Latest news with #plug-inhybrids
Reuters
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
China's Tianjin to issue additional 80,000 car licence quotas annually
BEIJING, May 22 (Reuters) - The northern Chinese city of Tianjin announced on Thursday that it would issue additional 80,000 car licence quotas annually. The new policy, effective from June 1 through the end of 2029, would bring the municipality's annual car licence quota to 180,000. Tianjin is one of a few cities in China where curbs are being imposed on car purchases that are intended to ease urban traffic congestion and improve air quality. Last week, Beijing said it will issue an additional 20,000 vehicle licence quotas for electric and plug-in hybrid cars for households without a car in 2025, taking the Chinese capital's annual car licence quota to 160,000.
Reuters
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Global EV sales rise in April despite trade disruptions, research finds
May 14 (Reuters) - Global sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose 29% year-on-year in April, with stable growth in China and Europe despite trade tensions, while North America recorded the first fall since last September, data showed on Wednesday. European EV sales of legacy auto groups that are seeking to sell less polluting models to meet EU CO2 emission targets, outperformed those of Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab. Tesla continued to lose market share ahead of a revamp of its popular Model Y, Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester said. China-based EV makers continued to increase domestic sales of battery-electric vehicles while responding to growing demand for plug-in hybrids offshore, he added. Global automakers face a 25% import tariff in the United States, the world's second-largest car market, causing many of them to withdraw their outlooks for 2025. President Donald Trump's stance towards emissions standards and uncertainties around tariffs also hampered EV growth in North America. His deals this month with Britain and China only affect EV sales marginally, but are positive signs for the industry ahead of his potential talks with Korea, Japan and the EU, Lester said. Global sales of battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids rose to 1.5 million in April, the Rho Motion data showed. Sales in China were up 32% from the same month of 2024 to 0.9 million vehicles. Europe reported a 35% year-on-year increase in registrations to 0.3 million cars sold, while in North America they fell 5.6% to 0.1 million. In the rest of the world, April sales rose by 50%. "The plug-in hybrids have almost doubled year to date in the rest of the world, but the main reason for that is the Chinese exports," Lester said. Governments worldwide are adopting policies to encourage EV adoption, while trade tensions and slowing car markets could foreshadow plant closures and job losses. China extended its auto trade-in subsidies into 2025 as part of an expanded consumer trade-in scheme in January, to try to avert a slowdown in EV sales while reviving economic growth.
News24
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- News24
Big tech, big ambitions: What to know about BYD's new vehicles in SA
Motorpress The Chinese automotive powerhouse, recognised as the world's largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has officially launched three new models locally: the BYD Shark 6, BYD Sealion 6, and BYD Sealion 7. While BYD's ambitions are clear, the launch event itself left us wanting more. Invited guests were treated to a slick presentation and a closer look at the cars, but when it came to actually driving the vehicles, the experience was minimal. Restricted to a few cautious laps around a parking lot within an office park, the drive offered no real impression of how these vehicles would handle South Africa's demanding roads and traffic. We're eager to put the BYDs through their paces properly soon. If the specifications and features are anything to go by, BYD's latest offerings promise serious disruption—and a refreshing alternative to the entrenched and often overpriced legacy brands. Three new models join the fight These three additions expand BYD's South African line-up to six models, joining the compact Atto 3, the cute Dolphin hatchback, and the sharp Seal sedan launched last year. Together, they complete BYD's strategy of offering both pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) tailored to a market still grappling with high fuel prices, rising living costs, and growing environmental consciousness. BYD Shark 6: The bakkie re-invented First up is the BYD Shark 6, a plug-in hybrid double-cab bakkie—a first for BYD locally and a direct shot across the bow of traditional rivals. Built on BYD's innovative DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, the Shark 6 combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric hybrid system (three electric motors). Together, they produce over 320kW—figures on par with a thirsty 4.0-litre V8—yet the Shark 6 promises impressive efficiency. The electric-only range is estimated at 85km (WLTP), and the combined petrol-electric range stretches to 670km. Even once the battery is depleted, fuel consumption reportedly rises only to around 9.6 litres per 100km— which still leagues better than most ICE bakkies. Performance is strong, too, with 0 to 100 km/h dispatched in just 5.7 seconds. Thanks to an intelligent electric AWD system, the Shark 6 can adjust torque distribution between the front and rear axles in milliseconds, making it capable of handling varied terrain. Safety hasn't been skimped on, either. The Shark 6 incorporates BYD's ultra-safe Blade Battery, known for its robustness, and a