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 Thursday 20 March, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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BYD DOLPHIN SURF TO LAUNCH IN UK
The BYD Dolphin Surf will be one of the most affordable electric vehicles in the UK when it launches later this year. In China, where it is called the Seagull, the car costs about £8,000. For Europe and the UK, the Dolphin Surf will have better safety features.
Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice-president, said that while the Dolphin Surf “might not be the cheapest” electric car, it will offer “the best value.” It is expected to be priced above the £15,000 Dacia Spring, currently the cheapest electric car in the UK, but below models like the Fiat Grande Panda and Citroën ë-C3. The Dolphin Surf should cost less than £20,000 and have a range over 200 miles (322 kilometers).
In China, buyers can choose between a 30-kWh or 38-kWh battery pack for ranges of 190 miles (305 kilometers) and 252 miles (405 kilometers), according to CLTC testing. There are also options for 74-bhp and 100-bhp motors.
The model is known as Dolphin Mini in some areas but will be called Dolphin Surf in the UK and Europe. BYD plans to increase UK dealers from 62 to 120 by year-end, and aims for a long-term goal of 150 to 170 dealers.
BYD LAUNCHES NEW BATTERY-BOX HVE SYSTEM
BYD Energy Storage has introduced the Battery-Box HVE, its first integrated residential energy storage system. It offers a choice between a single-phase or three-phase hybrid inverters for home use.
The Battery-Box HVE has two module options:
- HVE4.2 module: 4.29 kWh, 76.8 V, 345 x 660 x 140 mm (13.58 x 25.98 x 5.51 inches), 42.1 kg (92.8 lbs)
- The HVE6.4 module: 6.45 kWh, 115.2 V, 499 x 660 x 140 mm (19.61 x 25.98 x 5.51 inches), 61.1 kg (134.6 lbs)
These modules can be stacked into a single tower, starting with a minimum configuration of 6.4 kWh and allowing up to four modules for a total capacity of 23.6 kWh. Additionally, up to three towers can be connected in parallel for a maximum capacity of 70.92 kWh.
At just 140 mm (5.51 inches) thick, the Battery-Box HVE is the slimmest in the product line and can be installed on the floor or wall-mounted. It features energy management through an app for remote diagnostics and over-the-air updates.
BYD’s plug-and-play design keep things simple, which has, in -part, led to over 1.1 million installations worldwide. The Battery-Box HVE includes a 15-year warranty for reliability.
The Battery-Box HVE will launch in Europe at the end of June, with another product planned for release in the second quarter of 2025.
AUDI CEO HINTS AT TT REVIVAL AS EV
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner called the TT an “icon” when speaking to Auto Express, and hinted at a possible comeback for the sports car that ended production in 2023. As Western car companies face tough Chinese competition, bringing back models like the TT could be strategic.
Despite financial challenges, Audi plans to launch new sports cars. Döllner stated: “I believe Audi should have a sports car, for sure,” emphasizing these vehicles are central to Audi’s identity.
Porsche’s C-Sport project is creating all-electric versions of the 718 Cayman and Boxster. These could serve as a foundation for a new TT.
Audi might also reshape the TT as a four-seat GT car. Döllner envisions electric sports cars for pleasure driving rather than racing, with charging quick enough for a coffee break.
The original TT was built on the Mk4 Volkswagen Golf platform. Unlike Porsche’s premium C-Sport models, Audi aims to keep the new TT affordable. It probably won’t launch before 2027, allowing time to use newer battery technology to control costs.
BENTLEY DELAYS EV LAUNCH TO 2027 WITH £2.5B INVESTMENT
Bentley is building a new assembly line for electric vehicles at its Crewe, UK headquarters. Its first electric SUV launch is delayed to 2027.
At its annual financial results meeting, Bentley revealed it now aims for a fully electric lineup by 2035, moving back from its 2030 target set in 2020.
Bentley is upgrading its oldest facility on Pyms Lane (A1) for electric vehicle production. CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser stated, “We are making unprecedented levels of investment at Bentley – not only to fundamentally renew our product cycle but also to transform an 85-year-old site for the new age of electrification. These key foundations will ensure our long-term sustainability and success.”
