Electric Vehicle Market Surges: Milestones, Innovations, and Strategic Moves Across Asia
Dear readers,
In 2024, China's new-energy vehicle (NEV) production and sales exceeded 12 million units each, marking the 10th consecutive year of global leadership in this segment. NEVs now constitute 40.9% of total car sales in China, showcasing significant growth in the sector.
Leapmotor became the second Chinese NEV startup to achieve profitability, joining Li Auto, BYD, and Tesla as profitable electric carmakers. The milestone was achieved earlier than anticipated due to rising sales, cost efficiency, and improved operations.
Xinzhi Group, a Chinese car parts supplier, announced plans to build a factory in Hungary with an investment of USD 136.4 million. The facility aims to produce one million NEV drive motor components annually, progressing in phases based on demand and funding.
India saw the launch of Mahindra’s locally developed electric SUV, with test drives initiated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. This development underscores the country's growing commitment to electric mobility.
In Japan, China's EV sales surged by over 40% in 2024, while gasoline vehicle sales plummeted. Additionally, Honda and Nissan plan to merge to counteract challenges posed by the rapid growth of Chinese EV manufacturers.
Taiwan's Foxconn has ventured into the competitive EV market, unveiling new products and forming strategic partnerships at CES 2024. With a decade-long investment of $1.3 billion, the company aims to produce 40% of the world's EVs, cementing its role in the automotive supply chain.
Global EV sales grew by 25% in 2024, with China leading the market by selling 11 million units. In contrast, Europe experienced a 3% decline in EV sales, with hybrids gaining traction at the expense of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.
Singapore introduced S$60 public transport vouchers for eligible lower-income households, benefiting 60,000 more families after a recent fare hike. The initiative reflects the government’s efforts to ease transportation costs for its citizens.
South Korea’s Hyundai IONIQ 5 led domestic EV sales in 2024, with 14,213 units sold, followed closely by the Kia EV3. The country is also planning comprehensive transport safety reforms, focusing on aviation and ground systems, beginning with a nationwide airport inspection.
Vietnam’s auto market thrived in 2024, driven by government incentives and VinFast's strategies, although December sales dipped compared to prior months. Additionally, a proposal for specific electricity rates for EV charging stations aims to balance development costs and consumer affordability.
Jürgen Germeys
China
Peoples Daily | English | News
In 2024, China's new-energy vehicle (NEV) production and sales exceeded 12 million units each, maintaining its global leadership for the 10th consecutive year. Production reached 12.89 million units and sales hit 12.87 million, with year-on-year growth of 34.4 percent and 35.5 percent, respectively. NEVs now comprise 40.9 percent of total new car sales, an increase from the prior year. .
Yicai Global | English | News
Leapmotor has achieved profitability, becoming the second Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) startup to do so, following Li Auto. This milestone positions Leapmotor as the fourth electric carmaker to report profits, joining industry leaders BYD and Tesla. The company reached this status in the fourth quarter of the previous year, one year ahead of schedule, thanks to increased sales, effective cost management, and improved operational efficiency.
Yicai Global | English | News
Chinese car parts supplier Xinzhi Group plans to invest up to CNY1 billion (USD136.4 million) to establish a production facility for new energy vehicle (NEV) parts in Hungary. The factory will be located in an industrial park in Heves county and aims to produce one million NEV drive motor stators and rotors annually, with construction progressing in phases based on planning, demand, and funding.
India
Hindu Business Line | English | News
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched a test drive of Mahindra's electric SUV, developed locally, with test rides starting January 14.
Japan
Japan Today | English | News
领英推荐
Electric vehicle sales in China surged over 40% in 2024, while gasoline-powered vehicle sales declined significantly.
Additionally, Honda and Nissan have announced plans for a merger to better navigate challenges from rapidly growing electric vehicle manufacturers in China. This surge in electric vehicle sales starkly contrasts with slowing growth rates in the United States and Europe.
Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News
Taiwan's Foxconn, primarily known for iPhone production, is entering the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market, joining players like Huawei. As established automakers like Nissan and Honda adapt, Foxconn is securing its position in the automotive supply chain. At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Foxtron, Foxconn's automotive arm, unveiled the Model B hatchback and other automotive electronics. With plans to produce 40% of global EVs, Foxconn has invested nearly $1.3 billion in auto-related acquisitions over the past decade. Foxconn's strategy includes a joint venture with Yulon Motor for Foxtron, a 50% partnership with Stellantis NV for automotive semiconductors, and collaboration with ZF Friedrichshafen AG on chassis production.
Philippines
Inquirer Net | English | News
Global electric car sales rose by 25% in 2024, reaching 17.1 million battery electric vehicles sold worldwide, as reported by Rho Motion. China experienced a significant increase of 40%, totaling 11 million units and solidifying its status as the largest electric vehicle market. In contrast, European sales declined by 3%, with three million vehicles sold, reflecting a slowdown after four years of growth. Hybrid vehicles gained market share in Europe at the expense of petrol and diesel models.
Singapore
Channel News Asia | English | News
Eligible lower-income households in Singapore can apply for S$60 public transport vouchers starting January 14, 2024, an increase from last year's S$50. The monthly income threshold has been raised to S$1,800 per person, benefiting about 60,000 additional households after a recent 10-cent fare hike for adult journeys.
South Korea
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Hankyung | Local Language | News
Last year, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 topped the domestic electric vehicle market with 14,213 units sold, followed by the Kia EV3 at 12,851 units, despite only six months on the market. The Kia Ray EV, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Casper EV ranked third to fifth with sales of 10,080, 9,054, and 7,871 units, respectively.
Yonhap | English | News
South Korea's transport ministry will implement comprehensive safety reforms in 2025, focusing on the aviation sector and expanding to transportation systems. A nationwide airport inspection will commence by January 24 to identify and rectify hazardous facilities, including addressing a dangerous 2-meter-high concrete mound at Muan International Airport linked to a recent disaster. Inspections of 18 air traffic control facilities are also planned.
Vietnam
Vietnam Net - E | English | News
Vietnam's auto market grew significantly in 2024, bolstered by government incentives and strategic planning by VinFast. The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) reported December sales of 31,598 vehicles, reflecting a 29% decline from November and an 18% drop from the previous December.
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VTV News | Local Language | News
The Prime Minister's draft Decision on retail electricity prices for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations includes three pricing options from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Option 1 recommends applying business electricity prices, which could hinder EV development due to higher charging costs and fail to accurately reflect customer expenses. Option 2 suggests a new retail electricity pricing structure specifically for EV charging stations, offering rates lower than business prices but higher than production rates.