Latest news with #e7
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chinese EV giant unveils next-gen model with incredibly low price tag: 'Just amazing'
Electric vehicle giant BYD recently launched an all-electric car boasting a shockingly low price tag, appealing to young drivers and taxi fleets with its standout combination of affordability and modern features. Called the e7, the mid-size sedan comes equipped with LED headlights, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 5-inch driver display, ergonomic "cloud-sensing" seats, and an optional panoramic sunroof. At 16 feet long and 6 feet wide, the car is similar in size to a Tesla Model 3 but comes in at a dramatically lower price point. The e7 is powered by a single electric motor with 100 kilowatts of peak power, reaching a top speed of 93 miles per hour, according to CnEVPost. Buyers can choose between two battery packs: a 48-kilowatt-hour version offering up to 280 miles of range, and a 57.6 kWh version extending the range to 323 miles. BYD's new EV model is available in three variants, starting at just $14,500, according to Electrek. For a limited time, customers can receive a $700 discount if they purchase before June 30, bringing the entry-level cost down to $13,700. As Electrek points out, this places the car at about half the price of a Tesla Model 3. "Just amazing," one commenter on an Electrek article wrote in reaction to the price point. Like many of BYD's offerings, the sedan will only be available in China — for now. BYD already exports several EVs to Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and more countries. But EV experts say the low price would be harder to maintain after import tariffs, regulatory costs, and feature upgrades required for Western markets. Still, the e7's aggressive pricing could reshape the Chinese EV market and strengthen BYD's position as an industry leader. In 2024, BYD sold a record 4.25 million new energy vehicles, a more than 40% increase from its 2023 numbers, according to Car News China. This rapid expansion — and the similar success of other EV makers — is a major win for the planet. Transportation is the second-largest source of environmental pollution, right behind electricity and heating. Unlike gas-powered cars, electric vehicles produce no tailpipe pollution and don't rely on dirty energy sources to run. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, broader EV adoption could lead to better public health, reducing the risk of respiratory issues, chronic illnesses, and even cancer tied to air pollution. Plus, making your next car an EV will save you money on maintenance and regular fueling. That's not only a win for your wallet, but for the planet. When considering switching to an EV, many drivers share a similar concern — the costs and logistics of charging a vehicle at home. Even with rising energy costs worldwide, the national average cost per eGallon is $1.41, which is less than half the national average cost of a gallon of gasoline. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. It's worth noting that installing solar panels can dramatically increase your EV-related savings, allowing you to charge your vehicle with endlessly renewable solar energy rather than dirty fuel from the grid. This can cut down on charging costs — plus solar adoption lowers (or eliminates) your utility bill and helps the planet. For those interested in harnessing solar for EV power, EnergySage makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations. This can help ease the steep up-front investment of solar, helping to make the switch more affordable. With EnergySage, eligible homeowners are likely to spend around $20,552 to install a system after federal tax credits, depending on location and needs. But even this lower cost may not be in everyone's budget. Leasing solar panels can be a good option for those looking to go solar for less. Palmetto's LightReach solar panel leasing program helps homeowners install panels for no money down, allowing users to lock in low energy rates. A Palmetto lease provides a reliable monthly rate for the solar energy your system generates — so say goodbye to unpredictable utility bills, even during high-demand months. Plus, Palmetto covers all equipment, maintenance, and service, meaning no surprise repair costs to disrupt your budget. Not sure whether to lease or buy your solar panels? This pros and cons list breaks down both options, helping you choose what works best for your home and budget. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
From print press to powerhouse: Reimagining industrial innovation