The upgraded site, named the ‘Dream Factory,’ will feature a new paint shop, design center, and advanced EV assembly line. Bentley is investing £2.5 billion in this project.
The company will release a new hybrid or electric model yearly until 2035. The first battery-electric vehicle will launch in 2027, one year later than originally planned.
This electric vehicle will be designed and built at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters using the Platform Premium Electric (PPE), developed with Audi and Porsche to improve performance and technology.
WULING MINI EV LEADS CHINA’S 2025 VEHICLE SALES
The Wuling MINI EV from General Motors is the top-selling vehicle in China for 2025.
Recent sales data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) shows that the Wuling MINI EV was the best-seller in February 2025 and for the first two months of the year.
In January 2025, it was the sixth best-seller, with 24,924 units delivered. Sales jumped in February to 31,222 units, making it number one for that month.
By the end of February, total sales reached 56,146 units. The MINI EV leads the second-place Geely Geome Xingyuan by over 3,000 units. That car sold 52,977 units, and was the top model in January.
At the end of February, the second-generation Wuling MINI EV launched with a new door design. This update increased registrations and improved its competitiveness.
XIAOMI’S EV REVENUE SOARS IN Q4 2024
Xiaomi’s electric vehicle division reported revenue of RMB 16.3 billion ($2.25 billion) in Q4 2024, a 71.58% increase from Q3, according to CnEVPost.
The gross margin for this division rose to 20.4% in Q4, up from 17.1% in Q3. The division had an adjusted net loss of RMB 700 million, down from RMB 1.5 billion in Q3.
In Q4, Xiaomi delivered 69,697 SU7 series vehicles and for all of 2024, Xiaomi delivered a total of 136,854 SU7 series vehicles at an average price of RMB 234,479 ($32,431) each.
The SU7 electric sedan launched on March 28, 2024, with three variants. Deliveries for the Standard and Max versions began in April and for the Pro variant in May.
Looking ahead, Xiaomi aims to expand production capacity to deliver 350,000 vehicles in 2025 and has set up 200 vehicle sales stores across 58 Chinese cities by the end of 2024.
EV GROWTH REDUCES EUROPE’S TRANSPORT EMISSIONS
T&E’s “State of European Transport” report shows Europe’s transport emissions falling due to electric vehicles, but rising air traffic offsets this decline.
Europe will save 20 million tons of CO₂ this year as electric cars increase. In 2024, European transport emitted 1.05 billion tons of CO₂, down 5 percent from 1.1 billion tons in 2019, mainly due to electric vehicles. Battery-powered cars in the EU have grown significantly.
T&E forecasts nearly 9 million electric vehicles on Europe’s roads by the end of 2025. Without this shift, 20 million more tons of CO₂ would be released, equal to emissions from seven coal-fired power plants.
“The EU’s climate policy is starting to work. Thanks to the switch to electric cars, we are seeing a decline in transport emissions. Europe is slowly reducing its oil dependence, but we still spend hundreds of billions on imports. Now is not the time to ignore climate protection. For Europe’s independence and security, we must double our efforts,” said Sebastian Bock, Managing Director of T&E Germany.
While vehicle emissions decrease, air traffic emissions grow. European airlines emitted 143 million tons of CO₂ last year, nearly 10 percent more than in 2023. European shipping emissions stayed high at 195 Mt CO₂e. Both sectors still depend heavily on fossil fuels.
HYUNDAI EXTENDS FREE CHARGING OFFERS FOR IONIQ MODELS
Hyundai is expanding its free charging offers to buyers of the 2024 and 2025 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models. This benefit was first available to owners of the 2025 Ioniq 5 N performance variant and later extended to all 2025 Ioniq 5 models. Now, it includes both the 2024 and 2025 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 vehicles.
Customers can choose between a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger or a $400 public-charging credit, usable at Ionna, EVgo, Shell Recharge, and ChargePoint stations. The home charger is the same one Hyundai offered to other electric vehicle owners in 2023. Both the charger and installation services are available through Hyundai’s Hyundai Home service.
