese-derived EVs borrowing heavily from Porsche’s design playbook. The taillights on the BYD Han sedan and Song L crossover look blatantly inspired by the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne Coupe, just like Geely’s own Galaxy E8 sedan.

Powertrain and Batteries

Back to Proton, the e.MAS 7 shares its underpinnings and specifications with its Geely twin. It rides on Geely’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) and packs a single front-mounted electric motor producing 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It’ll hit 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds, which is decent, making it the quickest Proton yet, but still firmly in “That’s fine, I guess” territory.

There are two options for the battery pack with a capacity of 49.52 kWh or 60.22 kWh, allowing WLTP ranges of 345 km (214 miles) or 410 km (255 miles) respectively. As reported by Paultan, Proton claims that the battery retains a health status of 90.5% after 921 complete cycles, which is the equivalent of 400,000 km (~250,000 miles)

Here’s where Proton is banking on the e.MAS 7 standing out—its price tag. The EV starts at RM109,800 ($24,400) and tops out at RM123,800 ($27,500). That’s significantly cheaper than its main rival, the BYD Atto 3, which starts at RM149,800 ($33,259), and is currently the best-selling EV in Malaysia.

Chinese electric carmaker Jiyue is on the brink of collapse despite being backed by technology giant Baidu and automotive conglomerate Geely, and it’ll take a miracle to avoid the fate of so many other failed Chinese automakers in recent years.

Jiyue was initially formed through a joint venture between Baidu and Geely, with Baidu owning 55% and Geely owning 45%. However, the company was later restructured, providing Geely with a 65% ownership stake and leaving 35% with Baidu. It launched its first model – the Jiyue 01 – last year as a stylish competitor to the Tesla Model Y. It was followed up by the gorgeous Jiyue 07 sedan, which quickly picked up a Red Dot design award after its launch.

Read: New Jiyue 07 Blazes Into EV Scene With Gorgeous Fastback Looks

However, sales have been slow, and this year, Jiyue has managed to shift just 13,834 vehicles across the country. It’s also experiencing severe financial difficulties, and according to Chinese media, chief financial officer Liu Jining and his family may have fled to Singapore, taking with him the company’s books. It’s also believed Baidu has discovered a financial hole of up to 7 billion yuan (~$962 million) that was unaccounted for and opted against investing an additional $412 million in the company.

CarNewsChina adds that chief executive Xia Yiping may have significantly overpaid suppliers. Approximately 70% of all parts used by Jiyue come from Geely, and as of February, it owed more than $200 million to its parent company for these parts.

In a statement issued last week, Jiyue said it would ditch projects that don’t improve its financial position. It also fired several departments, delayed salaries for December, and suspended social security payments to employees in November. Baidu and Geely quickly responded to the uncertainty, saying they would help Jiyue make payments for social security contributions, fund after-sales servicing for existing customers, and compensate workers who’ve lost their jobs.

A restructuring plan has been presented to shareholders, but it remains unclear if it will save the company. If Jiyue does go bust, it will follow Human Horizons as the latest Chinese car startup unable to survive increasingly fierce competition across the local market.

Update 12/19: New photos of the camouflaged prototype have surfaced online, showcasing its muscular stance, haphazard camouflage, and unfinished bodywork from various angles. Check them out below.

Remember when Chinese automakers were known for making knockoff versions of Western cars with all the structural integrity of a soda can? Well, those days are officially dead. BYD, the company that’s already entered the world of supercars with the YangWang U9 capable of jumping (literally) and doing zero-to-sixty in sub-two seconds has now decided to give the world one more reason to side-eye Stuttgart: a Denza-branded electric sports car rumored to launch in 2025.

More: 2026 BYD Dolphin EV Breaks Cover With A Prettier Face And A New Powertrain Option

The teaser comes in the form of a camouflaged prototype that was spotted in China on a flatbed truck. The blurry Weibo snapshot shows a coupe with classic sports car proportions but missing vital bits like the headlights and rear bumper, which either weren’t ready or BYD decided to keep them a surprise. Think of it as a sneak peek at your dream car before it puts its pants on.

A BYD Sports Car? Blame Wolfgang Egger

Now, if you’re wondering who’s responsible for BYD’s glow-up from “budget EVs” to “supercar contender,” point your finger squarely at Wolfgang Egger. This is the guy who’s worked at Audi, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and basically every design studio with a leather couch and espresso machine.

Egger reportedly put his stamp on the concept car that inspired this prototype: the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9, a two-door coupe unveiled in April 2024. Think of it as the sports car you’d design if you had a portfolio full of Italian exotics and a mandate to beat Tesla. And yes, BYD seriously needs to rethink its naming strategy, as “Fang Cheng Bao Super 9” sounds less like a sports car and more like the combo platter you regret ordering at 3 am.

