Technology

Geely-owned LEVC L380 minivan, priced at 379,900 yuan (52,400 USD), has begun deliveries in China. This sleek electric model, boasting impressive specs and up to 8 seats, is set to hit the UK market by 2026. Designed by a Bentley alum, this minivan offers various powertrain options, advanced tech features, and safety elements. Stay tuned for this luxury ride's upcoming debut in the UK.

BYD's luxury brand Denza unveils patent images of the Z9 sedan in China, following its road test sightings. The PHEV variant features a sleek design with a sloped bonnet, cameras replacing mirrors, and retractable door handles. While specs are yet to be confirmed, Denza is eyeing European markets alongside its Z9 GT station wagon. Stay tuned for the debut of this elegant sedan making its mark in the automotive world.

Meizu, in partnership with Geely, is set to launch its first car this year, following in the footsteps of Huawei and Xiaomi entering the automotive industry. The Meizu DreamCar MX, expected to be unveiled soon, will offer a unique user experience, incorporating input from fans through the interactive DreamCar MX community. With a history in electronics and smartphones, Meizu's venture into car production promises exciting competition against rivals like Xiaomi, utilizing Geely's sustainable experience architecture platform.

Toyota is fighting off Chinese EV competition by building a new battery plant on Japan’s “Silicon Island,” aimed at bolstering its EV supply chain and producing batteries for Lexus. The move comes as BYD challenges Toyota in its home market with attractive EV offerings. With a $32 billion investment in EVs by 2030, Toyota aims to sell 3.5 million EVs annually. Stay tuned for more updates on this strategic development!

Paris has revolutionized transportation for the Olympics by prioritizing bikes over cars. The city banned cars, incentivized bike use, and added 60 km of bike lanes painted pink to guide visitors. Investments in cycling infrastructure reduced pollution and improved traffic flow. Lime invested millions in shared electric bikes for the event. Paris seized the global spotlight to showcase itself as a bike-friendly city, setting a new standard for urban mobility.

Discover Kia's electrifying EV3 GT-Line, a compact electric SUV making waves with its sporty design and impressive performance. With a range of up to 311 miles and quick charging capabilities, the EV3 is set to shake up the EV market. Priced starting at just $30,700 in Korea, it's attracting attention with over 10,000 reservations in just 23 days. Keep an eye out for the EV3's global launch and potential US debut, offering affordability and style in one electrifying package.

Elon Musk signals Tesla's HW3 nearing limits for self-driving, shifts focus to HW4 as it offers more computing power. Musk promised level 5 autonomy in 2016 but now acknowledges the need for stronger hardware. Tesla introduces HW4, prioritizing its capabilities over HW3. FSD v12.5 release limited to HW4 vehicles initially due to performance enhancements. Concerns rise over Tesla meeting self-driving promises as HW3 reaches limitations. HW4 shows potential for significant parameter increase, leaving HW3 in the dust.

Meet the Rieju E-Tango, the Spanish electric dirt bike made for beginners. This off-road gem features a 4 kW motor with three ride modes for various terrains. For street enthusiasts, the Supermotard version sports a sleek design and street-ready specs. But if you're all about the dirt, the off-road model offers a powerful 10.5 kW output. With adjustable suspension and electronic security features, the E-Tango promises fun and safety for riders of all levels. Time to ride into the electric off-road revolution!

Ford's partnership with CATL is paving the way for affordable EVs in the US market, challenging Chinese rivals while addressing the complexity of transitioning to electric vehicles in America. Hyundai Motor Group emerges as a success story with a surge in North American sales, driven by hybrid electric vehicles. Exploring the future of battery tech, the shift towards more durable and faster charging alternatives like LFP batteries signals a promising evolution in the EV industry.

Hyundai and Kia were recently spotted supercharging using native NACS ports, hinting at upcoming support for this technology. This move could potentially put them ahead in the race for efficient NACS rollout. While many automakers opt for adapters first, Hyundai and Kia plan to launch native ports by the end of 2024. This development comes amidst delays caused by Tesla's Supercharger chaos. Stay tuned for updates on this promising advancement in electric vehicle charging technology.