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 Wednesday 19 February, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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NATIONWIDE PROTESTS ERUPT AT TESLA SHOWROOMS
Tesla EO Elon Musk’s actions in his role with the US government are having repercussions at Tesla showrooms.
Inspired by a small demonstration against Elon Musk and DOGE in Maine, Joan Donovan put together a digital flyer for a protest at a Tesla showroom in Boston. This initiative quickly expanded, leading to over three dozen similar protests across the United States. The protests are a response to Musk’s controversial actions through DOGE, or the “Department of Government Efficiency,” which is not recognized as an official government body. Musk has been criticized for granting his team access to confidential taxpayer information and classified data, leading to significant consequences such as the halt of crucial U.S. Agency for International Development programs that provided medical aid globally. Additionally, Musk’s efforts are undermining the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which could have regulated his new payment service plans.
A website named TeslaTakedown has been created to facilitate the organization of local DOGE protests, and encourages Tesla stock and car owners to divest from the company. Tesla’s sales have seen a downturn; in 2024, there was a minor decline in sales by 1.1% after years of growth, despite price reductions. In China, where there is a growing market for innovative electric vehicles, Tesla’s appeal is waning. Similarly, in the U.K., Musk’s political statements have led 60% of potential EV buyers to reconsider purchasing Teslas. His support for controversial political movements and inappropriate gestures have also negatively impacted sales in Germany by 59%.
Despite these challenges, there is no indication that Musk is concerned about Tesla’s future or its public perception. However, employees and investors are reportedly worried about the company’s direction and reputation. Nell Minow from ValueEdge Advisors, for one, expressed her dismay at Musk’s actions affecting Tesla’s image so severely that she donated most of her Tesla shares to charity last year.
CHINESE EV COMPANIES EMBRACE DEEPSEEK AI FOR ADVANCED FEATURES
In a race to captivate consumers with high-tech offerings, over a dozen Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technology from DeepSeek. This move aims to enhance their vehicles with cutting-edge digital features. Industry giants like BYD, as well as emerging players such as the Stellantis-supported Leapmotor, have recently declared their intentions to integrate DeepSeek AI into their future models.
DeepSeek, an AI startup based in Hangzhou, has gained international recognition by releasing two sophisticated open-source AI models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1. These models stand out because they deliver advanced capabilities at significantly lower costs and computational demands than what is typically expected from large language model (LLM) projects. LLM technology powers generative AI services including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DeepSeek’s own chatbot.
The growing appetite among Chinese drivers for intelligent vehicles has pushed leading EV manufacturers to focus on enhancing autonomous driving technologies and digital cockpit functionalities. This trend underscores the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where innovation in AI-driven chatbot tools is becoming a key battleground.
Phate Zhang, the founder of CnEVPost, a Shanghai-based EV information provider, highlighted the critical role of DeepSeek’s technology in this competitive shift. Zhang noted that vehicles lacking DeepSeek’s advanced AI features risk losing market relevance or being completely ousted from the competition. This development marks a significant shift towards prioritizing smart vehicle capabilities in China’s EV market.
UK LEADS EUROPE IN ELECTRIC BUS ADOPTION
The UK has become the top purchaser of electric buses in Europe, thanks to significant investments by major cities like Manchester, London, and Oxford. These cities are part of a broader movement towards sustainable public transport, with even traditionally slower regions joining the shift. For instance, First Bus has dedicated £59 million to make its West of England depots electric-ready, adding 98 new electric buses to its fleet. This move is supported by the ZEBRA 2 funding scheme, which promises continued growth in electric bus sales across the country.
In 2024 alone, the UK introduced 1,570 new zero-emission buses into service. This surge not only positions the country as a leader in green public transportation but also marks it as having Europe’s largest market for passenger electric cars by volume for the same year.
Mike Hawes of SMMT highlighted this achievement as a significant step towards Britain’s net-zero targets. He noted that government funding has been crucial in revitalizing the bus sector and increasing zero-emission bus deliveries. This progress is seen as essential for improving air quality and offering sustainable transport options throughout the UK.
FORD RANGER INTRODUCES FIRST PLUG-IN HYBRID MODEL
Later this year, the Ford Ranger will debut its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, filling in a significant gap in its lineup. Although some details remain under wraps, an Australian Government approval document has provided insights into what to expect from this eagerly awaited vehicle. Set to be manufactured in South Africa, the Ranger PHEV will be available in two styles: a double-cab/chassis and a dual-cab ute.
The government filing reveals that the vehicle will feature a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with an output of 207 kW, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Ford has confirmed that the hybrid system includes a 75 kW electric motor. The Ranger PHEV is designed with an 11.8 kWh battery positioned beneath the bed on specially designed chassis rails. This setup aims for an electric-only driving range of about 45 km (28 miles).
Ford Australia has shared further specifications of the Ranger PHEV, highlighting its towing capacity of 3,500 kg—consistent with other models in the Ranger lineup—and its utility features such as a 2.3-kW power outlet inside the cabin and two external 3.45-kW outlets located in the bed for added convenience.
As of now, Ford has not disclosed the pricing for the Ranger PHEV in Australia, leaving potential buyers anticipating further announcements.
BYD’S SHARK 6 HYBRID PICKUP TRUCK SURGES IN AUSTRALIA
BYD has revealed that its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup truck has received a significant number of orders in Australia, with figures already between 5,000 and 6,000. The company anticipates these numbers will surpass 10,000 sales by the end of 2025. This achievement positions the Shark 6 among the top four best-selling 4WD dual-cab vehicles in Australia last year, only behind popular models like the Isuzu D-Max, Toyota HiLux, and Ford Ranger.
