It’s no secret that Chinese car manufacturers are leading the charge when it comes to electric vehicles (pun fully intended). What’s surprising, though, is that they’ve managed this without selling a single car in the United States, the world’s second-largest and most lucrative car market. So, how are they pulling it off? By focusing on just about every other major region instead.

More: Porsche’s High Prices And Outdated Tech Are Killing Its Sales In China, Could It Happen Here?

According to recent data from Rho Motion, Chinese brands now command a staggering 76% share of the global EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market, thanks to aggressive expansions into new territories. In Europe, their market share varies by country, but they’ve made particularly strong gains in less developed markets around the world.

Gaining Ground in Europe

In Germany, Europe’s largest car market, Chinese manufacturers accounted for about 4% of the 578,000 EVs sold last year. The numbers are slightly higher in the UK and France, where they captured 7% and 5% of total EV sales, respectively. In the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Belgium, Chinese EVs make up 6%, 5%, 8%, and 3% of the market. Meanwhile, their presence is even more pronounced in Spain and Austria, where they hold 10% and 11% of total EV sales.

Dominating Emerging Markets

Outside Europe, Chinese automakers are enjoying even more significant success. In Brazil, a remarkable 82% of all EVs and PHEVs sold in 2024 came from China. Similarly, they have a 77% share of the market in Thailand and a 70% share in Mexico. They also account for 75% of all EVs and PHEVs delivered in Indonesia, 52% in Malaysia, 74% in Nepal, and 64% in Israel. They’re also popular in Australia and New Zealand, accounting for 26% and 15% of sales.

Why Are They Winning?

Part of this success can be attributed to the fact that many of these countries lack a strong local car industry, giving Chinese brands an easier path to market dominance. Additionally, China’s electric vehicle industry has benefited from at least $231 billion in government subsidies and aid from 2009 through the end of 2023. This substantial financial support has allowed Chinese EVs and PHEVs to be more affordable than those from traditional automakers, giving them a competitive edge.

Chinese smartphone giant turned automaker Xiaomi proudly announced last week that its SU7 Ultra sedan has lapped the Shanghai International Circuit almost 1.5 seconds faster than the previous record holder, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. But Porsche’s China crisis goes far beyond ranking second on a racetrack leader board.

More: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Smashes Taycan Turbo GT’s Lap Record At Shanghai Circuit

For years, Western automakers have relied on China to provide growth and a massive chunk of their revenue. But now local car buyers are increasingly rejecting long-established European brands in favor of domestically-produced, Chinese-branded cars. Porsche is far from the only Western car company taking a hit, but it’s taken a really big one.

Porsche’s China Sales Are in Freefall

Porsche sales in China dropped by a staggering 28 percent during 2024, and deliveries of the once hugely popular Taycan EV dropped by almost half, the automaker revealed last month. True, 2024 was a changeover year for several models, including the Taycan, Panamera (also down) and 911, but the slump has less to do with that and more to do with changing attitudes in China to its own increasingly competent car brands.

In the SU7, for instance, Xiaomi has built an electric sedan that looks almost as good as a Taycan, makes more power and cost a fraction as much. The top-spec Ultra that broke the Shanghai record is priced at the equivalent of $112,000 to the Turbo GT’s $230,000 and makes 1,527 hp (1,139 kW / 1,548 PS) versus 1,092 hp (815 kW / 1,108 PS) for the German car in Launch Control mode.

Other SU7 models offer a similarly appealing bang-to-yen ratio. No wonder Xiaomi sold over 100,000 of them last year and Porsche only shifted 21,000 Taycans.

“I think Chinese consumers right now are ready to accept that Chinese companies can produce cars that are considered as premium to them,” Gary Ng, an economist with Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, told the New York Times.

But here’s the wild bit: the SU7 is currently only sold in China and that 21,000-unit Taycan sales figure is a global number. Just imagine how much more damage the SU7 could do if it was available elsewhere.

In other markets, of course, Porsche can currently rely on the strength of the brand, one cultivated through decades of racing history and pop culture appearances. That’s less of a draw in China, where Porsche hasn’t been around for 70+ years. Moreover, buyers’ heroes are tech brands, and they want tech features Porsche and Western brands can’t deliver, but Chinese ones can.

Porsche Is Playing Tech Catch-Up

You still can’t buy a Porsche with a Level 3, or fully hands-off Level 2 driver-assist system (though the latter, co-developed with Mobileye, is coming this year), while the Lidar-equipped SU7 comes with a 56-inch head-up display and Xiaomi’s smartphone and AI know-how means drivers get into the car and can transfer their phone interface to the SU7’s media screen with the press of a single button. German, American and even Japanese and Korean brands have all underestimated the importance of software-defined vehicles, one industry expert told the NYT.

In some cases, there are reasons for their reticence. Brands like Porsche and Ferrari have been careful not to jump to provide ADAS systems earlier than other brands because they’re keen to preserve their hard-earned reputations as makers of pure drivers’ cars. You’d never see either brand showing off how its EV could race around a track without a driver, as BYD did with its Yangwang U9 supercar last week.

More: EVs Set To Outsell Gas Cars In China In 2025, 10 Years Ahead Of Schedule

But Chinese buyers are pragmatic and less obsessed with the classic idea of driving fun. Quit the hand-wringing and just give us the tech, they’re effectively saying by ignoring the Taycan and buying cars with more advanced systems, like the SU7. The fact that buyers are so young – averaging 33 years old in 2021 for the Taycan – suggests they’re potentially more open to switching brands.