From its origins as United Printing & Publishing, the UAE's e7 Group has undergone a sweeping transformation. Rebranded and refocused, e7 is now an integrated industrial solutions powerhouse, expanding far beyond the printed word into high-tech manufacturing, identity security, logistics, and sustainable packaging. At the centre of this evolution is new management that describes the shift not as a cosmetic overhaul but a structural pivot aligned with the UAE's broader push for industrial self-reliance under the 'Operation 300bn' strategy. 'Our rebranding is not just a facelift — it's representative of how we now deliver value,' says Esteban Gómez Nadal, Group CEO. 'We're pivoting towards being an integrated, solutions-driven company without silos. Our goal is to offer end-to-end expertise that aligns with national priorities and global excellence.' One company, one brand, 40+ solutions e7's ambition is to eliminate the friction often encountered when working across fragmented vendors. From printing secure identity documents and personalised banking cards to supplying inflight magazines and educational content, e7 offers over 40 tailored solutions across five core verticals. 'The strategy is to provide one reliable partner from design to execution,' explains Gómez Nadal. A standout example is e7's work with regional banks: 'We print your credit card, the accompanying letter, the marketing material, package it all with innovative designs, and deliver it straight to your door.' In the education sector, e7 offers a one-stop suite that spans textbooks, digital learning tools, and school operations systems. For airlines, it delivers custom-designed onboard packaging and entertainment material. 'Clients love that they can rely on one partner to elevate their brand experience,' says Gómez Nadal. Going global, one passport at a time A cornerstone of e7's growth is its prowess in secure identity solutions. With more than 10 industry-leading certifications and long-term contracts with governments in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, the company is becoming a serious contender in the global security printing space. Its recent framework agreement with the Rwandan government exemplifies its strategic direction — delivering a full suite of identity solutions while establishing an advanced local manufacturing facility. 'This is how we plan to grow,' Gómez Nadal notes. 'First, by expanding the reach of our core offerings — passports, ID cards, tax stamps—and second, by becoming a full-fledged digital identity player through partnerships and acquisitions.' With over one billion people worldwide still lacking formal identity documents, and governments increasingly digitising their ID infrastructure, e7 is targeting a sector with high barriers to entry and long-term growth potential. Investing in sustainability, and returns Sustainability is not a sideshow. 'It's a core tenet of our strategy,' says Gómez Nadal. e7 has launched an ESG roadmap backed by annual audits, board oversight, and aggressive decarbonisation goals. Over 70% of paper used in its commercial printing comes from recycled sources; its packaging arm relies on FSC-certified board; and eco-certified banking cards reflect its green commitments. Social initiatives are equally prioritised. Emiratisation, gender diversity, and workforce welfare are core KPIs, alongside university partnerships aimed at upskilling the next generation of industrial talent. 'We view sustainability in its broadest sense — environmental, social and governance — and that's embedded in how we operate daily,' Gómez Nadal affirms. Delivering on the 'Operation 300bn' e7's transformation dovetails with the UAE's ambition to boost its industrial GDP to Dh300 billion by 2031. The group supports this goal on multiple fronts: investing in high-tech infrastructure, developing local talent, promoting in-country value, and reducing dependency on imports. 'Our packaging business grew 80% last year,' says Gómez Nadal, pointing to e7's success in aligning national industrial goals with private sector growth. With geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions redrawing the global logistics map, the company has built a resilient network of supplier partnerships across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, enabling it to balance localisation with cost efficiency. Digital tax stamps and the next frontier In 2025, e7 will enter the digital tax stamps market, backed by a Dh182 million investment to also scale its passport manufacturing fivefold. This move positions the company at the heart of a high-growth sector that tackles global issues such as illicit trade and tax evasion. With over 90 countries already deploying tax stamps on excisable goods, e7's move is both timely and strategic. 'The numbers are staggering,' Gómez Nadal says. 'An estimated $2 trillion is lost annually in counterfeiting and pirated goods. Our technology can help governments recover revenue, protect brands, and safeguard consumers.' A financially fit, dividend-delivering company In 2024, e7 reported a net profit before tax of Dh256.7 million, driven by 11% year-on-year revenue growth and a booming packaging segment. Over 70% of its revenue is recurring, underpinned by long-term contracts that offer high visibility and stability. To mark its strong financial performance, e7 announced a maiden dividend of Dh147.1 million, equivalent to 70% of distributable net profit—well above its minimum payout commitment. The move signals confidence in both its balance sheet and growth outlook. 'Our return on investment isn't just financial,' Gómez Nadal explains. 'We evaluate partnerships and acquisitions based on strategic fit, innovation potential, ESG alignment and cultural compatibility.'