Of course, BYD isn’t stopping at just one version. Rumor has it a roadster variant is also on the way, that’ll look more similar to the speedster concept.

BYD didn’t reveal much in the way of technical details during the concept’s presentation, aside from confirming its fully electric nature. However, Car News China speculates that the production version could borrow the tri-motor powertrain from the Denza Z9. With a combined output of 952 hp (710 kW / 965 PS), this setup promises some seriously impressive performance.

Europe, You’re Next

What makes things more interesting is that the Denza-badged sports car won’t be exclusively available in China, as it could also be offered in Europe. Denza will make its debut in the Old Continent with the Z9 GT in 2025, and the electric sports car sounds like a great option for expanding its lineup.

The EV is expected to debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show in April, exactly one year after the concept. As reported by local media Autohome, pricing could start from around ¥300,000 (equal to around $41,200) in China, making it significantly more affordable than any variant of the Porsche 911 despite offering high levels of performance.

Photos: Weibo

Klaus Pflugbeil thought he had it all figured out. Swipe some trade secrets, make $1.3 million, and quietly build a tech business overseas. Instead, the former employee of a company bought by Tesla is now facing two years in federal prison. Why? Because, unsurprisingly, the FBI has little patience for blatant industrial espionage. His partner is allegedly still at large.

Authorities nabbed Pflugbeil back in March after he allegedly attempted to sell sensitive tech to someone he thought was a buyer. It wasn’t. It was an undercover FBI agent ready to ruin his day. According to the Department of Justice, Pflugbeil “built a business in China to sell the sensitive technology that belongs to a U.S. company.” That’s a sanitized way of saying he and his partner cooked up a scheme to peddle trade secrets while hoping nobody in America would notice. They noticed.

Read: Tesla Settles Lawsuit Against Rivian Over Claims It Stole Trade Secrets

As we noted in our original coverage, the DOJ doesn’t specifically say that Pflugbeil stole these secrets from Tesla. However, several factors, including its acquisition of a Canadian tech manufacturer (Hibar Systems) in 2019, for whom Pflugbeil used to work for, point to Tesla as the “leading U.S.-based electric vehicle company” the official records refer to.

“His actions were bold – he even advertised that he was selling the victim’s products – because he thought, incorrectly, that he was outside the reach of U.S. prosecutors,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to would-be offenders: My office will do everything it can to protect American innovation and national security no matter where you try to hide.”

In that same vein, it’s worth noting that Pflugbeil’s co-defendant, Yilong Shao, remains at large according to the DOJ. Evidently, the pair were quite blatant in their work. The DOJ says that Pflugbeil sent several documents including trade secrets to Shao and even said things like “[it’s] in a different format, so it looks very original and not like a copy.” The pair then advertised their products, precision dispensing pumps, and battery assembly lines, across the globe.

They showed up at trade shows, sent emails, and even claimed directly that their products didn’t infringe on any patents, copyrights, or other intellectual property. Somewhat ironically, Pflugbeil’s LinkedIn profile features a quote from Benjamin Jowett as his banner: “The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit for doing them,” it says. Perhaps he should’ve made sure that Tesla got full credit for the tech he professed to create.

This is our first proper look at Russia’s new home-grown EV, known as the Kama Atom. The electric SUV has been in the works since as early as 2021 and extensive testing and development is underway, ahead of a market launch perhaps as early as 2025.

The new model is being brought to life by startup Kama, which has secured heavy funding from the Russian Direct Investment Fund and has strong ties to Atom Automotive Engineering and Technology in the Chinese city of Nanjing. With the Russian car market crippled since the escalation of its war with Ukraine in February 2022, it’s hardly a surprise that it’s looking to grow its local industry with its trusty friends from China.

Read: Chinese Automakers Move Into Russian Plants Abandoned By The West

We were provided with our first glimpse of the new EV in May 2023, but the vehicle in these photos from Kolesa appears quite a bit larger and has a different design. It’s unclear if this is what the concept has morphed into for production, or if this is a separate vehicle from the one from last year.

Visually, the vehicle has a somewhat similar profile to the MG 4 but is quite a bit taller and looks a little longer. The front end includes a pair of narrow LED headlights that look to be connected by a light bar. There’s no traditional grille and the main headlights are hidden within the front bumper. The Atom has quite an intriguing look and is certainly reminiscent of some recent EVs to come out of China.

2023 Atom show car

When viewed from the side, the short front and rear overhangs catch the eye, as does the relatively long wheelbase. The side windows also sit pretty high on the body. Few technical details are known about the new model, including what kind of battery pack it will have or what kind of electric motors it will use.

After some digging, we discovered that the Russian brand quietly previewed a new electric sedan known as the Lightning in August. A delivery van version of the Atom is also in the works.