Could It Happen In The West?

And how long until even European and American drivers, if given the choice between a Porsche and a Chinese product that does much of the same thing for half the price, start to ignore Porsche cars, too? I love cars like the Macan and Taycan, but let’s not pretend it can’t happen, at least to the four-seat models.

We welcomed newcomers like Tesla and Rivian, seeing them as legitimate rivals to Porsche, so why not Xiaomi? Ford boss Jim Farley has already said he loves driving his SU7 so much he doesn’t want to give it back. US tariffs and some lingering anti-Chinese sentiment provide a hill to climb, but the Chinese will crest it. Look how far Kia has come in 35 years, and then look at how far Xiaomi has come in just a couple with one car.

What would you do to get Porsche back on track in China? And do you believe it’ll eventually have the same problem in Europe and America, or does it have the brand power to stay ahead? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

Earlier this month, Chinese automaker BYD announced that its “God’s Eye” driver-assist package would become standard on 21 models across all price brackets. While that’s great news for future buyers, existing owners aren’t exactly celebrating. Instead, they’ve flooded online forums with complaints about having overpaid for their cars.

A significant number of BYD owners have voiced their frustration on 12365auto.com, a Chinese third-party platform focused on automotive quality. The backlash was strong enough to push models from BYD’s Ocean and Dynasty series into the top 10 most complained-about vehicles on the site.

More: BYD To Roll Out Solid-State Batteries In 2027 Before Widespread Use In 2030

As reported by Reuters, over 4,700 complaints were filed against the Chinese brand between February 11 and 17, following its announcement for the upgraded ADAS. For comparison, owners had only filed 150 complaints on the previous week.

One disgruntled owner of a BYD Qin L DM-i sedan pointed out that the company slashed prices and added features just four months after they had purchased their car, prompting them to demand compensation.

Another buyer, who had recently purchased a Seal 06 DM-i, was frustrated to find that a newer version with notable upgrades was released at the same price—despite having “repeatedly” asked the salesperson whether an update was imminent.

According to the platform, BYD has acknowledged the complaints, stating they have been forwarded to the appropriate departments.

Not All “God’s Eye” Systems Are Created Equal

The 21 BYD models receiving the standard “God’s Eye” ADAS package span a price range of ¥69,800 to ¥239,800 (roughly $9,600 to $33,100 at current exchange rates). The most affordable of the bunch is the BYD Seagull electric hatchback.

More: Family Filmed Sleeping As SUV Drives Itself On Highway

However, it is worth noting that the God’s Eye system has three different versions – A, B, and C – which do not offer the same level of sophistication. The basic C will find its way into cheaper BYD models, the mid-spec B will equip offerings from the Denza and Fang Cheng Bao brands, while the flagship A is reserved for Yangwang.

BYD is not the only automaker that has been the target of complaints about the ongoing price war in China, which is significantly more prominent compared to other countries due to the fierce competition in the world’s biggest car market. Back in 2023, hundreds of Tesla owners gathered at local dealerships asking for rebates and credits after the company slashed prices of its models.

Breaking into a heavily contested EV market like China is no easy feat, but Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has done what many established automakers couldn’t: launch a first-ever electric vehicle that outsold the Tesla Model 3—at least in China. Sales data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) between April 2024 and January 2025 confirms that Xiaomi’s SU7 managed to edge out the Model 3, a major feat for the company’s automotive debut.

Production of the sleek SU7 began in April 2024, with customer deliveries starting shortly after. It enjoyed a very strong start, with no less than 30,000 examples sold across April, May, and June. In April, 7,058 units were sold, which was enough to surpass the 5,065 Model 3s sold during the same month. What’s perhaps most impressive is that demand for the SU7 steadily rose throughout 2024 and never failed to die off, as can often be the case with new EVs.

Read: Xiaomi Wants To Sell More Than 300,000 Cars In 2025

The Tesla Model 3 ended the April-June period with 38,446 units, easily eclipsing the SU7. Across July-September, the Tesla maintained its edge, with 52,052 examples finding new homes across the country. By comparison, 39,790 SU7s were sold during the same three months. Sales of the Xiaomi then surged in October, November, and December, easily eclipsing the Model 3.

Whereas Tesla managed to sell 52,241 Model 3s during this period, Xiaomi sold 69,697 SU7s. This included 20,726 in October, 23,156 in November, and 25,815 in December. Strong demand for the Xiaomi has continued into 2025 and 22,897 were sold in January. While that’s down on December’s figures, the Chinese New Year holiday period usually leads to a drop in vehicle sales. In January, Tesla sold just 8,009 Model 3s.

Overall, according to X user Troy Teslike, who cited official figures from the China Passenger Car Association, Xiaomi delivered 162,384 SU7s between April 2024 and January 2025, surpassing the 152,748 Model 3s Tesla sold in the same period.

For the first time, total sales of the Xiaomi SU7 have surpassed Tesla's Model 3 in China since deliveries began in April 2024.

Sales in China (Apr 2024 – Jan 2025):
• Tesla Model 3: 152,748
• Xiaomi SU7: 162,384

Xiaomi, best known for its smartphones in China and Europe,… pic.twitter.com/dQrVEjwyL2

— Troy Teslike (@TroyTeslike) February 15, 2025

Can Xiaomi Beat The Tesla Model Y?

