Latest news with #CATL
South China Morning Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong must spread its wings and look beyond mainland Chinese IPOs
Hong Kong might be back on top of the global intial public offering (IPO) tables , but too many of its listings are Chinese. If the city wants to re-establish itself as Asia's financial hub, it needs to be more than a conduit for mainland capital. In the first half of this year, 280 companies filed to go public in Hong Kong, an all-time high. The city raised US$13.9 billion, beating Nasdaq (US$9.2 billion) and the New York Stock Exchange (US$7.8 billion), according to figures published by KPMG earlier this month. However, much of this momentum is built on a narrow base of Chinese firms. Recent listings have been led by mainland Chinese companies seeking to raise capital in a currency pegged to the US dollar , beyond the reach of domestic capital controls – a key advantage as they look to fund overseas expansion amid weak demand at home. That includes battery maker CATL, which raised US$5.2 billion in Hong Kong in May. Singapore-based online retailer Shein has also reportedly filed for a Hong Kong IPO after its efforts to list in London failed to gain traction About 47 of the companies in Hong Kong's record IPO pipeline are already listed on mainland exchanges such as Shanghai or Shenzhen. With US-China tensions high amid US President Donald Trump's tariff war, Hong Kong has become the default offshore venue for Chinese companies seeking global capital
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New hybrid EV by China's Geely, Mercedes offers 1,000-mile range with lithium battery
Smart, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and China's Geely, has introduced the new Electric Hybrid Drive (EHD) version of its SUV, called Smart #5, with about 155 miles of pure electric range and nearly 1,000 miles total range. The Smart #5 EHD offers an estimated real-world range of about 250 miles (375 miles WLTP) and can recharge in under 15 minutes. Currently, the SUV is only available as a battery electric vehicle in five trims. Rear-wheel-drive options offer either 335 or 358 horsepower with 76 or 100 kWh batteries, delivering up to 354 or 460 miles of range. The all-wheel-drive version adds a 221-horsepower front motor, paired with a 100 kWh battery, giving it an estimated range of 361 miles or 360 miles depending on configuration. SUV pairs turbo engine with CATL battery Smart's new plug-in hybrid SUV uses a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 161 horsepower, paired with a lithium iron phosphate battery from CATL. While full battery specs have not been confirmed yet, Smart says the vehicle has over 40 kWh capacity and achieves fuel efficiency of about 53 miles per gallon. The gasoline engine functions primarily as a generator, extending the vehicle's total driving range to 995 miles according to the Chinese standard, which likely corresponds to about 620 miles in real-world conditions. Even as a plug-in hybrid, the Smart #5 EHD drives its wheels fully on electric power, but its drivetrain is completely different from the all-electric version. A roof-mounted LiDAR sensor hints at the SUV's advanced driver-assistance features, likely enabling functions such as lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and enhanced safety systems. 2024 sales in China decline nearly 20% In 2024, Smart sold a total of 33,427 vehicles in the Chinese market, representing a year-over-year decline of 19.37%. The sales figure fell short of the company's annual target of 50,000 units, highlighting challenges Smart faces in gaining traction in one of the world's largest EV markets. However, despite the setback, the Chinese-German brand continues to invest in new models and technologies to regain momentum and meet future demand. According to the most recent sales data available from March this year, Smart #1 led the lineup with 1,659 units sold. It was followed by the Smart #3, which recorded sales of 568 units, while the Smart #5 saw 344 units being sold during the same period. Germany and the broader European market have emerged as significant buyers of the Smart #5 SUV, a trend that is already evident in the brand's recent sales data. With the Smart #5 having only recently launched across key European countries, these early sales figures are expected to convert into a steady increase in vehicle registrations over the coming months, reflecting a growing interest in compact SUVs. Solve the daily Crossword
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Silicon-Carbon Battery Tech Ends EV Range Anxiety — 10-Min 0–80% Charge
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Mitsubishi's New 3-Row SUV Looks Perfect for Families: So Why Won't It Come Here? Ending Range Anxiety: Major Steps, Not the Finish Line Imagine charging 80% of your electric vehicle's battery in under 10 minutes and achieving over 400 miles on a single charge. Group14 Technologies' silicon-carbon anode material, SCC55®, promises substantial advancements in EV battery capabilities, addressing some of the key barriers to mass adoption by improving both range and charging speeds. 