Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, your trusted source of EV information. It’s Saturday 15 March, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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MERCEDES-BENZ UNVEILS ADVANCED CLA EV
Mercedes-Benz has launched the new CLA, an updated version of its entry-level vehicle. It will be its most advanced electric vehicle (EV). The 2026 CLA is built on the EV-focused MMA platform, which it says is EV first, hybrid second. The electric model is expected to arrive about nine months before the gasoline version.
The redesigned CLA keeps the previous model’s four-door coupe shape but looks larger and sturdier. The wheelbase grows by 6.1 centimeters (2.4 inches), height increases by 2.8 centimeters (1.1 inches), and overall length extends by 3.3 centimeters (1.3 inches). The greenhouse area is also larger, adding rear quarter windows.
The CLA features Mercedes’ first 800-volt architecture, allowing charging speeds up to 320 kilowatts (kW). It has an 85.0-kilowatt-hour (kWh) usable battery capacity with new cells that mix silicon into the anode with traditional graphite.
Power comes from a single rear motor producing 268 horsepower that drives the rear wheels through a two-speed transmission. An optional front motor adds 107 hp when extra power or traction is needed, but stays decoupled otherwise to save energy. The dual-motor setup can accelerate the CLA from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds, while the single-motor version does it in 6.6 seconds.
Mercedes estimates that the CLA250+ with EQ Technology will have a European WLTP range of 694 to 792 kilometers (367–418 miles) based on EPA methods. The CLA350 4Matic with EQ Technology is expected to offer a range of 670–770 kilometers (354–407 miles) for U.S. models.
The braking system is fully “by-wire,” adjusting between regenerative and friction braking based on pedal input and conditions. One-pedal driving is available, with up to 200 kW of energy regeneration possible.
Other innovations in the CLA include a multi-source heat pump and a front trunk (frunk) spacious enough for a roll-aboard bag.
Pricing details are not yet available, but as the entry-level model, the CLA is expected to be priced below $60,000, competing against models like the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.
PORSCHE TO LAUNCH ELECTRIC CAYENNE IN CALIFORNIA
The Cayenne Electric will debut in California before the end of the year. It will use the Premium Platform Electric architecture, the same as the Macan EV and Audi Q6 e-tron, instead of modifying the current model’s platform.
Dr. Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG, announced that the Cayenne will be the first model with three options: internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric. Blume said, “In this respect, I am also very optimistic that we will be just as successful with the future electric Cayenne in North America, especially in California. I can reveal that its world premiere will take place right there on the West Coast.”
Blume also highlighted Porsche’s commitment to combustion technology. Because of a drop in expected demand for electric vehicles, Porsche plans to keep offering mild-hybrid internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric models into the 2030s across various vehicle types like sports cars and SUVs.
Blume added, “Although the transition to electromobility slowed down in some regions, we still think that electromobility is the technology of the future… our product strategy continues to include a balanced offer of combustion, hybrid, and electric sports cars.”
BYD LAUNCHES HIGH-POWER EV PLATFORM AND CHARGING
BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle maker, will hold a launch event on March 17 for its “BYD Super e-Platform,” aimed at advancing electric technology.
At the event, BYD will unveil ultra-fast charging technology with a capacity of up to 1,000 kilowatts (kW), which is double the power of Tesla’s latest Supercharger. This allows electric vehicles to charge a 100-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery in about 10 minutes if the vehicle can handle 1,000 kW charging.
Currently, most superchargers offer peak powers between 200 kW and 400 kW, with some reaching up to 500 kW, though these high-power stations are rare.
During the same event, BYD will start pre-sales for the Han L and Tang L models. These models will be built on the new platform and support charging speeds of up to 1,000 kW. On January 10, both models were listed in China’s regulatory catalog by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), showing they will have ultra-high-power motors for better performance.
The Han L and Tang L feature dual motors: a front motor with peak power of 230 kW and a rear motor with 580 kW. A single motor peak power of 580 kW is unusual; motors with peak powers of 300 kW have been rare recently.
The filings show that the Han L can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in 2.7 seconds, while the Tang L does it in 3.9 seconds.
Source: via CnEVPost
https://evne.ws/3XS0dZO
BYD INTRODUCES ADVANCED TANG L FLAGSHIP SUV
BYD appears to have started selling its new flagship SUV, the Tang L, at dealerships across China after leaked images surfaced online. The Tang L comes in two versions: a plug-in hybrid (DM) and a fully electric (EV) model. The electric version offers 500 kW (670 hp) in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and up to 810 kW (1,086 hp) in all-wheel-drive (AWD), using a 580 kW rear motor and a 230 kW front motor.
The 580 kW e-motor reaches a peak RPM of 30,000, showcasing BYD’s expertise backed by a research team of 110,000.