high-strength steel frame that increases torsional rigidity by 22%. Whether hammering down a dirt track or easing through city traffic, the Shark 6 is shaping up to be a serious all-rounder. We look forward to seeing it in an off-road environment, as some testing in Australia has revealed that it does fall a bit short when taken off the beaten track. BYD Sealion 6: The family PHEV redefined Next is the BYD Sealion 6, aimed squarely at families looking for space, tech and fuel savings without sacrificing performance. Built around BYD's Super DM-i hybrid system, the Sealion 6 offers a choice between an ultra-efficient front-wheel-drive model and a more powerful AWD variant. The FWD version delivers a worthwhile WLTP-certified fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres per 100km and a total driving range of up to 1080km. AWD versions are a little thirstier but also significantly quicker, with a 0–100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds thanks to 238kW and 550Nm on taps. Inside, the Sealion 6 packs in serious tech: BYD's rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a futuristic head-up display, and smart voice control systems. It feels ready to compete with premium brands—and offers this level of tech at a far more attainable price point. Importantly, the Sealion 6 highlights why plug-in hybrids could be the perfect 'bridge' technology for South Africans who are still wary of going full electric. For many, it could be an excellent replacement for an ageing German or Japanese premium SUV—without the frightening repair bills, rising fuel costs, and sky-high insurance premiums associated with ICE vehicles. BYD Sealion 7: Electric luxury, sharpened Finally, there's the BYD Sealion 7, a fully electric, sport-coupe-styled SUV and arguably the most exciting of the three new arrivals. Two variants are available: Premium and Performance. Both versions utilise BYD's superb Blade Battery, with a capacity of 82.56kWh, offering a WLTP range of up to 482km. Fast-charging tech allows a 20–80% top-up in just 30 minutes via a 150kW DC charger. Performance? Serious. The Performance model hits 0–100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, while the Premium takes a leisurely (relatively speaking) 6.7 seconds. The top speed is a healthy 215 km/h across both versions. BYD's mastery of motor technology is evident here. Thanks to innovative motor designs—including dual V-shape magnets and extremely dense wire windings—the Sealion 7's rear motor can spin up to an incredible 23,000 rpm, making it one of the fastest mass-production electric motors in the world. Inside, the Sealion 7 is a class act. Its huge 15.6-inch screen (which can rotate between landscape and portrait, too), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker Dynaudio system, and loads of space thanks to clever CTB (Cell-to-Body) construction set a new benchmark. Boot space is impressive, too, with 500 litres at the rear plus a bonus 58-litre frunk under the bonnet. BYD's global ambitions are reflected locally BYD has been growing at an eye-watering pace globally, toppling even Tesla as the world's largest EV producer in 2023. Now, South Africa is firmly in its sights. BYD already has eight showrooms open across the country, and plans are under way to expand the dealer network further, ensuring better service, wider access to parts, and stronger brand recognition. It's a smart move. South African consumers are wary of unknown brands, but excellent aftersales support could be the key to winning their hearts and wallets. And there's no denying the value proposition. In a market where traditional petrol and diesel vehicles are becoming painfully expensive to buy, insure, and fuel, BYD offers cutting-edge tech, powerful drivetrains, and top-tier safety at highly competitive prices. It's frankly remarkable how much kit you get for your money. Not all sunshine and rainbows Of course, it's important to remain objective. Buying a car from a newer brand carries risk. Resale values may take a hit compared to long-established players like Toyota, Volkswagen, or BMW. Depreciation on these models could be steeper, and the brand's relative newness may still deter conservative buyers. It's also important to acknowledge that while EVs and PHEVs are greener at the tailpipe, their production—especially the mining and manufacturing of batteries—requires vast resources and generates significant emissions. EVs are not a 'get out of jail free' card for the planet, and those realities must be part of any honest conversation about sustainable motoring. That said, the world is changing rapidly. Regulatory pressures, fuel prices, and consumer awareness push the automotive industry into a new era. For many South Africans, plug-in hybrids like the Sealion 6 could offer the perfect transition: lower running costs, futureproof technology, and far fewer compromises than early EV adopters faced. While our first driving impressions of BYD's new models were limited to a few slow circles of an office park, everything on paper points to an exciting new chapter for South African motorists. BYD's Shark 6, Sealion 6, and Sealion 7 showcase remarkable engineering, a bold approach to value, and a serious challenge to the dominance of traditional ICE vehicles. Yes, there are risks in embracing a new brand. However, for buyers looking beyond badges, BYD's offerings could represent excellent alternatives and, in many cases, outright better choices than sticking with the old guard. We can't wait to spend real time behind the wheel of these new BYDs and bring you a full road-test verdict. If they drive even half as well as they look on paper, South Africa's motoring landscape could be in for a massive shake-up indeed.