The Chinese brand is also chasing after Tesla with its second model. In December, it previewed the new YU7, a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y. Like the SU7, it could undercut the Tesla on price while coming standard with more features and a more premium design.

Given how popular crossovers and SUVs have become in recent years, it’s entirely possible the YU7 could outsell the SU7. Whether or not it can top the Model Y is a different story. Last year, the Tesla was China’s best-selling new car with 480,309 examples finding new homes. Matching or exceeding that won’t be easy for Xiaomi.

The road to commercializing solid-state batteries across the automotive industry has taken longer than many expected, but a growing number of carmakers are developing these advanced batteries for their next-generation EVs. They include Chinese leader BYD, which says its solid-state batteries will initially be rolled out in 2027 before mass-scale adoption from 2030.

Over the weekend, the China All-Solid-State Battery Innovation and Development Summit Forum was held and during the event, the CTO of BYD’s Lithium Battery company, Sun Huajun, revealed its solid-state batteries will use sulfide electrolytes. He did not say what kind of energy density BYD is targeting, but last year, the firm did begin pilot production of 20 Ah and 60 Ah solid-state batteries.

Read: BYD Ignites Self-Driving Price War, Fits ‘God’s Eye’ ADAS Tech To $9,600 EV

As BYD continues development of its solid-state batteries, it could begin introducing them in 2027 for its mid and high-end electric vehicles. As these advanced new batteries become cheaper to produce, BYD could begin to roll them out to its more affordable EVs between 2030 and 2032, CarNewsChina reports. In the long term, the company expects solid-state batteries to cost about the same as existing battery technologies.

Other Battery Efforts

However, this doesn’t mean the end is near for other batteries. Speaking at the same event, BYD chief scientist and chief automotive engineer, Lian Yubo, said lithium iron phosphate batteries aren’t going anywhere in the next 15 to 20 years, noting that they will remain important for affordable EVs.

Many other Chinese car manufacturers are hard at work on solid-state batteries. In October last year, Chery said it currently has solid-state battery prototypes with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, and expects to increase this to 500 Wh/kg. It plans to install these new batteries into cars in 2026 before beginning large-scale production the following year. Chery says these batteries could give its EVs up to 932 miles (1,500 km) of range on a single charge.

There’s plenty of interest from legacy brands as well. For example, both Toyota and Nissan have invested heavily in solid-state batteries and plan to roll them out over the coming years.

Chinese automakers have their eyes firmly set on Europe, aiming to grab market share from established brands with feature-packed, competitively priced EVs, despite the EU’s newly imposed import tariffs. One of the latest contenders in this growing battle is Seres, formerly known as SF Motors, which introduced its answer to the Tesla Model Y in Europe last year. We wanted to see how it measures up against the competition, so we took the Seres 5 press car for a drive.

More: Ford Chief Says China Leads US By 10 Years In EV Batteries, Needs Their IP

The Seres 5 originally debuted in China in 2019 as the SF5, a project developed with Huawei’s help. In 2023, a heavily updated version called the Aito M5 launched, offering both PHEV and BEV variants. While the Chinese-market Seres 5 has since adopted these upgrades, the global-spec model we’re driving sticks with the original design, featuring its distinctive curved daytime running lights.

Targeting Tesla’s Turf

The Seres 5 made its European debut at the 2023 Munich Auto Show and gradually rolled out across the continent throughout 2024. Measuring 4,710 mm (185 inches) in length, it takes on competitors like the VW ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and, of course, the ever-dominant Tesla Model Y.

Inside, the cabin leans toward premium territory, with a 15.6-inch dashboard display, fine leather upholstery, and wood inserts. The seats come packed with comfort features, offering heating, ventilation, and even a massage function.

Photos: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Performance and Range

The version we’re testing is the all-electric, all-wheel-drive variant, as the PHEV has yet to reach Europe. Its dual-motor setup delivers a solid 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 940 Nm (693 lb-ft) of torque, launching it from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.2 seconds. Power comes from an 80 kWh battery pack, providing a WLTP-rated range of up to 482 km (300 miles) per charge.

In Greece, where we’re testing it, the Seres 5 is available in a single full-spec trim, priced at €57,500 ($60,400) including local EV subsidies. For comparison, the German-made, pre-facelift Tesla Model Y Performance costs €57,990, while the upcoming 2026 Model Y Launch Edition is priced at €60,990.

More: 2025 Tesla Model Y Debuts With Cybercab Looks And Turn Signal Stalks

On the ICE front—thanks in part to the country’s absurd taxation system—a similarly sized base BMW X3 xDrive20 with 205 hp starts at €68,700 ($72,100). Meanwhile, the only Honda CR-V available, the e:HEV hybrid, is priced from €49,900 ($52,400).

We’ll be driving the Seres 5 both in the city and on the open road over the next few days. Got questions? Drop them below in the comments section, and we’ll cover as many as possible in the full review.

Thanks to Seres Hellas for providing the Seres 5 press car.

Smart is reportedly planning its first sedan that could debut later this year. The electrified model is rumored to adopt the Smart #6 moniker, joining an SUV-exclusive lineup after the discontinuation of the Smart Fortwo city car.

