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 Tuesday 18 March, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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RENAULT REVEALS R5 TURBO 3E SUPERCAR EV
Renault surprised everyone by unveiling the R5 Turbo 3E, sparking renewed interest in the 2022 drift car concept that many thought was just a marketing stunt for the upcoming Renault 5 E-Tech. This was unexpected since Renault had recently cut back on its performance lineup. The company confirmed plans to produce the Turbo 3E and shared details about its impressive design and specs.
The Turbo 3E is labeled a ‘supercar,’ and its size supports this claim. It is 2,030 mm (79.92 inches) wide, wider than the Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS and only 30 mm (1.18 inches) narrower than the Lamborghini Revuelto. The vehicle measures 4,080 mm (160.6 inches) in length, slightly longer than the standard Renault 5, with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm (101.2 inches)—just 10 mm (.39 inches) more than the Toyota GR Yaris. Renault claims a length-to-width ratio of 2.01, typical for supercars but similar to that of the Clio V6.
The design pays tribute to its predecessors with features like blocky headlights and side vents that now cool brakes on one side and house the charging port on the other. Hot air exits through two outlets near the rear lights. The Turbo 3E has an aluminum chassis and carbon fiber body, weighing in at 1,450 kg with plans to reduce it to 1,400 kg for production. Alpine, Renault’s performance division, leads development to honor the brand’s heritage.
Performance-wise, it boasts 540 horsepower and claims torque of 3,540 lb-ft. The electric motors are mounted on the rear wheels for better handling and braking efficiency but increase unsprung mass—a challenge addressed by specially designed rear suspension. This setup allows easier sliding with a rally-style vertical handbrake.
It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in under 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 168 mph (270 kph). The Turbo 3E has a 70-kWh battery that offers up to 249 miles (401 kilometers) on one charge per WLTP standards. At a 350-kW DC charger, it can go from 15% to 80% in just 15 minutes. Renault says that it can run on track for about 15-20 minutes before needing a recharge.
Inside, it mirrors the original R5 Turbo with two seats and extra boot space due to no mid-engine setup. The dashboard keeps elements from the standard R5 road car but features a redesigned digital display inspired by the 1980s original. The steering wheel comes from Alpine A290 with controls for battery settings and driving modes: snow, neutral, sport, and track—with drift assist included.
Customization options are available through Renault’s new program starting around £130,000; extensive personalization could push prices over £200,000. This aligns with Renault’s supercar label for the Turbo 3E. Production is limited to 1,980 units, with deliveries planned for 2027.
BYD INTRODUCES SEALION 05 ELECTRIC SUV
BYD has unveiled the Sealion 05 EV, the newest model in its Ocean range of all-electric SUVs. The company shared a video on Weibo over the weekend, showcasing the EV’s exterior design.
The Sealion 05 EV is built on a new platform with a rear-wheel drive system, as noted by BYD on Weibo. The video also highlights BYD’s “God’s Eye” smart driving system included in the vehicle.
Details about the Sealion 05 EV are still limited. However, it has been listed in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regulatory catalog since December of last year.
The Sealion 05 EV will come in two variants with single motors, offering peak power of 140 kW (about 187 horsepower) and 160 kW (about 214 horsepower). Buyers can choose between two battery options: a 50.05-kWh pack providing a range of 430 kilometers (about 267 miles) or a 60.93-kWh pack offering a range of 520 kilometers (about 323 miles).
VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCES 11 NEW MODELS FOR CHINA
Volkswagen, working with FAW Group, will launch 11 new models for the Chinese market to regain lost market share. This lineup includes six battery-electric vehicles, two plug-in hybrids, and two range-extended electric vehicles under the VW brand, starting in 2026.
The Jetta brand will also introduce its first electric model next year to meet rising demand in the entry-level segment. These models will include advanced digital features like autonomous driving and over-the-air updates, according to Volkswagen.