Built on an ultra-high-voltage platform over 1000V, the Tang L features dual-gun fast charging, reducing charging times significantly. Reports say it can charge from 16% to 80% in just 10 minutes with a 120 kW DC charger, even at temperatures as low as -30°C.
It seats seven in a 2+3+2 arrangement and includes a 15.6-inch central display and an augmented reality head-up display. Other features are a D-shaped steering wheel, hidden air-conditioning vents, and an easy-to-use center console with physical buttons.
The Tang L measures 5040 mm (198.4 inches) long, 1996 mm (78.58 inches) wide, and 1760 mm (69.29 inches) high, with a wheelbase of 2950 mm (116.1 inches). It offers trunk space of 675 liters, expandable to 960 liters with the third-row seats down and up to 1,960 liters with the second-row seats down—440 liters more than its predecessor.
As part of BYD’s Dynasty series, the Tang L’s design draws from Chinese culture. Its exterior features the “Loong Face” and tail lights inspired by bamboo weaving. The interior reflects traditional Chinese clothing for comfort.
Starting at about 300,000 yuan (around $41,450), the Tang L will first be available in China with possible international launches later on.
BMW’S NEUE KLASSE EVS TO LAUNCH SOON
BMW will soon launch its next-generation “Neue Klasse” electric vehicles, focusing on better range, faster charging, and advanced technology. The i3 and iX3 models are finishing their testing phases.
The iX3 will start production later this year, followed by the i3. While full specs will be released later, BMW has stated that its new 800V platform is a “quantum leap forward,” offering charging speeds that are 30% faster and increasing range by up to 30%. The new platform will also help lower vehicle prices.
To prepare for its launch, the iX3 was tested in South Africa’s desert during hot-weather trials.
The new design features an updated front look and a more dynamic appearance. The kidney grille remains but now includes cameras and radars for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
After the iX3, the i3 sedan will be the second electric vehicle from BMW’s new platform. It was tested in Sweden on icy terrain, and is expected to debut later this year, with sales starting in early 2026.
TESLA TO INTRODUCE BUDGET-FRIENDLY MODEL Y VARIANT
Tesla is set to launch new affordable electric vehicles, starting with a simpler version of the Model Y, according to a recent report from China.
Over a year ago, Tesla CEO Elon Musk canceled two lower-priced models, NV91 and NV92, which were meant for a new vehicle platform now used for the Cybercab.
A report from 36Kr states that Tesla will make this new Model Y-based vehicle at Gigafactory Shanghai. It is referred to as a “lower-priced Model Y.”
The report mentions the updated Model 3 introduced in Mexico last year. This version keeps the standard design but lacks features like the second-row screen and ambient lighting strip and uses fabric interiors instead of vegan leather.
Starting at about $35,000 USD (around MXN 700,000) in Mexico, this model is roughly $4,000 USD cheaper than the standard Model 3.
The report discusses a “depop” or “decontent” strategy for developing the new Model Y-based vehicle: “It is developed through depop.”
Sources say that “depop” allows Tesla to quickly launch products by simplifying configurations while keeping core functions.
According to the report, Tesla plans to launch the new vehicle in China in the second half of the year, depending on how well the updated Model Y performs: “The launch time of these new models will depend on the order performance of the renewed Model Y. If it does not perform as expected, Tesla will likely launch this ‘cheaper Model Y’ in the second half of this year.”
The new vehicle will also be released in other international markets.
TESLA PAUSES CYBERTRUCK DELIVERIES AMID TRIM ISSUES
Tesla has paused deliveries of the Cybertruck due to reports of trims detaching from the vehicle, which was advertised as a “bulletproof” electric truck.
Eight buyers mentioned the delay on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, with more reports appearing on X and Facebook. The stoppage, referred to as a containment hold, happens when a manufacturer finds a defect and stops deliveries to fix it, avoiding future recalls.
Most buyers are unaware of the issue. However, one buyer shared an image from Tesla’s service app showing that a representative linked the problem to the truck’s “cantrail trim,” which covers the roof ledge.
While Tesla claims the Cybertruck has an “exoskeleton,” its design resembles a traditional unibody system. Many visible parts that would be part of an exoskeleton are actually trims attached to the body.
Last June, Tesla recalled 11,000 Cybertrucks due to trims detaching while driving because of adhesive failures. This issue seems to be returning.
The delivery hold began last weekend, canceling some appointments. Buyers have not been told when they can expect their vehicles. Tesla has not issued a public service bulletin about this problem.
PRICE DROPS ON TESLA MODEL Y
Tesla’s main models are seeing price drops. Kelley Blue Book reports the average price for an electric vehicle (EV) is about $55,614. Many Model Y listings are now over $20,000 below this average.