The Smart #6 will be positioned as the company’s flagship model, rivaling the Tesla Model 3. It will most likely debut in EV form, although a PHEV option could be added to the range, in line with Smart’s renewed product strategy.

Review: Smart #3 Brabus Is An Impressive EV That Puts The Model Y Performance On Notice

As is the case with the entire Smart lineup, Mercedes-Benz will be responsible for the design, leaving the R&D and the production to Geely.

Autocar reports that the sedan will share its underpinnings with the Zeekr 007 sedan and GT models. This means it will use the PMA2+ platform, a derivative of Geely’s widely-used Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).

Powertrain options will include single and dual electric motor setups, sourcing energy from 75 kWh and 100 kWh battery packs respectively. A Brabus variant could produce up to 637 hp (475 kW / 646 PS), matching the Zeekr sibling and becoming the most powerful Smart ever to be produced.

More: Zeekr 007 EV Can Get 80% Charge In Just Ten Minutes

The low-slung sedan will also be the most aerodynamic member of the lineup, surpassing the Smart #3 coupe SUV. The sleek bodywork will contribute to a rumored range of “well over 800 km (500 miles)” on the more optimistic CLTC cycle. This is consistent with the mechanically related Zeekr 007 sedan, which can cover up to 870 km (540 miles) between charges.

The Smart #6 is expected to break cover sometime in 2025, ahead of a market launch in early 2026. The automaker recently announced it will enter over 10 new markets this year, expanding its presence in South America, Africa, and Europe. In 2024, Smart sold 130,000 vehicles, with the majority being registered in China.

Note: The illustration below was created by modifying official sketches of the smart #3 coupe-SUV to resemble a low-slung four-door sedan. It is not related to, nor endorsed by Smart.

We’re barely six weeks into 2025, but it’s already clear that this year is shaping up to be another strong one for EVs and PHEVs. After a record-breaking 2024, which saw global sales of electrified vehicles soar by 26%, January has kicked off with significant growth, with all major markets showing notable year-over-year gains.

Read: EV And PHEV Sales Surged 26% Globally In 2024, But The Party’s Over In Europe

According to data from RHO Motion, an estimated 1.3 million EVs and Plug-in Hybrids were sold globally last month. That’s an 18% increase over January 2024, though it’s worth noting a sharp 35% drop from December 2024. The dip from December is largely due to a 43% drop in sales from China—the largest market for electrified vehicles. This decline isn’t surprising, given the Chinese New Year holidays, which traditionally slow car sales.

China’s Growth vs. December’s Slump

Despite the overall drop from December, comparing January 2025 to the same month last year tells a much rosier story. In China, approximately 700,000 EVs and PHEVs were sold, a 12% increase over January 2024. The EU, EFTA, and UK region also posted impressive numbers, with around 250,000 vehicles sold—a 21% jump from last year, though down 19% from December.

Germany Gets Back on Track, France Faces a Dip

Germany, Europe’s largest automotive market, has reason to smile this month. After a tough 2024, when sales were dragged down by the removal of several subsidies, the country saw a 40% boost in January sales compared to the previous year.

On the other hand, France isn’t seeing the same success. Sales there dropped by 52% from December, partly due to the introduction of a new weight tax on PHEVs. It seems the French government might be unintentionally driving consumers away from electrified vehicles.

North America: A Mixed Bag

Across the Atlantic, about 130,000 EVs and PHEVs were sold in the U.S. and Canada, marking a 22% increase from January 2024. However, sales are down 28% from December 2024. RHO Motion speculates that the tightening of eligibility for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit could slow the market’s momentum throughout the rest of 2025.

It also seems that, for now, at least, despite the arrival of Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, demand for electric vehicles remains largely unaffected, proof, perhaps, that some trends are simply bigger than politics.

In 2024, the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) saw a relative cooling off period after the meteoric growth experienced in 2023. The Energy & Power...

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Tesla isn’t just contending with slowing sales across Europe, it’s now seeing a decline in China as well. New sales data reveals that the American EV maker’s deliveries in China fell by 11.5% last month, while key domestic rivals like BYD, Changan Automobile, and Xpeng saw their numbers climb.

In January, Tesla sold 63,238 vehicles in China and other markets that receive Chinese-built Teslas, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). While that’s still a solid figure, it’s a noticeable drop from the 71,447 vehicles delivered in January and a sharp decline from the 93,766 in December.

Read: Tesla Sales Crash Up To 63% In European Markets, Is Musk Or New Model Y To Blame?

While Tesla won’t be thrilled with the dip in sales, there are some external factors at play. This year’s Chinese New Year holiday ran from January 28 to February 4, a period when car sales traditionally slow. Last year, the Chinese New Year holiday was from February 10-17 and, as such, did not impact January’s sales figures.

Additionally, CNEVPost reports that Tesla’s Shanghai plant halted Model Y production in January to prepare for the launch of the heavily updated version. The production lines won’t be back online until February 14. Part of the facility used for the Model 3 was also temporarily closed from January 26 to February 3.

Tesla wasn’t the only automaker affected by seasonal trends. BYD, China’s surging EV giant, also saw a drop in sales compared to its record-breaking December. However, it still managed a slight increase from January. In total, BYD sold 300,538 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles locally last month, up 49.16% from February 2023 but down 41.62% from its massive December tally of 514,809 units.