Stellantis has inked a joint venture with Chinese battery giant CATL to establish a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Up to €4.1 billion (~$4.31 billion) will be invested into the new site, with production scheduled to start by the end of 2026. When fully operational, the facility will have a capacity of up to 50 GWh.

This new plant will be located alongside the existing Stellantis facilities in Zaragoza. Batteries produced there will be used in the group’s battery-electric passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs competing in the B and C segments. Stellantis has not confirmed which of its models will be the first to use these new locally-made LFP cells, but notes the plant’s capacity is “subject to the evolution of the electrical market in Europe and continued support from authorities in Spain and the European Union.”

Read: Ex-CEO Tavares Personally Killed The Hemi V8, Stellantis Insiders Reveal

“Stellantis is committed to a decarbonized future, embracing all available advanced battery technologies to bring competitive electric vehicle products to our customers,” Stellantis chairman John Elkann said. “This important joint venture with our partner CATL will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing site that is already a leader in clean and renewable energy, helping drive a 360-degree sustainable approach. I want to thank all stakeholders involved in making today’s announcement a reality, including the Spanish authorities for their continued support.”

The battery plant has been designed to be completely carbon neutral and will be implemented in several phases and investment plans. Stellantis says the site will also help it on its path to becoming a carbon net zero corporation by 2038.

“The joint venture has taken our cooperation with Stellantis to new heights, and I believe our cutting-edge battery technology and outstanding operation knowhow combined with Stellantis’ decades-long experience in running business locally in Zaragoza will ensure a major success story in the industry,” CATL chairman and chief executive Robin Zeng added. “CATL’s goal is to make zero-carbon technology accessible across the globe, and we look forward to cooperating with our partners globally through more innovative cooperation models.”

While automakers navigate shifting electrification strategies, the global electric vehicle market continues to grow steadily. November 2024 set yet another sales record, with 1.8 million EVs sold worldwide, bringing the year-to-date total to an impressive 15.2 million units.

More: China’s Growing Love For EVs Has Oil Companies Freaking Out

According to market research firm Rho Motion, November marked the third consecutive month of record-breaking EV sales, with an additional 100,000 units sold compared to October’s previous high. This represents a sharp 32 percent leap from November 2023.

China Leads the Charge

Unsurprisingly, China continues to dominate the EV stage by a huge margin with an astonishing 1.3 million units sold in November, accounting for nearly 70 percent of global sales. Much of this growth came from rising demand for models produced by Geely, Tesla, and Changan, bolstered by China’s aggressive push toward electrification.

Between January and November 2024, China’s EV sales soared by 40 percent year-over-year, reaching a remarkable 9.7 million units and dwarfing sales in all other regions.

The global tally of 15.2 million EVs sold between January and November 2024 represents a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Breaking this down, China was followed by the European Union, EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) and the UK at 2.7 million (-3%), the US and Canada at 1.6 million (+10%), and the rest of the world contributing 1.1 million (+25%).

Regional Gains and Setbacks

In Europe, major markets like Germany, France, and Italy are experiencing a slowdown, with year-to-date sales shrinking by 3 percent. However, the UK stands out as an exception, posting a 17 percent increase in sales thanks to stronger demand in the second half of 2024. Still, uncertainty looms as the UK government considers scaling back its EV mandate, citing feasibility concerns.

Across the Atlantic, the US and Canada have maintained a steady 10 percent increase in EV sales year-to-date, totaling 1.6 million units sold so far. Donald Trump’s recent election victory is expected to trigger a year-end rush for zero-emission vehicles, as buyers hurry to claim Biden-era tax credits before they risk being cut next year.

Charles Lester, Data Manager at Rho Motion, commented: “This quarter has picked up significantly for EV sales globally as we see record-breaking month after record-breaking month. However, the regional picture is somewhat uneven with Europe shrinking 3% this year so far, and once more China accounts for over two-thirds of the electric vehicles sold in November.”

The Ford Transit has been one of the go-to vans for many decades, but in the age of electrification, a subsidiary of Geely wants a piece of the pie. Farizon Auto gives us a first look at its new electric van, known as the SV. While Lamborghini might not be too happy with that name, sales are scheduled to start in the first half of 2025.

Farizon is first introducing the SV in the UK and will sell it through Jameel Motors, the nation’s local Geely distributor. It’s been designed to meet the needs of European fleets and, according to the firm, has completed more than one million miles of testing, getting it ready for its market launch. Pricing details have not yet been announced.

Read: Zeekr Mix Electric Minivan Aspires To Rival The VW ID.Buzz

Underpinning the electric van is a modular architecture that includes ‘cell-to-pack’ technology, boosting battery capacity by 10%, improving body rigidity by 20%, and reducing weight by 4%. Shoppers will be able to choose between 67 kWh and 83 kWh battery packs at launch, while a 106 kWh battery will follow at a later date. Three different lengths and three body heights will also be available, ensuring companies can get the perfect-sized van for their needs.

