Weekly Index
Weekly News
Tesla Model 3/Y Price Hiked
In just 7 days from March 10 to March 17, Tesla raised prices three times, and the prices of Model 3/Y were also raised across the board:
First time:
- On March 10th, the long-range and high-performance versions of Model Y both increased by RMB 10,000, selling for RMB 357,900 and RMB 397,900 respectively;
- On March 10th, the high-performance version of Model 3 increased by RMB 10,000, selling for RMB 349,900.
Second time:
- On March 15th, the long-range version of Model Y increased by RMB 18,000, selling for RMB 375,900;
- On March 15th, the high-performance version of Model Y increased by RMB 20,000, selling for RMB 417,900;
- On March 15th, the rear-wheel drive version of Model 3 increased by RMB 14,000, selling for RMB 279,900;
- On March 15th, the high-performance version of Model 3 increased by RMB 18,000, selling for RMB 367,900.
Third time:
- On March 17th, the rear-wheel drive version of Model Y increased by RMB 15,000, selling for RMB 316,900.
Quick Comment:# Global New Energy Vehicle Sales Skyrocket in 2021
In 2021, global sales of new energy vehicles have surged, with the domestic new energy market seeing a steady increase in sales after the Spring Festival, with a year-on-year increase of 169%. The rapid growth of demand for new energy vehicles has led to a supply shortage of power batteries and has resulted in the continuous supply and demand imbalance in the upstream and midstream of the industry chain which has caused raw material prices to skyrocket, with the prices of key materials rising by more than tenfold.
Last year, battery suppliers and automakers mostly chose to internally digest the problem of rising raw material prices, which was not very apparent to end consumers. However, this kind of buffering had already reached its limit at the end of last year. With the continuous increase in raw material prices and the industry’s expectation that this trend may persist in the short term, coupled with the end of many old supply orders ahead of price hikes, new supply chain orders have generally undergone a new round of price increases according to the price of battery raw materials to ensure normal profitability.
With the gradual adjustment of each level of the supply side buffer, the price increase caused by the rise in raw material prices has finally been transmitted to the consumer end.
The growth of the new energy market will continue this year, but the overall production capacity of power batteries will still be insufficient, and supply and demand imbalance will not improve structurally in a certain amount of time. It can be said that the current round of electric vehicle price hikes is a “delayed response” to the supply and demand mismatch of power batteries over the past year. If this trend is not alleviated or even worsens, the sufficient conditions for electric vehicle price hikes will continue to exist.
Appearance, Seat, and Sound System Information: Ideal L9 Exposures Again
As promised, Ideal Auto officially released more information last Wednesday. Following the interior official map, last Wednesday’s information mainly focused on the appearance, seat, and sound system information of the L9. We also conducted an in-depth analysis of this part of the information in our previous articles, those interested can take a look.
The overall styling of the Ideal L9 continues the design of the Ideal ONE, but there are significant changes in the front design between the L9 and the current ONE. It still uses the star-studded headlights but without the huge air intake grille, adopting a more “electric vehicle” style enclosed front face.
The lines on the side of the car are highly consistent with the current Ideal ONE, but it is evident that due to the increase in body size, the length of the rear door is longer. The design of the tail-end is consistent with that of the Ideal ONE, and is in line with the star-studded headlights of the front-end.
In terms of the sound system, the Ideal L9 has the following parameters:
- 21 speakers.- Amplifier maximum power of 2,160W
- Adopt Dolby panoramic sound technology
- 7.3.4 panoramic sound system layout
- Standard across the board
In terms of sound system, similar to the NIO ET7, the IDEAL ONE has also not adopted a branded sound system. However, according to information we have received from the supplier, the IDEAL ONE sound system is assembled by Shang Sheng Electronics, which also produces high-end sound systems for brands such as B\&O. In addition, as we understand it, the IDEAL sound team is the original Dirac Chief Chinese Tuning team, who were responsible for the Bowers\&Wilkins sound system in Volvo.
As for the seats, the IDEAL ONE features:
- Electrically adjustable seats for all six seats
- Seat heating for all six seats
- Seat ventilation for four seats
- 10-point massage for four seats
In addition, the exploded view of the second-row seats shows that there is a vibration module in the waist area. We speculate that the IDEAL L9’s second-row seats are similar to the 4D seats used in the Mercedes-Benz S and BMW iX. Unfortunately, IDEAL has not yet revealed the style, space, and trunk space of the third-row seats, which may have to be experienced in person in the future.
Quick Review:
The weekly disclosure has finally satisfied everyone’s appetite. After the release of the official exterior rendering of the IDEAL ONE, there is no need to dig for information from spy photos.