Despite the slump, Tesla’s Chinese sales could rebound soon. The company is understood to have secured as many as 70,000 orders for the new Model Y in the first five days after its local unveiling. It’s unclear when local customer deliveries will begin.

Ford desperately wants to head off the threat posed by the Chinese car industry, but it needs China’s own technical expertise to make it happen, according to the Blue Oval’s boss.

CEO Jim Farley told The New York Times that China is years ahead when it comes to making batteries for EVs and that Ford’s only chance of getting on equal footing with the country’s auto industry, and then pulling ahead, is to leverage their tech.

Related: Ford CEO Slams Trump’s Unfair Tariffs That Benefit Foreign Brands

“The way we compete with them is to get access to their IP just the way they needed ours 20 years ago, and then use our innovative ecosystem and American ingenuity and our great scale and our intimacy with the customer to beat them globally,” Farley told the NYT’s Thomas L. Friedman. “It will be one of the most important races to save our industrial economy.”

Farley isn’t talking about some far off future plan, but something that’s already happening. The automaker’s massive BlueOval Battery Park is currently mid-build, and when it’s up and running in 2026 it’ll be churning out thousands of lithium ion phosphate (LFP) batteries that rely on tech from China’s CATL.

Paying China for American technology

That much we knew, but there’s something we didn’t know about CATL’s clever chemistry, and maybe you didn’t either: it was originally developed in the US and then picked up for pennies by the Chinese. Referencing an earlier Bloomberg story, the NYT explains how LFP was discovered by scientists at the University of Texas, then commercialized by A123 Systems LLC, a startup that received a ton of cash by the Obama administration.

But the EV market was slow to develop and A123 went bust, the remnants of it, including the battery IP, eventually being bought out by what at the time was China’s biggest auto parts company.

You might argue that hindsight is a wonderful thing and that no-one really could have known a decade ago that EVs would become such a large part of the car industry. But the Chinese figured it would. Tesla also did before any other Western brand. Every major automaker was working on EVs because they knew they’d eventually have to sell them in huge numbers to meet emissions goals.

Looking back from a 2025 vantage point, it seems incredible that the tech was allowed not just to leave US hands, but drop into the hands of one its biggest adversaries. One that, according to the Bloomberg report, controls 83 percent of all lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

Ford is working on a sub $30k baby EV to battle affordable electric cars from China that haven’t yet landed in the US, but are already making their presence felt in other regions where Ford also sells cars. While tariffs on cars imported from China to the US protect Ford from the threat of the likes of BYD in America (for now), they also make the Chinese-built Lincoln Nautilus more expensive once shipped to US dealers.

The electric revolution fizzled and many automakers have now abandoned or delayed plans to go electric-only. This has left a number of firms scrambling to churn out new models with internal combustion engines as well as hybrid powertrains.

Porsche is among them as they recently confirmed, “We will develop new combustion-engined derivatives [of our EVs] in order to give the right answer to customer demand.” Given this, it’s not surprising to learn the company has announced an “expansion of the product portfolio to include additional vehicle models with combustion engines or plug-in hybrids.”

More: Porsche Changes EV Plan, Will Give Electric Models ICE Powertrains Too

Porsche didn’t go into specifics, but said the move is designed to strengthen their profitability in the short and medium term. This effort also includes a renewed focus on Porsche Sonderwunsch (special request) and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. These are highly profitable programs steeped in personalization, so the company wants to maximize their profitability.

However, these initiatives come at a cost and this is on top of already expensive vehicle and battery development. Porsche warned these efforts will “lead to significant additional expenditures” and their impact for the 2025 financial year could total €800 ($826) million.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Porsche is expecting a “market-induced” drop in sales for 2025. The automaker also forecasted sales revenues of €39-40 ($40.2-41.3) billion for the year.

Porsche deliveries fell by more than 9,500 units last year and the company has previously pointed to China’s “continuing challenging economic situation.” The company blamed this for sagging Panamera sales, which were off by 13%.

Investors weren’t happy and Porsche AG stock closed down 6.45 % to €55.94 ($57.78) per share in Frankfurt.

It hasn’t been long since Nio debuted the L60, the first electric vehicle from its new Onvo sub-brand, and already, it’s working on its next move. The L80, which is expected to go head-to-head with popular compact crossover rivals like the Tesla Model Y, is in the works, and a fresh batch of renderings gives us a glimpse of what to expect.

A single spy shot of the L80 has been circling throughout the Chinese media in recent weeks. It shows a heavily-disguised prototype wrapped in black body cladding. While the camouflage does a good job of hiding the intricacies of the SUV’s design, it cannot hide the fact that the L80 is much larger than the L60 it’ll be sold alongside. Indeed, whereas the L60 is a strict five-seater, the L80 will have three rows and be sold as either a six-seater or a seven-seater.

Read: Nio Drops Onvo L60 Price To Obliterate Tesla’s Model Y, Starts At $21K

These renderings from Sugar Design show how it may look. Like the L60, it could come standard with split headlights that include separate LED daytime running lights running along the line of the hood, whereas the main headlamps are located further down. Given the L80 has three rows, it’s no surprise the roof sits more upright than the L60 and stretches further back, increasing interior space.