The Farizon SV is the first van of its kind to use dual-redundancy drive-by-wire for the steering and braking systems. According to the company, this doesn’t just reduce stopping distances and improve steering response, but it also helps to increase load capacity and reduce weight by 8%. It’s expected to have load capacities ranging from 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg) to 2,866 lbs (1,300 kg), depending on the configuration. Cargo capacity will also vary between 6.9 cubic meters and 13 cubic meters.

A peek inside the cabin reveals that it’s quite basic, but that’s to be expected of a commercial van like this. The key standout is a large infotainment screen on the dashboard, joined by a digital instrument cluster. The SV also features a center front seat.

BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao brand is adding another model to its growing line-up and this one might be the most compelling of them all. It’s dubbed the Titanium 3 and was previewed earlier in the year when it was known simply as the Bao 3. It will be sold alongside the larger Bao 5 and Bao 8 models.

Photos from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveal the small SUV has a rather rugged and flamboyant design. The front end has headlights that remind us of the current Honda Ridgeline and a blacked-out central area where a grille would ordinarily sit. However, as the 3 is all-electric, it doesn’t need a grille anyway.

Read: Fang Cheng Bao’s 3 SUV Teased As Yet Another BYD Creation

BYD’s designers have gone to town on the sides of the Titanium 3, crafting bulbous front and rear wheel arches that stretch into the front and rear doors, giving the SUV plenty of character. A set of black fender flares also stand out, as do the handful of different 18-inch and 19-inch wheels that will be available.

The rear is perhaps even more unique than the front. LED taillights come standard, and there’s a large storage box on the tailgate, but as it’s square, it doesn’t actually carry a spare wheel and might be used for carrying charging cables or other goodies. Like the front bumper, the rear one is finished in black plastic.

Powering the new Fang Cheng Bao will be BYD’s lithium-iron-phosphate Blade batteries. Power will come from a front-mounted 148 hp (110 kW) electric motor and a 268 hp (200 kW) one at the rear axle. There’s no word on how quickly the 3 will accelerate, but it has a quoted top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

Chinese data reveals the Titanium 3 measures 4,605 mm (181 inches) long, 1,900 mm (74.8 inches) wide, and stands 1,720 mm (67.7 inches) tall, with a 2,745 mm (108-inch) wheelbase. It tips the scales at 2,170 kg (4,784 lbs) and, as mentioned, will offer 18- and 19-inch wheels clad in 235/60 and 245/50 tires. It can also be optioned with a large storage box on the roof to carry a drone.

BYD’s ongoing global expansion continues, and next year, it will start building the popular Dolphin and Atto 3 EVs in Europe. European carmakers are already petrified of the surging Chinese giant and will soon have to deal with BYD building vehicles in their back yard.

The company is constructing a large production facility in Hungary and according to its European boss, Stella Li, it’ll be ready to ramp up production towards the end of 2025. According to Li, BYD’s initial plans called for the tiny Seagull to be the first model built in Europe, but priorities have shifted, likely because the Dolphin and Atto 3 should sell in higher numbers than the Seagull.

Read: 2026 BYD Dolphin EV Breaks Cover With A Prettier Face And A New Powertrain Option

Speaking with German business magazine Capital, Li noted the ramp-up at the Hungarian plant will take two to three years, and that a third model is next for production on European soil, slotting between the Dolphin and Atto 3. This new model, referred to as the ‘Atto 2’ by Li, is expected to be a rebranded version of the Yuan Up that was shown earlier this year and is already available in China. It’s noticeably smaller than the Atto 3 and has a more rugged and upright design, a bit like the Mercedes-Benz GLB, but smaller. The Seagull will also become the fourth model built at the Hungary plant.

Securing its place in the European market won’t be easy for BYD. The growth in EV sales has slowed across the region throughout much of 2024. In response, BYD is expected to start offering more of its plug-in hybrids in Europe.

In October, Stella Li announced that BYD would build the majority of the EVs it sells locally in Europe following the enforcement of import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. BYD is working to establish a new supply chain in Europe, will assemble battery packs in Hungary and Turkey, and will only need to import battery cells from its home country.

In the world of ultra-budget EVs, standing still is as good as falling behind. The SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture seems to understand this all too well, unveiling a reimagined Hong Guang Mini EV that swaps its boxy austerity for curves and finally adds a five-door option to the mix.

More: GM’s Wuling Hong Guang EV Is A $10k Minivan With A Tesla Face

The best-selling EV family in China has more than 1.4 million cumulative sales since the debut of the original Hong Guang Mini EV in 2020. However, the growing number of competitors has caused its sales to drop over the past two years, prompting the company to perform a comprehensive redesign.