Hyundai requires a hardwired installation for the charger, but installation costs are not covered. Buyers of a new 2025 Ioniq 5 after January 1, 2025, have a 60-day window to choose either the free home charger or charging credit. If they select the home charger, installation must be completed within 120 days.
The public-charging credit is valid for two years. This offer also applies to the purchased or leased 2024 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models after March 1.
KONECT INTRODUCES EV CHARGING TO AUSTRALIA
Konect, part of US-based Gilbarco Veeder-Root, has launched in Australia to transform service stations into multi-fuel hubs. Gilbarco controls 60 percent of Australia’s fuel technology market, producing fuel dispensers, payment systems, and other fuel station equipment.
Australia targets 30 percent electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030. Last year, fully electric vehicles reached about 10 percent of total sales, but this has recently fallen by half due to declining Tesla sales.
Australian service stations have decreased from 25,000 in the 1970s to around 7,000 today. Konect aims to help these stations survive amid automotive industry shifts.
Merrick Glass, global head of strategy and marketing at Gilbarco, says traditional fuel stations make ideal EV charging locations because drivers know them, they sit on major routes, and offer amenities.
This marks Konect’s first Australian market entry. Glass views Australia as promising for EV growth thanks to effective regulations.
“These types of regulatory measures are starting to take effect in Australia, similar to those that have been successful in other regions,” Glass stated.
One such measure is the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), effective January 1. The NVES sets mandatory targets for average carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from new vehicles sold in Australia.
MAZDA LAUNCHES LEAN ASSET STRATEGY FOR EVS
Mazda has cut its electrification investment plans through 2030 with a new ‘Lean Asset Strategy,’ revising plans announced in November 2022.
For its 2027 battery EV, Mazda will cut development investment by 40% and development man-hours by 50% through partnerships.
The plan uses existing factories to make both electric and combustion engine vehicles on the same lines. This cuts initial capital costs by 85% and reduces production preparation time by 80% versus building new EV-only factories. The Mazda6e partnership with Changan demonstrates this approach.
Mazda’s new EV platform launches in 2027, with the first model made in Japan for global markets using Panasonic Energy battery cells.
In Germany, the Mazda6e will offer two trims, two drive types, and two battery options, arriving at dealerships this summer.
The Mazda6e’s Long Range battery uses nickel manganese cobalt cells taking 47 minutes from 10% to 80%. The smaller lithium iron phosphate battery charges in just 24 minutes for the same cycle.
X GAMES EXCLUDES ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
The Summer X Games have banned electric motorcycles from competitions, citing the formats’ reliance on the performance of traditional gas-powered bikes, which they consider the global standard for elite competition.
Organizers explained the decision is meant to ensure a level playing field and provide the best experience for athletes and fans. They believe excluding electric motorcycles prevents unfair advantages for petrol-powered riders.
Last year, three riders competed on electric bikes from Stark Future, with two earning medals. These bikes’ rapid acceleration enabled maneuvers that gas-powered bikes couldn’t achieve due to shorter jump approaches.
While acknowledging advancements in electric motorcycle technology, organizers stated they would monitor the sport’s evolution and assess future innovations for compatibility with X Games events.
This decision prioritizes traditional formats over technological progress. The indoor event in Osaka, Japan, set for June, might have benefited from electric motorcycles by reducing exhaust emissions.
TESLA EXCLUDED FROM VANCOUVER AUTO SHOW OVER SAFETY ISSUES
Tesla has been asked to stay away from the Vancouver International Auto Show, the official reason being given was due to safety concerns, according to executive director Eric Nicholl. On March 18, Nicholl said the auto show asked Tesla to withdraw, citing risks to workers, attendees, and exhibitors amid growing public criticism of the brand and its CEO.
Nicholl explained Tesla was given “multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw” and said the decision ensures attendees can focus on the event’s positive aspects.
The auto show runs from March 19 to March 23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Tesla’s exclusion follows recent “Tesla Takedown” protests in Ottawa and Metro Vancouver, which criticized Tesla’s CEO advising the new U.S. government.
In addition, BC Hydro has barred Tesla products from its electric vehicle rebate program as part of a provincial strategy to prioritize Canadian goods and limit U.S. products in rebates during ongoing Canada-U.S. trade tensions.
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