The rear of the L80 shares a strong resemblance to the L60, with curvy LED taillights and a glossy black lower bumper. While not a complete overhaul, these details suggest a familiar yet refined look, staying true to the Onvo design language.

As of now, technical details on the L80 remain scarce. However, CarNewsChina reports that Nio plans to unveil it before the end of Q1, meaning we might finally get a full look at the vehicle in just a few weeks. If all goes as planned, the L80 could be launched in China as early as May.

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Eight weeks ago, Xiaomi dropped the covers on its long-awaited electric SUV, known as the YU7. While it arguably should have named it the SU7, rather than using that badge for its electric sedan, its second EV has the potential to be the brand’s most popular model. And based on recent Chinese government filings revealing additional details about it, it’s well-placed to give the Tesla Model Y a serious run for its money.

Data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveals that all-wheel drive versions of the YU7 have quoted CLTC range figures of 416 miles (670 km), 466 miles (750 km), and 472 miles (760 km). While the Chinese testing cycle is known to be wildly optimistic, these figures compare well against the recently updated Tesla Model Y.

Read: Xiaomi YU7 SUV Looks Like A Ferrari Purosangue And McLaren Rolled Into One

The new Model Y, complete with a Cybercab-inspired design, launched in China a few weeks ago and has already proven to be hugely popular. It’s offered in rear-wheel drive and Long-Range All-Wheel Drive configurations. The base RWD model has a quoted range of 368 miles (593 km), while the AWD has a CLTC estimated range of 447 miles (719 km). Xiaomi has yet to disclose a range figure for the YU7 RWD, but the flagship AWD variants edge out a comparable Model Y. Curiously, Xiaomi is yet to announce the capacities of the YU7’s available battery packs, although such details should be confirmed in due course.

That’s impressive when you consider the YU7 is quite a bit larger than the Tesla. You see, whereas the new Model Y is 188.8 inches (4,797 mm) long, the YU7 is 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) long. It also has a 118-inch (3,000 mm) wheelbase compared to the (113.7-inch) 2,890 mm wheelbase of the Tesla. That should give it more second-row space than the Model Y.

Final prices for the Xiaomi YU7 are unknown at this point, but local media suggest it should start at around ¥250,000 (~$34,700). If true, that would allow it to undercut the Model Y RWD which starts at ¥263,500 (~$36,600). Obviously, higher-end versions of the YU7 will be a little pricier, but should be close to the ¥303,500 (~$42,200) starting price of the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive.

Unfortunately for those not living in China, Xiaomi doesn’t sell its cars outside its home market and likely won’t for quite some time. In mid-December, a report emerged suggesting that Xiaomi could expand to international markets in the future, but will first do so by selling limited models to test responses from different countries.

The White House announced that tariffs on products from Mexico, Canada and China will begin Feb. 1. (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump plans to implement tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China on Saturday, potentially starting off a trade war that would likely lead to price increases on groceries and numerous other products.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing Friday that Trump will place 25% tariffs on goods coming into the United States from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on imports from China. Tariffs are paid by businesses bringing goods into the United States from other countries and they often pass on the increase in costs to consumers.

“The tariffs are incoming tomorrow on Canada and the reason for that is because both Canada and Mexico have both allowed an unprecedented invasion of illegal fentanyl that is killing American citizens and also illegal immigrants into our country,” Leavitt said.

Trump hasn’t yet decided if he will later implement tariffs on the European Union, made up of 27 countries, according to Leavitt.

“I won’t get ahead of the president on tariffs when it comes to the European Union,” she said.

Trump said later Friday from the Oval Office that he wasn’t using the tariffs as a negotiating tool, but as a way to raise revenue for the federal government and bring attention to fentanyl flowing into the country.

“We’re not looking for a concession. We’ll just see what happens,” Trump said.

The new tariffs will be stacked on top of existing tariffs, he said.

Trump said he planned to add additional tariffs at some point on computer chips and “things associated with chips,” oil and gas, steel, aluminum, copper, pharmaceuticals and “all forms of medicine.”

Trump said he will likely implement the oil and gas tariffs on Feb. 18, but didn’t provide dates for the other tariffs.

Trump brushed aside a question about how tariffs would impact prices, saying he was elected to reduce inflation. He said he wasn’t concerned about the stock market’s reaction on Friday afternoon to the impending tariffs. 

Many economists, including those at conservative think tanks, like the American Enterprise Institute, have warned against broadly applying tariffs in this way.

Phil Gramm, former Republican chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and nonresident senior fellow at AEI, and Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary during the Clinton administration, wrote an op-ed published by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday urging Trump not to implement tariffs.

“Our united opposition to non-defense-related tariffs is based not on our faith in free trade but on evidence that tariffs are harmful to the economy,” they wrote.

“Protective tariffs distort domestic production by inducing domestic producers to commit labor and capital to produce goods and services that could have been acquired more cheaply on the international market,” Gramm and Summers wrote. “That labor and capital are in turn diverted from producing goods and services that couldn’t be acquired more cheaply internationally. In the process, productivity, wages and economic growth fall while prices rise. Tariffs and the retaliation they bring also poison our economic and security alliances.”

Leavitt said during the press briefing that only Trump could decide whether he would eventually lift or alter the tariffs, while brushing aside the potential impacts to the U.S. economy. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service writes on its website that Canada and Mexico “are the United States’ first and third largest suppliers of agricultural products (averaging $30.9 billion and $25.5 billion in 2017–21, respectively).