A Smoother Shape, Same Miniature Footprint

The new Hong Guang Mini EV abandons its angular roots in favor of a more rounded, approachable design. The softened headlights and curvier silhouette draw inspiration from Wuling’s slightly larger Bingo EV supermini, but the Mini EV stays true to its identity with diminutive 13-inch wheels and a playful presence.

Perhaps the most notable upgrade is the addition of a five-door version, offering significantly improved practicality over the three-door model, which remains available. Both variants share the same front and rear styling, leaving the side profile as the only clue to tell them apart.

SAIC-GM-Wuling

Bigger Dimensions, Better Space

Regardless of the bodystyle, the new Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV measures 3,256 mm (128.2 inches) long, 1,510 mm (59.4 inches) wide and 1,578 mm (62.1 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,190 mm (86.2 inches). This makes it 336 mm (13.2 inches) longer compared to its three-door-only predecessor, with an extra 250 mm (9.8 inches) between the axles.

Inside, the restyled dashboard incorporates a digital cockpit with two separate displays, physical knobs for the climate controls on the center console, and a matching gear selector between the seats. According to Wuling, the stretched wheelbase results in a more spacious cabin, especially for the rear passengers.

More: SAIC-GM-Wuling’s New Concept Is Part Lancia, Part Sci-Fi Dream

While Wuling hasn’t shared all the technical specs, Chinese MIIT filings reveal that the new model retains a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 40 hp (30 kW), the same as the most powerful version of the outgoing Mini EV. Power is supplied by a lithium iron phosphate battery of unspecified capacity. Range figures remain unconfirmed, but the current model offers up to 280 km (170 miles) with its largest available 26 kWh battery pack, so expectations will likely be in a similar ballpark.

SAIC-GM-Wuling will start accepting orders for the new Hong Guang Mini EV soon, as the first examples have already been spotted in Chinese dealerships. Pricing will be announced at a later date, although we don’t expect big changes compared to the outgoing model’s starting price of ¥32,800 ($4,500).

MIIT

In Western markets, Honda has lagged behind several competitors in the race to develop and launch compelling battery-electric vehicles. However, over in China, the automaker has been more agile in responding to shifting market trends. The Ye P7 marks the first of three new EVs Honda is rolling out locally, demonstrating a strategic push to reclaim its footing in the electric vehicle arena.

The crossover, branded as the Ye P7, was initially previewed in April alongside the Ye S7 crossover and the Ye GT Concept, a sleek low-slung sedan. These newly released images showcase the Ye P7 in its production form for the first time. Thanks to the diligent disclosures from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, we now have access to additional technical specifications that shed light on this latest offering from Honda.

Read: Honda Takes On BYD With New Ye EV Brand, Shows SUVs And GT Concept

Honda plans to manufacture the Ye P7 in collaboration with its local joint venture partner, GAC. Measuring 4,750 mm (187 inches) in length, 1,930 mm (75.9 inches) in width, and standing 1,625 mm (63.9 inches) tall, the crossover boasts a long wheelbase of 2,930 mm (115.3 inches). The new electric model weighs in at 2,305 kg (5,081 lbs) and comes standard with imposing 21-inch wheels.

The battery pack is a lithium-ion unit sourced from CATL. While we don’t yet know the capacity of this battery, we do know it drives a 201 hp (150 kW) front-mounted motor and a 268 hp (200 kW) rear-mounted motor. That’s enough to send the Ye P7 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, making it substantially quicker than a Civic Type R.

Visually, Honda seems to have taken at least some inspiration from higher-end crossover vehicles like the Ferrari Purosangue and Toyota Crown Sport with lobster claw-shaped LED headlights and a light bar. The hood is quite pronounced, complete with bumps on either side that flow neatly to the base of the A-pillars.

Adding to the somewhat rugged looks of the crossover are squared-off gloss black fenders and angular skirts. One surprising feature that has made its way through to production from the concept model is the rear-facing door cameras in the place of traditional wing mirrors. Door handles that sit flush with the bodywork are also standard.

Spin around to the rear and there are LED taillights that match up nicely with the headlights. There’s also a large Honda badge and plenty of gloss black elements.

These photos don’t show the interior of the Ye P7 but the concept’s cabin looked pretty close to production. It included a massive central touchscreen display housing all important settings, including the HVAC controls. It also featured a single wireless phone charging pad and a dedicated digital instrument cluster perched towards the top of the dashboard.  

Thew new Honda Ye P7 is expected to make its market launch in China later this year.

BYD is working on a mid-lifecycle update for the Dolphin EV, four years after its debut. The facelifted version of the small electric hatchback is expected sometime next year, with styling upgrades and the addition of a new powertrain option.

Photos of the 2026 BYD Dolphin appeared on the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website, months ahead of the official unveiling. The highlight is the redesigned headlights that extend on the front fenders, slightly reminiscent of the original Chevrolet Bolt.