News.com.au
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Chinese EV brand smashes Tesla in Aussie market as most popular cars revealed
Chinese electric vehicle brand BYD is continuing to smash Tesla in Australia, with sales of Elon Musk's car company down 76 per cent compared to this time last year. BYD's Shark Ute – a hybrid SUV – was the sixth best-selling car in the country in March as 'weekend warriors' snapped up the large vehicle. But the brand's rapid rise has been stymied by the end of the fringe benefits tax (FBT) for plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) in April, with the Shark Ute dropping out of the top 10. BYD, however, was the 10th most popular brand overall for the month. Meanwhile Tesla sales hit 500 in April compared with 2077 in the same month last year, data from the Electric Vehicle Council revealed. There was an overall slump in the number of new cars bought by Australians in April compared to 12 months ago, dropping 6.8 per cent to 90.614. At 2601 units, plug-in hybrid SUVs accounted for 2.9 per cent of all sales – down from 4.7 per cent in March 2025. 'The earlier inclusion of PHEVs in the FBT exemption played a critical role in making these vehicles accessible to more Australians. Removing that support has led to an immediate and disappointing drop in demand in a price-sensitive vehicle market,' Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber said. According to the FCAI, the top sellers in April were the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Toyota RAV4, Ford Everest and Toyota Prado. That meant four of the top five were diesel utes and sports utility vehicles. The backlash against Mr Musk's political associations with Donald Trump and far right groups in Europe has continued to see sales plummet alongside share prices. So far in 2025, Tesla sales are down 62 per cent in Australia at a mark of 5660 – in the first four months of 2024 that was 14,866. The Australian Financial Review reported in March that Jacob Falkencrone, the global head of investment strategy with Saxo Bank, pinpointed Mr Musk as the problem. 'Elon Musk has always been one of Tesla's greatest assets – but is he starting to turn into a liability? 'His increasingly vocal political stances and erratic behaviour have alienated some traditional buyers. Investors are asking whether Musk's personal brand is starting to weigh on Tesla's business.' Mike Costello, corporate affairs manager at Cox Automotive Australia, told last month that Australia would be hit with 'an avalanche' of Chinese EVs this year. 'China's EV sector is many, many years ahead of everybody else,' he said. 'And so as a result of that, you've got this absolute avalanche of Chinese manufacturers seeking new markets to sell their cars into, and a lot of them look to Australia as a really good first step, because unlike America and unlike Europe, Australia doesn't have any trade barriers. 'There's no tariffs that we put on Chinese cars. We're an open market. We're a very established market. T 'here's lots of dealers here who are happy to sell vehicles under agreement, and geographically, it's quite close to Asia as well. So Australia really is kind of the first step for a lot of these brands.' EVDirect, BYD's local distributor, has set an ambitious goal of selling 45,000 vehicles this year and doubling the number annually.
Times
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Times
Rush to beat tax changes blamed for fall in monthly car sales
New car sales slumped by more than 10 per cent in April, reversing the significant gains made in the number plate change month of March. The trade blamed that on buyers getting in ahead of tax changes, which came in at the start of April, with all levels of vehicle excise duty rising and the introduction of the expensive car supplement hitting all cars with a price tag above £40,000. The latest figures also show a big drive into plug-in hybrids, internal combustion engine vehicles which can run for a few dozen miles on a rechargeable electric battery. In April, total sales of new cars fell to 120,331 from 134,274 last April, the sixth monthly fall in seven months. New registrations, already at historically low