“Mexico supplied the United States with 31 percent of imported horticultural products including fruit, vegetables, and alcoholic beverages. Canada is also a source of horticultural products, as well as grains, and meats.”

The Office of the United States Trade Representative writes on its website that the U.S. imported $562.9 billion worth of goods from China during 2022.

U.S. agricultural exports to China, which could be impacted by retaliatory tariffs, totaled $36.4 billion during fiscal year 2022, according to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. 

“U.S. exports have returned to trend growth experienced since the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in the last 2 years the United States has witnessed record export values to China for soybeans, corn, beef, chicken meat, tree nuts, and sorghum. Cotton exports to China have also rebounded, propelled by strong demand. All these products are major contributors to the U.S. farm economy.”

Ashley Murray contributed to this report. 

The global market for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is expected to see solid growth in 2025, at least if one research group is correct. According to Rho Motion, sales of EVs and PHEVs could jump 18% this year, surpassing 20 million units for the first time. Strong gains are anticipated in key markets, including the United States, Canada, China, and Europe.

North America’s Growth Faces Political Uncertainty

EV and PHEV sales in the U.S. and Canada could climb by as much as 16% this year, a prediction that might surprise some, given the potential policy shifts under President Trump’s administration. Rolling back fuel efficiency standards and cutting federal tax credits for new and used EVs could put a dent in demand, but for now, the market appears poised to push forward.

Read: EV And PHEV Sales Surged 26% Globally In 2024, But The Party’s Over In Europe

However, Rho Motion believes any legislative changes will take time to make a real impact, meaning 2025 should see continued growth before the effects of new policies begin to slow things down. By next year, combined EV and PHEV sales in the region could exceed 2.1 million units.

Europe Rebounds After Incentive Cuts

The European market, which includes the EU, EFTA region and the UK, also looks set for a rebound after a shaky 2024, when EV and PHEV sales dipped 3%, largely due to Germany pulling back on subsidies. This year, however, sales are expected to grow by 15% over 2024 levels, or 13% compared to 2023.

The boost is likely to come from stricter emissions standards taking effect (effectively forcing carmakers to sell more EVs and PHEVs) combined with the introduction of more budget-friendly EVs, some priced at or below €25,000 (~$26,000). Even with these improvements, automakers may still struggle to hit EU emissions targets, potentially facing hefty fines.

China To Remain EV Hotbed

China is expected to continue to lead the way in EV and PHEV sales, potentially topping 12.9 million units in 2025, representing a 17% rise from the year prior. The country is also expected to tip over the 50% market saturation mark of EVs vs ICEs this year.

“China’s grip on the global market isn’t going anywhere this year with several new plants set to open around the world, expanding its foothold internationally,” Rho Motion head of research Iola Hughes predicts.

“Car manufacturer bosses in the EU will be experiencing some sleepless nights in 2025 as long-anticipated emissions targets come into effect this year and few are adequately prepared with billions of euros of fines on the line. Following his inauguration, President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda is in full swing and though the removal of EV tax credits is going to impact the long-term market, little change will be seen this year as the electrification of vehicles is here to stay,” Hughes added.

For now, the EV market is still climbing, but the real question is how long it can keep up the pace with shifting policies and market shake-ups.

This is the latest EV from brand Hongqi, and unlike many of its other offerings, it’s not a big luxury sedan designed to ferry around the country’s elite. Instead, it belongs in the compact segment, sporting similar dimensions to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and being slightly larger than the Tesla Model 3.

The car is known as the Tiangong 05 and forms part of Hongqi’s new Tiangong series of models, which also includes the 08 SUV. It was first previewed by a compelling concept car last year, and the production model looks surprisingly sleek. It’s unlikely it’ll ever be sold outside of Asia, but given that China is the largest car market in the world, Hongqi definitely has a sizeable group of potential buyers it can market the 05 to.

Read: New Hongqi Guoya Flagship Luxury Sedan Looks Like A Bentley After A Wild Night Out

Up front, there’s a pair of sharp LED headlights, not dissimilar to those of the popular MG 4. Running along the center of the hood is Hongqi’s customary ‘Red Flag’ symbol. Other key features include door handles that sit flush with the bodywork and curvaceous LED taillights.

Underpinning the 05 is Hongqi’s Tiangong platform, which uses batteries sourced from CATL with at least two different options. While the company hasn’t announced their capacities, the base model is reportedly good for 342 miles (550 km) of range on the (rather generous) CLTC cycle, while the flagship version can travel up to 466 miles (750 km) on a charge. Driving the car is a single electric motor at the rear wheels with 281 hp (210 kW).

Hongqi, which is owned by FAW Group, has yet to release official photos of the 05’s interior. However, a recent spy shot revealed it sports a big central infotainment screen and a two-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel. Much like a Tesla, the EV eschews a traditional gauge cluster, but does include a massive 65-inch head-up display. There is also a 50-watt wireless charging pad and a pair of cupholders.

Local pricing details haven’t been announced, but the 05 will no doubt be far cheaper in China than an equivalent EV would be here in the US.

Update 2/13: Chevrolet has released official photos and videos of the Spark EUV ahead of its upcoming market launch in Brazil. These images confirm that the EV is essentially identical to the Baojun Yep Plus.