From the exterior, we can also infer information about the IDEAL L9’s advanced driving assistance hardware, such as the Hesai Technology AT128 type semi-solid-state laser radar on the roof, as well as 7 intelligent driving cameras and 4 panoramic parking cameras.
According to IDEAL’s official introduction, “the flagship body of the IDEAL L9 provides a larger acoustic chamber volume, and the design of dual 8-inch low-frequency units at the front end allows for deeper bass response, together with the high-power low-frequency unit at the rear of the vehicle to form a matrix, allowing for even bass distribution throughout the car. The car has 21 speakers, with the tweeter using an aluminum diaphragm, the midrange unit using Kevlar material, and the low-frequency unit using carbon fiber material, which are standard in-car sound systems.”
In terms of hardware, this sound system has already been declared to be the top-of-the-line, but the actual effect will depend on the software tuning and NVH of the sound system.
As for the seats, on the IDEAL ONE 2020, the seats were criticized for being too hard. On the 2021 IDEAL ONE, the seats were changed across the board, and 4 seat waist massagers were added to the original configuration. On the L9, IDEAL has directly provided electric adjustment for all six seats, and the first and second-row seats also support seat ventilation and massage.
The appearance of L9 is a matter of personal preference, but the configuration of the sound system and the seats truly reaches the pinnacle, creating a “home theater” for family users.
BYD announced the pre-sale price of Han DM-i/p at CNY 216,800-292,800
On March 19, BYD announced the pre-sale price of Han DM-i/p. The DM-i model includes four versions, with a pre-sale price of CNY 216,800-292,800 after subsidies, while the DM-p model only offers one version at a pre-sale price of CNY 322,800.
The sporty piano-black package of Han DM-i/p enhances its athletic feel, and the biggest change is in the taillights, which incorporate elements of the “Chinese knot” design. The vehicle has dimensions of 4,975 x 1,910 x 1,495 mm (L x W x H) and a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. All models come with 19-inch wheels, with different wheel styles for different versions.
In terms of interior, the overall layout remains largely the same, with a standard 15.6-inch central touch screen and the DiLink 4.0 (5G) intelligent connectivity system. The new optional Nappa leather one-piece sport seats are available now. The DiPilot intelligent driving assistance system is equipped with 22 perception components and offers new features such as high-speed driving assistance and emergency avoidance assistance.
In terms of power, the DM-i model is equipped with a 1.5T four-cylinder engine specially designed for the Shao Yun plug-in hybrid system, with a maximum power output of 102 kW and a peak torque of 231 Nm. The driving motor has a maximum power output of 145 kW and a peak torque of 316 Nm, and the official energy consumption per 100 km is 4.2 L, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration achieved in 7.9 seconds. The pure electric model has a range of 121 km and 242 km respectively, and is equipped with blade batteries at 18.3 degrees and 37.6 degrees, with a comprehensive cruising range of up to 1,300 km.The Han DM-p is based on the Han DM-i, replacing the front-drive motor with an additional rear motor, with maximum power of 160 kW and 200 kW, and peak torque of 325 Nm and 350 Nm, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a power consumption of 5.2 L/100 km.
Quick comment:
In the process of upgrading the BYD brand image and increasing the average selling price of single vehicles, the Han is a crucial model. However, the sales of the Han DM have long been only one-third to one-fourth of the Han EV, keeping the overall Han family’s sales hovering around 10,000 units.
The arrival of the Han DM-i will greatly increase the overall sales of the Han family. Referring to the current popularity of Qin PLUS DM-i and Song PLUS DM-i, the Han DM-i is expected to help the Han family’s sales reach a level of 20,000 units in the future. The Han DM-p is the “performance” model, improving the price range and “high-performance” brand image.
With the future launch and potential high sales of the Han DM-i/p, BYD’s average selling price and brand image will be further enhanced.
Sales growth of 11%, profit growth of 30%, and Pure Electric 718 Plan: Porsche 2021 Annual Meeting
On March 18, 2022, an online news conference was held, and carbon neutrality, digitization, and localization development services, and high-performance batteries will be Porsche’s focus in the future. The summary is as follows:
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Operating revenue, sales profit, sales return rate, net cash flow, and many other indicators performed well.
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Continue to promote strategic investments in electrification, digitization, and sustainable development.
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The new generation of pure electric 718 is scheduled to be launched around 2025.
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Support the IPO plan of Porsche Holding SE of the Volkswagen Group.
In the electrification transformation stage, Porsche’s 2030 plan includes the following aspects:
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By 2025, the sales of electrified vehicles, including pure electric and plug-in hybrid models, will account for 50%.