Review: 2024 BYD Dolphin Swims Ahead In The Low-Cost EV Stakes

Other changes at the front include the slimmer grille and the smaller bumper intakes. The profile is largely carried over with the exception of new 16-inch and 17-inch wheels. The tail looks familiar, but gains a cleaner design for the bumper and the taillight graphics, bringing it closer to the more recent BYD Seal 06 GT.

According to the MIIT documents, the facelifted EV measures 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) long, 1,770 mm (69.7 inches) wide, and 1,570 mm (61.8 inches) tall, with a 2,700 mm (106.3 inches) wheelbase. This makes it 155 mm (6.1 inches) longer than the Chinese-spec Dolphin that debuted in 2021, and only 10 mm (0.4 inches) shorter than the global-spec version that followed in 2023.

We didn’t get to see the interior, which could gain new tech features and slightly redesigned trim.

The 2026 BYD Dolphin will be available with three different outputs, generating 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS), 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS), and 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) respectively. The least and most powerful versions match the outputs of the current model, but the middle-spec EV is a new addition to the lineup.

More: BYD Is A Human Rights Villain, New Study Claims

The refreshed Dolphin will be fitted with BYD Blade LFP battery packs. Current battery options in China include 44.93 kWh and 60.48 kWh units, allowing a CTLC range of 420 km (261 miles) and 520 km (323 miles) respectively.

Judging from the fact that BYD showed a slightly refreshed Dolphin lineup in early 2024, the facelifted model will likely reach the local market in mid-to-late 2025. The EV is currently priced between ¥99,800-129,800 ($13,800-17,900) in China, AU$36,890 (US$ 23,600) in Australia, and €36,990 ($38,940) in Netherlands before any local EV subsidies.

The electric vehicle market in China is increasingly becoming a battleground for automakers looking to offer more for less, and Toyota’s latest entry, the bZ3X, promises to shake things up. Launched in partnership with Toyota’s GAC joint venture, this electric SUV is priced to undercut much of the competition, starting at just 100,000 yuan ($13,800) and capping out at 200,000 yuan ($27,500). With first deliveries slated for March next year, Toyota is making a serious play for value-conscious EV buyers.

Compact Power, Long(ish) Range

The entry-level model, known as the 430 Air+, comes equipped with a 50.03 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. That’s quite a small pack for an SUV of this size, but Toyota says it’s good for 430 km (267 miles) of range on a single charge. However, this is under the CLTC cycle, which is known to be quite generous. This battery powers a single electric motor with a quoted 221 hp (165 kW).

In addition to the 430 Air+, the SUV will also be available in 520 Pro+ and 620 Max forms, although limited details about these variants are known. If the naming strategy is any indication, they could have 520 km (323 miles) and 620 km (385 miles) of range respectively, which might necessitate a larger battery pack.

Read: Toyota bZ3C And bZ3X To Join China’s Crowded EV Market

The bZ3X is sized competitively within the compact SUV segment, measuring 4,600 mm (181.1 inches) in length, 1,875 mm (73.8 inches) in width, and 1,645 mm (64.7 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm (108.8 inches). It has a curb weight of 1,835 kg (4,045 lbs).

Toyota has been working on the bZ3X for quite some time and previewed it earlier in the year alongside the smaller bZ3C crossover. The cabin of the bZ3X seems to be quite well-equipped and as standard, includes a 14.6-inch infotainment display and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. It also rocks a two-spoke steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and a split center console. An 11-speaker Yamaha audio system comes standard.

Perhaps most impressive is all the safety technologies that Toyota has crammed into its new EV. It’s equipped with no less than 11 high-definition cameras, three millimeter-wave radars, a lidar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, enabling a raft of driver-assistance systems.  

The ever-expanding electric vehicle market in China is welcoming yet another new entrant, as Avatr introduces its fourth production model, the Avatr 06 sedan, which serves as an entry point in the brand’s lineup. The low-slung sedan is closely related to the Avatr 07 SUV that debuted earlier this year, combining Changan underpinnings, CATL batteries, and Huawei tech.

At first glance, the sedan resembles a smaller version of the Avatr 12 Gran Coupe. However, a closer look reveals more conventional proportions and a subtle evolution of the brand’s signature styling cues. These include slim, split-design LED headlights, a cleaner front bumper, and sleeker surfacing along the profile.

More: We Get Up Close To The Avatr 11 And 12 EVs From China Aiming To Shake Up The Luxury Market

The 06 sedan is also equipped with a suite of advanced sensors as part of the Huawei Qiankun ADAS system, including a roof-mounted LiDAR. The side mirrors have been replaced with cameras, a design choice that supposedly eliminates the need for a rear window—a trend that’s gaining traction, but still hard to embrace.The rear is finished off with a third brake light integrated into the edge of the sloping roofline, along with a discreet spoiler mounted on the tailgate.