Chevrolet has found a clever (read: cost-effective) way to make the most of its SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture by rebadging one of China’s most charming EVs, the Baojun Yep Plus. This fully electric urban SUV made an unexpected debut during a special event celebrating Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary in the Brazilian market.

The new model, set to be sold in Brazil as the Chevrolet Spark EUV, is essentially a Baojun Yep Plus with a Chevy badge stuck on the grille—no other major changes to speak of. Despite sharing a name and compact proportions, the Spark EUV has absolutely nothing in common with the Spark EV, Chevrolet’s short-lived electric hatchback sold in select states in the US from 2013 to 2017 before being phased out for the Bolt.

More: 12-Year Old Chevrolet Trailblazer Receives Another Facelift In Brazil

Inside, the Spark EUV borrows the modern digital cockpit of the Baojun Yep Plus, comprising dual 10.2-inch displays. It is also expected to inherit the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) of the Chinese twin, developed by none other than drone-maker DJI.

While GM hasn’t revealed the full specs or a launch timeline for the Spark EUV, the announcement did come with a broader promise: the company plans to introduce 10 new models to the Brazilian market by 2025, with five of them categorized as “major” launches. The Spark EUV, given its potential appeal and positioning, is likely one of the more significant additions.

Based on the dimensions of the Baojun Yep Plus at 3,996 mm (157.3 inches) long with a 2,560 mm (100.8 inches) wheelbase, the Spark EUV will take the crown as Chevrolet’s smallest offering. While the Baojun lineup includes a five-door version, a three-door variant, and even a pickup concept, it’s unclear if Chevrolet plans to bring any of these alternative body styles to the Brazilian market alongside the rebadged model.

Chances are that the Spark EUV will borrow its powertrain directly from the Chinese-spec twin, which features a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and a 41.9 kWh battery pack. This setup offers a respectable 401 km (249 miles) of range on China’s CLTC cycle.

More: China-Made 2024 Chevrolet Aveo Unveiled In Mexico

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this tiny off-roader is its affordability. While Chevrolet hasn’t revealed Brazilian pricing yet, the identical Baojun Yep Plus starts at just ¥93,800 (around $12,900) in China.

In addition to unveiling the Chevrolet Spark EUV, the company also announced a 100th Anniversary Special Series trim for the Onix, Tracker, and S10, an exclusive lineup designed specifically for the Brazilian market.

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Just days after it was confirmed that BMW, Geely, SAIC, and BYD, were suing the European Union, it’s been revealed that Tesla is doing the same. The action was taken by Tesla’s subsidiary in China and comes in response to EU tariffs placed against electric vehicles built in China and exported to Europe.

In the filing made with The European Court of Justice, Tesla did not provide details about its argument against the tariffs. What we do know is that the case will be heard by the second-highest court in the EU, the General Court, in a process that could take roughly 18 months.

Read: BMW Teams Up With Chinese EV Makers To Fight EU Tariffs In Court

Tesla is one of many car manufacturers impacted by the European Union’s tariffs against Chinese-made EVs. However, the tariffs levied against it are significantly smaller than those of its rivals. Following an investigation that stretched on for over a year, the EU found that Chinese brands had benefited from government subsidies, giving them a competitive advantage and allowing them to sell EVs cheaper than many Western carmakers.

Tesla was hit with an additional tariff of 7.8% in October last year following the probe, in addition to the pre-existing 10% levy. By comparison, BYD was hit with a 17% tariff hike, Geely got 18.8%, and SAIC received a hefty 35.3%. The EU found that Tesla had received the smallest amount of Chinese government support, hence why its tariff is smaller.

Although Tesla is an American company, it builds Model 3s in Shanghai and exports them to Europe. According to The Financial Times, Tesla accounted for approximately 28% of all Chinese-made EVs imported to the EU in 2023.

Olof Gill, a spokesperson from the European Commission responded to Tesla’s filing, saying, “We’re prepared to defend our case in court as necessary.”

Last year, Tesla recalled more vehicles in the United States than any other carmaker, and while the vast majority were fixed with over-the-air updates, it’s probably an undesirable title the brand wishes it didn’t receive. Things haven’t gotten off to a great start in 2025, and shortly after Tesla had to recall 240,000 models in the US, regulators in China said that 1.2 million Tesla models now need repairs through two separate recalls.

The most significant recall impacts 871,087 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built and sold in China. These EVs were assembled from January 3, 2022, to September 23, 2023, and are equipped with an electronic power steering system that may not provide enough steering assistance. A statement from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) says this could cause the electronic power steering to malfunction.

Read: Tesla Starts 2025 With Recall For 240,000 EVs, Some May Need New Computers

If there’s a slither of good news in this recall for Tesla, it’s the fact the issue can be resolved with a simple software update.

The second recall involves 335,716 vehicles and relates to a fault with the rearview camera. It’s the same issue that recently prompted a recall of almost 240,000 Tesla models in the US. Tesla says that when one of its EVs is powered up, a reverse current can cause a shorting failure on the car computer board, causing the rearview camera to malfunction. In China, the recall involves imported Model S and Model Xs, as well as locally-built Model 3s and Model Ys built between July 16, 2023, and December 14, 2024.

Most Teslas in this recall can be fixed by upgrading to software version 2024.44.25.3, but some will need to have a new computer installed at no cost at a Tesla service center.