These lower-priced listings are for the older Model Y, released before the recent update. The MSRP for the new Launch series is $59,990, not including federal incentives.
On Tesla’s website, there is a wide selection of Model Ys. New models range from $33,890 for a long-range rear-wheel drive to $36,270 for Performance all-wheel drive (AWD) versions. These prices include the full $7,500 tax credit.
Used Model Ys start at $26,400 on the Tesla site.
Older models usually sell at discounts when new versions come out, but these reductions are particularly steep. The price difference between the new Model Y and the cheapest pre-refresh model is $18,600.
Overall, Tesla vehicles aren’t selling as quickly as expected. In 2023, Tesla sold 654,888 units in the U.S., but sales dropped to 633,762 units in 2024. This decline marks the first year-over-year decrease in demand for Tesla.
ARRIVAL EV MAKER SHUTS DOWN AFTER SALE PLAN FAILS
Arrival, a British electric vehicle maker once valued at £9 billion, has stopped operations after its sale plan failed. The company entered administration early last year and will lay off over 70 remaining employees.
Founded in 2015 by Russian billionaire Deni Sverdlov, Arrival Automotive UK was established in 2019. The company was known for producing electric vans, buses, and taxis using “microfactories” to lower production costs.
In 2020, Arrival gained attention when UPS ordered 10,000 vehicles. The company went public on the US Nasdaq exchange and briefly reached a market value of £9 billion. However, it faced financial troubles and entered administration in early 2024.
A report from the administrators showed that two potential deals for different parts of Arrival’s business fell through due to financing and regulatory issues.
The administrators—Simon Edel, Alan Hudson, and Sam Woodward from EY-Parthenon—will focus on recovering about £87 million owed to secured creditors and liquidating both physical and digital assets.
US TARGETS $3B WITHDRAWAL FROM POSTAL EV PLAN
Two officials from the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Senator Joni Ernst and Congressman Michael Cloud, are working on the ‘Return to Sender Act.’ This bill aims to reclaim about $3 billion set aside for the electrification of the United States Postal Service (USPS) under former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. It seeks to stop the growth of the USPS electric vehicle (EV) fleet.
Fox News reported on this effort to revoke funds meant for the USPS’s shift to electric vehicles. The USPS has a budget of several billion dollars and plans to buy 66,000 new electric vehicles and charging stations. Oshkosh will supply 45,000 vehicles, while Siemens, ChargePoint, and Blink will provide 14,000 chargers.
Before Donald Trump’s presidency, Reuters noted that the incoming administration was considering canceling contracts for electric delivery vans and charging stations with major partners like Oshkosh and Ford. The USPS had aimed to deploy 66,000 electric vehicles by 2028 as part of its investment in sustainable delivery solutions.
ITALY SEES DECLINE IN CAR SALES, EVS GAIN GROUND
New car registrations in Italy fell by 6.3% in February, totaling 137,983 units. This is a loss of 9,219 vehicles compared to last year, according to ANFIA.
The internal combustion engine (ICE) market dropped by 25.8% in February, with 50,079 registrations—down by 17,386 units year on year.
In contrast, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations rose by 38.2% in February to 6,922 units, making BEVs the fastest-growing powertrain for the month.
So far in 2025, BEV deliveries increased by 70.9%, totaling 13,624 registrations—an annual rise of 5,654 units. BEVs made up 5% of the total market volume, up by 2.2 percentage points from early 2024 but still behind the next leading powertrain by 4.8 points.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw a 33.3% increase in February with sales of 6,131 units.
Overall electric vehicle (EV) deliveries—including both BEVs and PHEVs—grew by 35.9% last month to reach a total of 13,053 units. Plug-ins accounted for 9.5% of the market share, up from 6.5% in February 2024.
In the first two months of 2025, plug-in powertrains grew by 48.4%, with registrations at 24,632—an increase of 8,035 units year on year and a market share of 9.1%, up by 3.4 percentage points compared to early last year.
XPENG CHAIRMAN PREDICTS EV MARKET CONSOLIDATION
He Xiaopeng, chairman of Xpeng and a deputy to the National People’s Congress, announced during the Two Sessions that Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) companies may face a three-year elimination period, followed by a three to five-years of growth. The number of surviving companies could drop to fewer than seven, possibly only five.
He based his prediction on rapid changes in China’s automotive industry over the past decade. Ten years ago, there were about 400 traditional car companies in China; now, only around 40 remain.
This isn’t Xiaopeng’s first prediction about this trend. About a year ago, in an interview with Channel News Asia (CNA), he mentioned that he believes the next three to four years will be a “knockout tournament” in China’s EV industry, followed by an “all-star competition” in the following years.
https://evne.ws/4ipwNdQ
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