The Avatr 06 measures 4,855 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,450 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,940 mm. That makes it 30 mm (1.2 inches) longer than the closely-related Avatr 07 crossover, and 135 mm (5.3 inches) longer than the Tesla Model 3.

Avatr / Weibo

While Avatr has yet to unveil the 06’s interior, it’s expected to follow in the footsteps of its more premium siblings, with a futuristic cockpit that includes large digital screens running Huawei’s Harmony OS and other high-tech features.

The 06 sedan shares the same CHN platform as the rest of the Avatr lineup. Although the company has not yet released full specifications, it’s safe to assume that the 06 will mirror the powertrain options of the 07 SUV. Expected variants include rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) electric versions. The RWD variant will likely produce 338 hp (252 kW), while the AWD model should generate around 590 hp (440 kW). Both will be powered by an 82 kWh battery pack.

Additionally, there will be EREV (extended range electric vehicle) versions, combining a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a 39 kWh battery and offering the choice of one or two electric motors.

The Avatr 06 is set for a launch in China in early 2025, with the automaker hoping it will boost sales, particularly as the larger Avatr 11 and 12 models have fallen short of initial targets in the competitive Chinese EV market. Avatr is headquartered in Chongqing, with a development center in Shanghai and a design center in Munich, Germany.

Update: Becky Peterson, a journalist from the Wall Street Journal, says she’s acquired a copy of the Deutsche Bank report from the Autonomous Day conference that took place in NYC on December 5. The report confirms many of the points mentioned in the Chinese media, including that Travis Axelrod met with Deutsche Bank during the conference.

Peterson outlines five key points from the report, including that Deutsche Bank refers to the “new Tesla model” as the “Model Q.” The report also mentions that the EV is expected to launch in the first half of 2025, priced under $30,000 with federal tax credits or less than $38,000 without, and built on Tesla’s existing platforms. However, it’s unclear from her tweet whether these statements are Axelrod’s own words or Deutsche Bank’s assessment.

In another tweet, Peterson pointed out that the report makes no mention of “Redwood, the internal code name for a mass market vehicle, built on a new platform, which Musk paused earlier this year” adding that “It also doesn’t say anything about the size or cost, or how it might differ from a Model 3”.

We’ve reached out to Peterson and will update this story if we hear more.

I got a copy of the Deutsche Bank report.

Here's what it does say:

1. @travisraxelrod met with DB for its Autonomous Driving Day on December 5 in NYC.
2. DB describes "the new Tesla model" which it calls "Model Q".
3. DB says it will launch in the first half of 2025, and…

— Becky Peterson (@beckpeterson) December 9, 2024

Original story follows below.

If a report coming out of China, citing statements from a Deutsche Bank conference and Tesla’s VP of Investor Relations, is to be believed—and that’s a big if until there’s official confirmation or firsthand verification, Tesla is allegedly gearing up to launch a new EV called the Model Q next year, priced at just $30,000.

Or at least that’s the gist of a story currently doing the rounds in the Chinese media. The report claims that Travis Axelrod, Tesla’s head of investor relations, confirmed the existence and impending arrival of the new entry-level car during a Deutsche Bank Autonomous Driving Day conference.

Related: Will A $25K Model 2 Small Crossover Hit The Spot For EV Buyers?

The story appears to have originated with Wall Street CN, which claims Axelrod said the baby Tesla will debut in the first half of 2025 prices at $37,500. But if returning president, Donald Trump, opts not to trash the current EV tax credit system the transaction price could drop to just $30k.

And that’s not the only secret car Tesla has in store for us next year, according to the same report. It claims the automaker will also launch other new models to expand its market size in a bid to hit a 25-30 percent growth target. One of those additional EVs could be a long-wheelbase, three-row Model Y conceived primarily with China in mind, but which could also work well in other countries and help plug the huge gap between the Y and X SUVs. The Model Y is also scheduled for a facelift in 2025.

Tesla warned however, that rolling out new product would inevitably lead to a temporary drop in profitability, Chinese media says. Other news supposedly coming out of the conference includes Tesla’s affirmation that it would launch a self-driving taxi service in California and Texas in 2025 using Model 3 and Y vehicles ahead of the launch of the company’s real robotaxi, the Cybercab, in 2026. Tesla will eventually cut the cost of Cybercab production to $30k per unit, the report claims.

We reached out to Travis Axelrod, Tesla’s Investor Relations team, as well as Deutsche Bank’s North American and Chinese divisions for comment, but have yet to hear back from anyone, so for now you probably ought to take the news with a pinch of salt. But if it’s true, legacy carmakers are going to have a nightmare on their hands trying to compete.

Note: The images in this story are digital renders by Francois Hubert/SB-Medien of how a new small Tesla crossover could look, and are not endorsed by Tesla.