0:05 / 0:09 Volkswagen partners with CATL to improve EV battery tech Watch More Enhanced Energy Density and Charging Performance US firm, Group14's, SCC55® material boosts cell-level specific energy to approximately 330 Wh/kg—about 30% higher than the industry's best commercial graphite-based cells, which typically reach around 250 Wh/kg. Group14's development pipeline targets as high as 370 Wh/kg in projected larger-format cells, aiming for 2025 commercial release. For comparison, many current-generation EVs equipped with graphite anodes max out around 300 miles per charge; field trials with SCC55®-enhanced packs (75 kWh) reportedly delivered over 400 miles in comparable conditions. Fast charging performance is also notable. Under laboratory conditions, SCC55®-based test cells have demonstrated 0–80% state-of-charge in less than 10 minutes using high-powered (350 kW) chargers, whereas most of today's EV batteries require around 30 minutes for the same recharge window. It should be recognized that these ultra-fast charge rates depend on both battery design and high-powered charging infrastructure, which — while expanding—is not yet universal. Technical Foundation and Cycle Life Traditional lithium-ion batteries rely on graphite anodes, which offer a theoretical capacity of 372 mAh/g. Silicon, in principle, offers a much higher storage capacity — up to 10 times more — but is known for severe swelling and rapid capacity fade over repeated charge-discharge cycles. Group14's solution uses a patented silicon-carbon composite (SCC55®) that incorporates silicon in a porous carbon matrix. According to Group14, this design achieves more than 1,500 cycles at 80% capacity retention, comparable to the cycle life of the best NMC lithium-ion cells currently used in electric vehicles. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Manufacturing and Real-World Integration A practical edge for automakers is compatibility. SCC55® can reportedly be integrated into existing battery factories without significant retooling, and is compatible with popular cathode chemistries such as NMC, LFP, or LMFP1. The silicon-carbon anode improves gravimetric energy density and enables lighter packs — Group14 claims silicon-anode cells allow a 20% reduction in pack weight, translating to overall vehicle weight savings in the hundreds of pounds. However, independent field verification of large-scale integration and the full impact on vehicle-level weight is still in progress. High-conductivity anodes also deliver somewhat improved regenerative braking responsiveness and, based on initial pilot testing, more consistent performance in colder climates, since silicon's conductivity helps maintain voltage under load. These operational advantages require external validation as broader deployments roll out. Charging Infrastructure Implications The enabling of true 10-minute fast charging is primarily realized when using 350 kW DC fast-charging stations—still relatively limited compared to lower-powered plugs, but growing in numbers. Group14 projects each high-powered station could serve up to six vehicles per hour, tripling throughput over typical present-day capabilities. These benefits, however, remain largely dependent on continued expansion of ultra-fast charging networks and cooperation with OEMs. Cost, Longevity, and Market Outlook The shift to silicon-anode tech is estimated to carry a 10-20% battery cost premium at the pack level, offset in part by improved charging infrastructure efficiency and the ability to downsize battery packs for equivalent range. Despite higher initial costs, improved utilization and logistics may yield net savings for fleets and consumers in certain scenarios. The projected cycle life, now reportedly matching leading Li-ion cells, marks a key threshold for adoption—but long-term field data will be necessary to confirm this parity under real-world driving conditions. Conclusion: Closing the Gaps, Not the Debate Group14's innovations signal a significant evolution — not a final solution — to EV battery constraints. The silicon-carbon SCC55® materials address longstanding technical barriers to higher energy density and rapid charging without drastically sacrificing battery life or requiring wholesale manufacturing change. Transformative gains in range and recharge convenience are within reach but claims about 'ending range anxiety for good' should be tempered by realities of charging infrastructure, vehicle integration, and cost evolution. This technology is an important catalyst, but large-scale transformation will depend on cross-industry coordination, policy support, and continued technical progress. The promise is exciting and real for the EV industry as a whole, but the journey, ongoing. Watch this tech. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tag along with Jay at CISCE: How the smart vehicle supply chain powers more than just cars
BEIJING, July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from Video Link: British visitor Jay Ian Birbeck explored the smart vehicle section of the third China International Supply Chain Expo, an event showcasing the full breadth of the global supply chain in Beijing from July 16 to 20. At the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) booth, Jay seated himself in a sophisticated F4 single‑seater alongside a purpose‑built rally car. The booth marks the FIA's first appearance at the supply chain expo, intended "to connect with people, to connect with companies," according to Habib Turki, chief development officer at FIA. A highlight of the visit was the AITO 9, a luxury SUV that has outsold competitors such as the Mercedes‑Benz GLC and BMW X5 in China this year. Sliding into the driver's seat, Jay noted its "remarkable" comfort. Moving to the rear cabin, he demonstrated a reclining seat that "becomes an actual bed," complete with an automatic projection screen. Kang Bo, vice president of the SERES Group, attributed the AITO 9's success in the interview to its advanced driver assistance system and safety features. He also thanked the outstanding suppliers like CATL. Jay explored the expo's extensive battery supply chain. At CATL's booth, he visited a display by a CATL supplier featuring the Shenxing superfast charging