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By 2030, the proportion of new car deliveries and medium-to-high pure electric vehicles will exceed 80%.
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By 2030, Porsche will achieve carbon neutrality across the entire value chain, significantly increasing the proportion of vehicle-use-qualified recycled materials.
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Maintain a sustainable supply chain, with 90% of purchases meeting its strictest quality standards.
Quick comment:Porsche has developed the Porsche Engineering Virtual Automotive Testing Center (PEVATeC) by leveraging the synergies within the Volkswagen Group to develop digital platforms, ADAS algorithms, and sensors.
Different from the approach of introducing VR technology into the cabin by domestic new energy automakers, Porsche has brought VR technology into production for vehicle validation. This is acceptable because the use of new technology always has different orientations.
It remains to be seen whether Porsche, in the era of electrification and digitization, can once again become a unique presence in the luxury brand in the next decade.
Audi A6 Avant e-tron concept car released
On March 17th, Audi released the A6 Avant e-tron concept car, and the production version will be launched in 2024.
The key parameters of the A6 Avant e-tron concept car are as follows:
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Based on the PPE pure electric platform, it is 4,960 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,440 mm high, and will be launched in 2024;
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100 kWh battery pack, maximum 270 kW charging power, 700 km WLTP range;
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The total output power of 2 motors is 350 kW, the maximum torque is 800 N·m, and there will be a single motor long-range version in the future;
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Charging 5\%—80\% of the electricity in the fastest 25 minutes, and driving 300 km after charging for 10 minutes;
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Equipped with adaptive damping air suspension, the acceleration time from 0-100 km/h is less than 4 seconds.
Quick review:
The A6 Avant e-tron concept car is eye-catching in terms of exterior design: sharp front face, the line from B-pillar to the parking space and the tail wing are integrated, muscular lines protruding above the rear wheel arches, huge tail diffuser rarely seen in the electric car era…It can be said that A6 Avant e-tron concept car is a work of art no matter from which angle it is appreciated.
The traditional art of the “light factory” has also not been lost: the headlights support cinema-level picture projection, and can project game interfaces on the wall during charging, 3 small and high-resolution LED projectors that can realize light welcome functions and warning message projection on both sides of the body, 4 high-resolution LED projectors for corner turning signal projection on the four corners of the body, and the tail lights can be dynamically adjusted, which is highly playable.
The e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron concept cars, which were released years ago, have now been highly restored and put into production, making people look forward to the production of the A6 Avant e-tron concept car even more.
BMW Releases New Generation 7 Series Official Teaser
On March 16th, BMW released the official teaser of the new generation 7 Series, which adopts split-type headlights and a luminous air intake grille.
The new 7 Series is equipped with a 31-inch sliding folding large screen with a resolution of 7,680 × 2,160 in the rear seats.
In April, BMW will also release the pure electric model i7. According to official news, this i7 model will become the most powerful 7 Series in BMW’s history. It is expected to adopt a 619 horsepower twin-motor powertrain equivalent to the iX M60 model. In terms of cruising range, the i7 model has a WLTP cruising range of 580 to 610 km and a cruising range of 491 km under EPA standards.
It is speculated that there are three models of i7:
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BMW i7 eDrive45;
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BMW i7 xDrive50;
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BMW i7 M60.
Looking at BMW’s fifth-generation electric drive platform, the BMW i7 may be equipped with two battery packs with a capacity of 76.6 kWh and 111.5 kWh, providing a cruising range of approximately 580-610 kilometers under WLTP standards. It is estimated that i7 will support at least 200 kW of fast charging, enough to replenish about 100 kilometers of cruising range in about 10 minutes.
It is estimated that the selling price of BMW i7 in Germany is about 100,000 euros, and it will be launched globally after its debut at the 2022 Beijing Auto Show.
Quick Comment:
In the known product lineup, i7 is the flagship sedan of BMW’s generation of pure electric models. BMW R&D director Frank Weber confirmed that i7 will provide hardware support for L3 level assisted driving function. The L2 level assisted driving function named “Motorway Assist” can be used once the i7 is launched, but higher-grade features still require approval from regulatory authorities in each region and will be activated through OTA updates.BMW Theater Screen “My Mode Theatre,” which features an adjustable 31-inch ultra-wide 8K touch display with an adjustable angle, made its debut at CES 2022 in Las Vegas this January. The screen is paired with the high-end Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System in BMW’s luxury car models. The i7’s in-car entertainment system supports 5G connectivity and will also integrate with internet streaming content in the future.
As BMW’s flagship model during the company’s electrification transformation, the i7 will compete with Mercedes-Benz’s EQS. Can traditional luxury brands continue their success with their own electric flagships? We eagerly await to see.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.