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Domestic Model Y may introduce Lithium Iron Phosphate version

On June 11, the Caixin News reported that the domestic Tesla Model Y may launch a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery version in July, which will be powered by CATL’s Lithium Iron Phosphate battery.

Comment:

Currently, the long-endurance and high-performance versions of domestic Model Y are priced at RMB 347,900 and RMB 377,900, respectively. According to the roughly RMB 30,000 price difference of each grade in the Model 3/Y series, if the domestic Model Y introduces a Lithium Iron Phosphate version, its price may be within RMB 300,000.

Previously in May, Reuters cited insiders as saying that Tesla is negotiating with EVE Energy. EVE Energy is expected to become a supplier of Tesla’s Shanghai Super Factory. In response, Liu Jincheng, Chairman of EVE Energy, said the news had no basis.

XPeng P5 included in MIIT’s directory

On June 15, XPeng P5 was included in the directory of MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology). Its body size is: 4,808 x 1,840 x 1,520 mm, wheelbase: 2,768 mm; equipped with Ternary Lithium and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, and the maximum power of the motor is 155 kW.

Quick Review:

XPeng has a total of four new models listed in the MIIT directory, one of which has a tail badge of N5. N5 is equipped with CATL’s lithium iron phosphate battery. From the detailed pictures published, it can be seen that the laser radar at the front bumper position is removed, and the front face design, tail lights, etc. are also different from P5. Therefore, N5 may be an entry-level model of the P5 series.

Volkswagen ID.3 Listed in MIIT Directory

On June 15th, Volkswagen ID.3 was listed on the MIIT public directory. The basic information of ID.3 is as follows:

Dimensions: 4,216 x 1,778 x 1,568 mm
Wheelbase: 2,765 mm
Maximum Power: 125 kW
Maximum Speed: 160 km/h
Battery Capacity: 45 x 58 x 77 kWh
WLTP Range: 330 x 420 x 550 km

The three versions of the new ID.3 are Pure, Pro, Pro S, and the entry-level Pure has a battery capacity of 45 kWh, and the WLTP range under working conditions is 330 km. This ID.3 also supports 100 kWh fast charging, and can travel an additional 290 km with 30 minutes of charging.

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In terms of appearance, this ID.3 has some similarities with the current ID.4, with a closed front design, textured C-pillar, and closed hub design, giving it a futuristic and technological feel. In addition, we can also find some design elements of the Golf and Beetle. (Lao Yu)

NIO ES8 Receives EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval

On June 11, NIO announced that its new ES8 has obtained EU whole vehicle type approval (EWVTA). This means that the ES8 exported to Europe can be produced in large quantities and officially registered and licensed in all EU countries.

The ES8 certification approved by Regulation (EU) 2018/858 requires engineering audits and module certification for all vehicle systems, parts, and independent technical units.

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On May 6th, NIO released its Norwegian strategy. As the first step for NIO to enter markets outside China, NIO will establish a direct sales and service network in Norway. The first model, the all-new ES8, will be delivered in September this year. NIO House, the European version of the App, battery swapping stations, NIO Life, and more will be gradually introduced to the Norwegian market.

At the 13th China Automotive Bluebook Forum on June 10th, Li Bin announced that NIO’s second factory in Xinqiao, Hefei, will be put into operation in the third quarter of next year, helping to catch up with the demand in production capacity.

Apple is in talks with CATL for battery supply

On June 8th, Reuters reported exclusively that Apple is in preliminary talks with CATL regarding battery supply for its electric car project.

(Source: Bloomberg)

According to sources, Apple has made the construction of a manufacturing plant in the United States a condition for becoming a battery supplier, but CATL is reluctant to build a plant in the U.S. due to the ongoing trade tensions and cost considerations.

Quick comment:
Earlier this month, Reuters also reported that CATL plans to build a factory in Lingang, Shanghai, and is considering setting up a research center and global sales and operation center in Shanghai. Although CATL did not comment on this matter, if the new factory is completed, it will further consolidate CATL’s position in the power battery supply market. As for Apple’s car-making, on June 13th, Ulrich Kranz announced that he has joined Apple. Kranz previously worked on the i3 and i8 projects at BMW, then went on to join Faraday Future before leaving to found his own electric vehicle start-up, Canoo.

Jidu Technology Co., Ltd. is established

According to Tianyancha’s information, Jidu Technology Co., Ltd. was established on June 7th, with Xia Yiping as the legal representative and a registered capital of 2 million RMB. The business scope includes technology-related content for whole vehicles and parts of new energy vehicles, sales and manufacturing of new energy vehicles, and battery swapping facilities.

In March of this year, Geely and Baidu established a new joint venture named Jidu Auto. On June 1st, Jidu Auto held its first media communication meeting in Beijing and announced that its concept car will debut at the Beijing Auto Show next year.

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Jidu Auto CEO Xia Yiping previously stated that the company plans to invest RMB 50 billion in the next five years to manufacture intelligent vehicles and release its first electric vehicle within three years. He told Reuters that after the first model is launched, Jidu Auto plans to release a new model every year or a year and a half. Jidu Auto plans to recruit 2,500-3,000 people in the next two to three years, including 400-500 software engineers. In less than half a year since its establishment, Jidu Auto has made rapid progress. It remains to be seen what the final product will be like, but we can expect a glimpse next year.

Authored by Niki
Edited by Reinhardt Fan Nao