Volkswagen also plans to enhance its engine technologies for future internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and extended range models. This effort aims to compete with local manufacturers like BYD, known for their technology-rich electric vehicles.
The VW Group, which includes Audi, Skoda, and Porsche, saw a 9.5 percent drop in global deliveries last year due to increased competition and economic issues affecting consumer spending in China.
Ralf Brandstaetter, head of VW China, noted that new technology infrastructure tailored for China will help Volkswagen’s joint ventures adapt quickly to changing customer needs.
Technology is key to Volkswagen’s strategy in China, and existing partnerships with companies like Xpeng focus on software development and ultra-fast charging. Volkswagen aims for annual sales of 4 million vehicles in China by 2030 and plans to launch about 40 new models from 2025 to 2027, with over half being electric vehicles.
FOXCONN EYES EV PARTNERSHIPS WITH JAPANESE FIRMS
Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., is close to finalizing agreements with two Japanese car companies for electric vehicle projects. This comes after talks with Nissan and Honda fell through.
Chairman Young Liu announced during the company’s earnings report on March 14 that these deals could be completed in two months. Liu mentioned that the new Japanese partners would work with Foxconn on design and manufacturing services for EVs, but did not name the companies involved. Representatives from Nissan and Honda declined to comment, and Foxconn’s public relations team did not respond.
The potential partnership in Japan arises as Foxconn shows interest in working with Nissan and possibly forming a group that includes Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
Earlier, on February 12, Liu had expressed interest in partnering with Nissan without trying to buy the company. After merger talks between Nissan and Honda ended later that month, Foxconn suggested a four-way alliance involving itself, Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors.
Some members of Nissan’s board are open to partnering with Foxconn, but no formal discussions have started yet. Some directors believe working with a non-traditional automaker like Foxconn could bring new technology and funding.
In addition to these potential partnerships, Liu announced that Foxconn plans to start production of its Model C electric crossover in North America by the fourth quarter of 2025. This move is driven by rising U.S. tariffs, prompting Foxconn to expand its production in the U.S.
Foxconn is also working with automakers in the Middle East on EV software development, including smart cabin technologies. Analysts often suggest Foxconn as a good partner for Nissan because executive Jun Seki is a former Chief Operating Officer of Nissan.
FORD URGES STRONGER GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR EVS
Ford is facing lower-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe and the UK, leading the company to call for better government incentives. John Lawler, Ford’s vice chair, wrote to the German government urging action to boost EV adoption. Lisa Brankin, Ford UK managing director, echoed this request in Germany and is now seeking financial help for both consumers and automakers to increase EV sales.
At the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Electrified conference in London, Brankin stressed the “urgent need” for the UK government to boost EV demand. Brankin has asked the UK government to cut the extra tax on EVs by 50% and change the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme (VETS), particularly regarding fines for not meeting a 22% EV sales target.
Brankin noted Ford’s billions in investments in EV development, and stated that the UK has not provided enough financial support. She also highlighted the need for better support for commercial EVs, especially concerning charging infrastructure.
She did say, however, that she remains confident that EVs are the future of the automotive industry and reaffirmed Ford’s commitment to this transition.
STELLANTIS COMMITS €38M TO VERRONE EV PLANT
Stellantis is investing €38 million ($41 million) in its Verrone facility in Northern Italy to produce electric motor components for its upcoming small models. The plant will make steel parts for electric drive modules, which are currently made at other European sites. Production is set to start by the end of 2027.
The company aims to produce over 400,000 units annually at full capacity and may increase this by an additional 200,000 units per year based on the European automotive market’s performance.
The European car industry is facing challenges as electric vehicle (EV) sales have been slow. Car manufacturers are also resisting measures like strict CO₂ emission regulations that encourage moving away from combustion engines.
The new electric motor production will be combined with Verrone’s current transmission manufacturing for petrol-engine vehicles. Last year, the facility produced over 200,000 transmissions and has around 350 employees.