Illustrations Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for Carscoops

The electric vehicle race is heating up, and Xiaomi is wasting no time staking its claim with the YU7 SUV, its second production model after the SU7 sedan. Aiming for a mid-2025 market launch, this tech-savvy SUV borrows heavily from the design language of its sedan sibling, which premiered in late 2023.

Maybe it’s just us, but it sounds like it would have made more sense to swap the names between the sedan and the SUV, Regardless, The similarities between the YU7 and SU7 are hard to miss, especially when it comes to dimensions. However, the YU7 embraces its SUV identity with a slightly taller, more muscular stance that separates it from its sedan counterpart.

More: Xiaomi’s Third Model Is A Full-Size EREV SUV That Could Launch In 2026

Another thing that’s hard to miss is the not-so-subtle hint of Ferrari Purosangue in the YU7’s profile. The pronounced wheel arches, sculpted rear haunches, and sleek greenhouse echo the Italian thoroughbred, but Xiaomi stops short of outright mimicry. Up front, McLaren-inspired 750S-style LED headlights give the SUV a sharp, purposeful look, while the rear boasts full-width LED taillights and a ducktail spoiler that wouldn’t look out of place on an Aston Martin offering.

In terms of size, the Chinese EV measures 4,999 mm (196.8 inches) in length, 1,996 mm (78.6 inches) in width, and 1,600 mm (63 inches) in height, with a 3,000 mm (118.1 inches) wheelbase. These dimensions align closely with the SU7 sedan, save for the SUV’s 145 mm (5.7 inches) height advantage, which gives it a more commanding presence.

What Lies Inside (and Underneath)

Xiaomi hasn’t revealed the YU7’s interior yet, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the SUV borrowed the sedan’s 16.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, complemented by rear-passenger displays and a tech-forward, minimalist aesthetic. Like the sedan, the roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, meanwhile, signals the inclusion of advanced autonomous driving capabilities, something Xiaomi is eager to market as a cornerstone of its EV lineup.

More: Here’s Everything We Know About The Upcoming Tesla Model Y Juniper

According to data we sourced from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the YU7 will be powered by a dual-motor setup. The front motor delivers 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS), while the rear generates 386 hp (288 kW / 392 PS), for a combined output of 681 hp (508 kW / 691 PS). That puts it ahead of the SU7 Max, which maxes out at 664 hp (495 kW / 673 PS).

Range, Pricing, and Market Arrival

The YU7 will feature a CATL-sourced battery pack, though Xiaomi has yet to disclose exact specifications. For context, the SU7 sedan offers battery capacities of 73.6 kWh, 94.3 kWh, and 101 kWh, with a maximum CLTC range of 497 miles (800 km). Given its larger, heavier frame, the YU7 will likely fall slightly short of that figure, but not by much.

As for pricing, Xiaomi is staying tight-lipped, but Chinese media report a starting range of ¥250,000–300,000 (equal to $34,400–$41,300 at current rates), positioning it as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y. For comparison, the SU7 sedan starts at ¥215,900 ($29,700), handily undercutting the equivalent Tesla Model 3.

Production will take place at Xiaomi’s Beijing facilities, where the SU7 recently hit the 100,000-unit milestone. With a mid-2025 launch on the horizon, the YU7 will join an increasingly crowded SUV market.

Photos: MIIT and Xiaomi / Weibo

China’s EV market is booming. Sales of fully electric and hybrid cars have trebled over the last three years and are almost eight times higher than they were in 2020. It’s a great time to be an automaker selling electrified vehicles, but not so great if you’re an exec in the oil industry.

Almost one-fifth of the world’s oil production currently goes to China. The country has provided most of the industry’s growth since the millennium, as it has for the auto industry and others. But now analysts think China’s love for EVs will result in a marked drop in demand for gasoline, which accounts for 25 percent of the nation’s oil consumption.

Related: China Becomes First Country To Hit 1 Million Monthly EV Sales

One brokerage firm told reporters it expects Chinese gasoline use to drop by between 4 and 5 percent every year between now and the end of the decade. A demand reduction was always forecast, but China’s electric boom means it’s happening much faster than many experts had anticipated.

One in 10 cars currently on the road in China is electrified, but at the current sales rate, the mix is expected to double by 2027 and could reach 100 percent by the 2040s, Anders Hove, a China researcher at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, told Bloomberg.

That kind of shift would have a devastating impact on the oil industry, Hove predicting that China’s oil demand for light vehicles would plummet from its current 3.5 million barrels per day to just 1 million by 2040.

Though that’s a major problem for Big Oil, it can at least take some comfort in knowing that other nations are in far less of a rush to abandon their combustion cars – EVs only account for 10 percent of US car sales. And even in China, a big chunk of the growth in electrified vehicles has come from sales of PHEVs, which still need some gasoline, though exactly how much they need in real ownership scenarios across China still needs more investigation.