
CATL's Foray Into Europe Shows China's Tariff Workaround
Hi, this is Josh Xiao in Singapore.
A while back I traveled to a small, medieval town in Germany. The trip wasn't to enjoy some brats or Bach but to see how Contemporary Amperex Technology's first factory outside China was doing.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Motor Trend
3 hours ago
- Motor Trend
2026 Audi Q3 Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez Redesigned for 2026, the Audi Q3 arrives with a new look, an upgraded powertrain delivering improved performance, and a suite of cutting-edge technology features. From its refined cabin to its enhanced driver-assistance systems, the latest Q3 aims to set a new benchmark for luxury in the compact SUV segment. Entry-level luxury subcompact SUV competitors include the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, and Acura ADX. What's New Audi debuts an updated Q3 this year. The redesigned crossover features fresh styling, an updated engine, modernized tech including Audi's Digital Matrix style exterior lighting, and more space. This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available. What We Think Audi's entry-level SUV delivers on style and brand identity, but the previous Q3 generation fell short in areas that matter to discerning luxury buyers. Could the updated 2026 Q3 change that? The baby ute's sleek exterior and modern cabin—complete with sharp digital displays and surprising rear-seat space—give it a strong showroom appeal. However, the pre-2026 Q3's driving experience tells a different story. Although the luxury SUV's small size allows for nimble handling, a bouncy ride and underwhelming engine performance limit its luxury feel. Inside, the upscale design on pre-2026 models is undercut by low-rent materials. For buyers seeking the most affordable way into an Audi SUV, the Q3 still fits the bill. We look forward to seeing if the new version moves the luxury performance needle relative to the outgoing model. Top-Ranked Competitors: Performance The 2026 Audi Q3 may launch with two versions of an updated 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. On the lower-trim models, output may come to 201 hp 236 lb-ft of torque, just like the A3 small sedan. Higher-trim 2026 Q3 S-Line models may be more powerful, at least matching the outgoing SUV's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft. Quattro AWD will be standard. We estimate sprints to 60 mph will take roughly 8 seconds with this setup. MPGs and Range Despite the increase in output, fuel economy is expected to improve on last year's 20–22/28–29 mpg city/highway through enhanced engine efficiency. Look for Q3 fuel economy to be on par with the 2025 XC40, which returns 23/30 mpg. Safety Features This year's Q3 will build on a set of driver assists that last year included: Adaptive cruise control Lane keeping Automatic emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Automatic high beams How Big Is the 2026 Q3? Audi's smallest SUV continues to come with two rows and room for five passengers. Given the changes that came to the related Volkswagen Tiguan for 2025—namely a longer wheelbase and redesigned center console without a gear selector (it moves to the steering column)—space looks on track to improve. Technology Infotainment The lineup's standard 10.3-inch driver display should carry over, but Audi will be moving on from the last model's 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Look for a 12.9-inch replacement interface (like the Tiguan's). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as several USB ports, will be standard. Available Upgrades The new Audi Q3 features advanced Digital Matrix style lighting—LED headlights and taillights that can change dynamically to avoid blinding oncoming traffic or project one of many available light signatures. Will some of this tech arrive on the U.S.-spec Q3? We'll see. Value The Q3 continues to be the most affordable Audi SUV, itself an enticement for brand intenders. A new model this year sweetens the deal, but refinement issues have held back past versions of the SUV from appealing to a wider audience. The 2026 Audi Q3 is the only SUV model from the brand with a starting price under $50,000 including destination.


Car and Driver
3 hours ago
- Car and Driver
2026 BMW i4 Will Gain Longer Range from a More Efficient Inverter
BMW is updating the 2026 i4 lineup with myriad changes that affect range and output. New semiconductor components for the inverter improve efficiency and increase the i4's range estimate by about 5 percent. Starting in 2026, the range-topping i4 M50 will turn into the i4 M60 and get an additional 56 hp, bringing it up to 592 horsepower. Before the i3 shows up with its updated Neue Klasse design, BMW is updating the i4 electric sedan with improved range and output figures. The updated i4's inverter will utilize new silicon-carbide semiconductor components, which BMW claims will reduce energy consumption by roughly 5 percent. The saved energy comes out to about 14 miles of additional range from a full charge, though your literal mileage may vary based on trim and equipment. BMW As things currently stand, the rear-drive eDrive40 gets an estimated 301 miles of range from a full charge. The AWD xDrive40 gets an estimated 307 miles when equipped with 18-inch wheels, or 307 when wearing 19-inch shoes. The current range-topping M50 earns just 245 miles, according to EPA estimates. Along with improved efficiency, BMW is also boosting the i4's performance—at least at the top end of the range. The M50 model that served as the flagship trim for the previous four model years is gone. It's being replaced by a new M60 trim, which can unlock a maximum of 592 horsepower in Sport mode, bringing the total output up by 56 hp compared with the old M50. BMW A spokesperson for BMW confirmed to Car and Driver that while the brand is instituting the updates this summer in Europe, U.S. production won't start until the fourth quarter. As a result, the updates won't show up until the 2026 model year. Pricing and official range figures will come out closer to the on-sale date. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio

Wall Street Journal
3 hours ago
- Wall Street Journal
Should You Travel With a Carbon-Monoxide Detector?
This may not top your vacation-packing list, but by the time you're done reading this column, it may well be: a carbon-monoxide alarm. Yes, that's right. Carbon monoxide—that invisible, odorless silent killer—could be a risk in your hotel room. Unfortunately there's no real way of knowing how protected you are unless you take precautions.