John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis, is managing operations while a search for a new CEO continues after former CEO Carlos Tavares left in December. Elkann will attend a parliamentary hearing in Rome on Wednesday to discuss Stellantis’ manufacturing activities in Italy.
BMW INCREASES EV SHARE TO 17.4% IN 2024
The BMW Group’s 2024 Annual Report shows that electric vehicles (EVs) made up 17.4% of total deliveries, up from 14.7% last year. BMW aims for a 50% EV share by 2030 and plans to expand its EV lineup with the Neue Klasse family, releasing at least six models by 2028.
BMW’s core brand led competitors in EV market share. In 2024, 17.4% of BMW deliveries were electric, compared to 9.33% for Mercedes and 9.65% for Audi. BMW sold 368,475 EVs, an increase of 11.6% from 2023, while Mercedes delivered 185,059 and Audi sold 164,000. Including MINI and Rolls-Royce sales, the BMW Group shipped a total of 426,536 pure EVs, a rise of 13.5%.
While demand for pure EVs grew, plug-in hybrid deliveries fell by 5.6% for BMW and by 85% for MINI, totaling 166,614 plug-in hybrids.
BMW expects further growth in EV sales with the iX3 launching this year and the i3 set for 2026 to replace existing models in popular segments. More models from the Neue Klasse like the i3 Touring and iX4 are also on the way.
By the end of the decade, entry-level EVs like the i1 or i2 may also be introduced, and BMW is developing next-generation X5, X6, and X7 models under the CLAR platform that will include zero-emission options.
HYUNDAI AND KIA LEAD SOUTH KOREA’S EV MARKET SURGE
Hyundai Motor and Kia held 70.4% of South Korea’s electric vehicle market in February, up from 60.1% last year. Imported EV brands dropped to 26.4%, down from 34.9% the previous year.
In February, Hyundai sold 5,346 EVs, an eightfold increase from last year, mainly due to 1,473 units of the IONIQ 5 and over 1,000 units of the Casper Electric.
Kia sold 4,666 EVs in February, nearly quadrupling its sales from last year. The EV3 compact SUV made up about half of Kia’s sales and was the top-selling electric vehicle in the country.
CAMDEN TO INSTALL 570 SIDEWALK EV CHARGERS BY 2026
EV drivers in Camden, London will see more sidewalk charging options thanks to a partnership between Camden Council and Trojan Energy. The council has contracted Trojan Energy to install over 570 on-street Level 2 electric vehicle chargers by 2026. The project will start with 70 chargers in July 2025, with more added as suitable spots are found.
This expansion follows a successful trial in 2022 that received positive feedback from local EV owners. Trojan Energy’s 22 kW chargers are designed to sit “flat and flush” with sidewalks, reducing clutter.
Residents without driveways can easily “plug and play” using personal adapters to connect their EVs to charging points linked via underground cables.
Last month, Trojan Energy launched an app for drivers to find chargers, check availability, and review charging history. Funding comes from the UK government’s On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).
HONDA TO SOURCE BATTERIES FROM TOYOTA’S NC PLANT
American Honda will get batteries for its hybrid vehicles from Toyota Motor North America’s new battery facility in Liberty, North Carolina, valued at $13.9 billion, according to Japan’s Nikkei news service.
Honda plans to use these U.S.-made batteries for about 400,000 vehicles. This supply will support all of Honda’s hybrid cars sold in the U.S. starting in fiscal year 2025, which begins in April.
A Toyota spokesperson did not confirm the report but told Automotive News, “We are constantly evaluating our competitiveness and making decisions to support our North American operations… We do not comment on single transactions and have nothing to announce at this time.”
Production at Toyota’s 30 gigawatt-hour battery complex is expected to start this spring. The facility will produce two sizes of battery cells: cellphone-size for traditional hybrids and VHS tape-size for plug-in hybrids.
The complex is set to be finished by 2028 and will employ around 5,100 people. It includes seven buildings for battery production, with two production lines planned for each building. In total, there will be ten lines for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids and four lines for gasoline-electric hybrids.
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