The Shark 6 stands out from its diesel-driven competitors by combining a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with electric motors on both axles. This setup delivers a total power output of 135kW and torque of 260Nm from the engine alone, with an additional boost from the electric motors bringing the total to 321kW (431 HP) and 650 Nm of torque. David Smitherman, CEO of BYD importer EVDirect, expressed enthusiasm about the vehicle’s performance in the market, highlighting February as a record-breaking month for sales.
EUROPEAN LUXURY BRANDS FALL, DOMESTIC BRANDS RISE IN CHINA
In a recent shift within China’s automotive market, passenger vehicle sales have seen a significant drop, decreasing by 32% from the previous month and 12% compared to the same period last year, totaling 1.8 million units sold. This downturn has particularly impacted the luxury car segment, which is experiencing increased competition from Chinese domestic brands. A notable development is Geely Automobile Holdings surpassing BYD in January retail sales, indicating a change in the premium auto sector traditionally dominated by foreign luxury brands.
European luxury car makers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their market share in China. Throughout 2024, their combined presence has diminished due to the rising popularity of domestic premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. Sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include electric cars, reached 744,000 units in January—a growth of 10.5% year-over-year but a decline of 43% from December’s sales figures. This sector is particularly important for luxury brands as they compete with emerging Chinese companies that are making significant inroads into the premium EV market.
Despite projections suggesting a modest 2% growth in China’s auto market by 2025, European luxury car manufacturers are facing challenges as Chinese consumers show a growing preference for local brands. These domestic vehicles offer high-end features at more affordable prices compared to their foreign counterparts. Currently, local brands represent 65.2% of China’s passenger car market sales, underscoring the shifting dynamics within the country’s automotive industry.
https://evne.ws/41jAcVk
AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC VEHICLES: BUYING USED CAN SAVE YOU BIG
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a thrilling driving experience, combining the acceleration of a supercar with the quiet, tech-filled, and environmentally friendly ride we all desire. They’re also cheaper to operate and maintain compared to traditional cars. However, the high initial cost of EVs can be a deterrent for many potential buyers.
All vehicles, including EVs, lose value over time, but this depreciation slows significantly after about three years. This period represents an ideal opportunity for buyers. By this time, most of the steep initial depreciation has occurred, yet these vehicles remain in good mechanical condition and still have substantial battery and powertrain warranty coverage remaining. Additionally, many EVs are capable of receiving software updates remotely, which means they can actually improve in functionality over time.
Considering these factors, purchasing a used EV around three years old can be a smart financial move. It allows buyers to enjoy almost all the benefits of owning an electric vehicle at roughly half the cost of buying new.
NASCAR TEAMS UP FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AT DAYTONA HQ
NASCAR has partnered with Florida Power & Light Company’s EVolution commercial charging solutions and ABB, a manufacturer of charging equipment, to set up 30 level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at its headquarters in Daytona Beach. These chargers, intended for use by employees and the industry, mark a significant step in NASCAR’s shift towards using electric fleet vehicles.
Riley Nelson, NASCAR’s Head of Sustainability, highlighted the organization’s dedication to sustainable practices. He noted that the collaboration with FPL and ABB would offer NASCAR the necessary support and reliable equipment to electrify essential aspects of its operations. This move is part of NASCAR’s broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint by transitioning from direct fuel consumption (scope 1 emissions) to using electricity (scope 2 emissions) for its operational needs.
The introduction of EV chargers aligns with NASCAR’s IMPACT program initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability within motorsports. By investigating sustainable racing fuels, increasing recycling efforts at racing tracks, and implementing energy-saving technologies at its facilities, NASCAR is working towards a more eco-friendly future for the sport.
NEW YORK’S MTA BOOSTS FLEET WITH 265 ELECTRIC BUSES
New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is adding 265 electric buses from New Flyer to its fleet. This purchase includes 193 of the 40-foot Xcelsior CHARGE NG buses and 72 of the 60-foot models. This initiative is part of the MTA’s ambitious plan, unveiled in 2023, to convert its entire fleet of 5,800 buses to zero-emission vehicles by the year 2040. This order follows an initial acquisition of 205 zero-emission buses, marking a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The Xcelsior CHARGE NG buses are equipped with advanced Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, available in two sizes: either 345 kWh or 520 kWh. These batteries are strategically placed on top of the bus and in the propulsion compartment to optimize space and efficiency. Charging these electric giants is flexible, as it can be done through roof-mounted pantograph rails or a traditional plug-in method, ensuring that these vehicles can easily adapt to various charging infrastructures.
AUDI EMBROILED IN NEW ENVIRONMENTAL SCANDAL
Audi is currently dealing with a fresh environmental controversy after a highly expensive Audi RS Q etron hybrid was discovered abandoned in an unauthorized waste site in Czechia. The rubbish, which was traced back to the German recycling company Roth International, was supposed to consist solely of “pure plastic” according to its certification documents. However, the presence of a unique, custom-built rally car among the waste tells a different story.
The illegal dump not only contained the Audi race car but also included parts of wind turbines, aircraft, car components, circuit boards, and copper wires. This incident has not only caused significant embarrassment for Audi but has also ignited discussions across Europe regarding the truthfulness of recycling claims related to battery materials.
Prior to finding itself down in the dumps, the RS Q etron had carried Swedish motorsport legend Mattias Ekström to a ninth place finish in the 2022 Dakar.
https://evne.ws/4i5Wq30
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