battery, a pure‑electric module boasting an 800‑kilometer range on a single charge and a five‑minute top‑up capability for 520 kilometers of driving. He then examined a sodium‑ion cell derived from table salt, which promises reliable performance down to minus 40 degrees Celsius and requires "just 100 grams of salt" per standard cell. In the upstream supply chain zone, where partners of battery maker CATL were prominently featured, Jay toured booths operated by Juneng Power, which supplies battery casings and covers; Anhui Shengjie, a specialty chemical developer; and Yunshang New Energy, a provider of testing systems. He also spotted an electric fishing yacht by CETL and an electric‑powered aircraft on the exhibition floor, underscoring the sector's land, sea and air electrification vision. Jay wrapped up his tour at the XPENG Motors stand, where its Vice President Vivian Chen discussed their vision of "Tech for Good." She highlighted detachable flying cars and AI‑powered robots designed for "more humanistic care." "Chinese automakers are taking the world by storm," Jay concluded, reflecting on how the expo blends cutting‑edge technology, competitive pricing, and disruptive mobility solutions to redefine the future of transportation. Tag along with Jay at CISCE: How the smart vehicle supply chain powers more than just carshttp:// View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
China pledges to crack down on illicit exports of rare earths, urges U.S. to lift more trade controls
Visitors walk in front of a CATL Naxtra battery. It is seen at a CATL booth during the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo at the China International Exhibition Center, in Beijing, China, Friday, July 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) BANGKOK — China's state security agency says it is cracking down on alleged smuggling of rare earths minerals that it says threaten national security, just weeks after Beijing and Washington agreed to make it easier for American firms to obtain from China those materials, which are critical for manufacturing and computer chip production. In a report published Friday in the state-run newspaper Global Times, the Ministry of State Security said foreign 'espionage and intelligence agencies' were colluding to steal rare earths-related goods by repackaging and relabeling rare metals to hide their Chinese origin. In some cases the minerals were falsely declared as non-controlled items, mislabeled as such things as 'solder paste,' mixed into other materials like ceramic tiles, or hidden in plastic mannequins or bottled water, it said. It referred only to an unnamed 'certain country' that it said lacked the capacity to make and refine its own rare earths. Investigations had found Chinese criminals were involved, exploiting shipping and delivery channels to evade controls on exports of the materials used in many high-tech applications including electric vehicle batteries, it said. The crackdown followed a report by Reuters earlier this month detailing how rare earths were being transshipped to the U.S. via Thailand and Mexico. China is the main source for many strategically vital rare earths and it has moved to slow exports of such minerals in retaliation for steep import duties U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed on Chinese goods since he returned to the White House and launched his crusade to overturn a global trading system he says is unfair to the United States and its workers. That followed an earlier series of restrictions by Beijing on exports of such materials as gallium, germanium, antimony and tungsten in response to trade friction with the administration of then-President Joe Biden. In April, Beijing imposed permitting requirements on seven rare earth elements, under a Chinese law that applies to all exports, not just those bound for the U.S. market. With the permitting process taking 45 days, the new requirement caused a pause in shipments, threatening to disrupt production of cars, robots, wind turbines and other high-tech products in the U.S. and around the world. The U.S., meanwhile, added to restrictions on exports of advanced technologies to China. Rare earths have remained at the center of China-U.S. talks aimed at staving off huge tariff increases that were postponed in May to allow time for negotiations on a broader trade agreement. The deadline for reaching a deal is Aug. 12. An agreement announced in late June did not remove China's permitting requirement on rare earths, but Beijing agreed to flexibility in dialing up or down the approval process as needed. Computer chips are another key bone of contention. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said Friday that it had taken note of a decision by the Trump administration to lift restrictions on exports of key semiconductors used in artificial intelligence made by Nvidia and its rival Advanced Micro Devices. In April, the Trump administration announced it would restrict sales of Nvidia's H20 chips to China — as well as MI308 chips from AMD. But Commerce Ministry spokesman Wang Wentao said restoring healthy trade ties will require more action by Washington. U.S. export controls on Ascend chips made by Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies have hurt the interests of Chinese companies, Wang told reporters in Beijing. 'We hope that the United States and China will meet each other halfway and correct their wrong practices through equal consultation, create a good environment for mutually beneficial cooperation between enterprises of both sides, and jointly maintain the stability of the global semiconductor production and supply chain,' he said. Elaine Kurtenbach, The Associated Press
