EV Ambitions, Strategic Partnerships, and Infrastructure Innovations Across Nations
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Nigeria has partnered with China to develop a "smart city" project in Kaduna State, focussing on improving public security, e-government, education, and healthcare.
ZETWERK in India secured approval for its 60kW and 120kW EV chargers, which will be supplied to Indian Oil Corporation Limited and private operators.
IKEA aims to achieve 100% EV logistics coverage in India by 2025, with current operations at 88-90% EV usage.
Volvo has revised its all-electric vehicle rollout strategy by 2030 due to sluggish demand and infrastructure challenges.
At Narita Airport in Japan, a smartphone reservation system will be introduced to reduce long waiting times for truck drivers picking up imported cargo.
Japan's transport ministry is launching a new organisation to improve access to public transport in underserved areas. This initiative will promote collaboration between local governments and transport operators, including ride-hailing and car-sharing services.
Kia Corp. set a monthly EV sales record in South Korea, driven by the new EV3 model, which accounted for most of the sales.
Samsung Electronics showcased its "AI for All" theme at IFA 2024 in Berlin, featuring its SmartThings platform and AI-enhanced home appliances. The company aims to address European consumers' interests in energy efficiency and connectivity through its innovations.
Mercedes-Benz faced a significant decline in EV sales in South Korea after an explosion involving one of its vehicles.
Hyundai Motors is building a factory to produce 250,000 EVs annually, reflecting its confidence in the future of electric mobility.
MG in Taiwan plans to launch a mass-produced electric vehicle with solid-state battery technology by 2025, positioning itself ahead of competitors.
Mengli AMR has integrated Xinhua Technology's panoramic camera into its autonomous mobile robots to enhance machine vision and inspection capabilities in smart factories.
Renault has introduced the 17 Electric Eestomod, a modern reinterpretation of its classic 1971 model, combining retro aesthetics with electric technology.
Jürgen Germeys
China
Global Times | English | News
Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria, announced a partnership with China to develop a "smart city" project in line with the country's industrialization goals. The initiative, in collaboration with Huawei, aims to improve public security and transparency, establish e-government, and enhance education and healthcare. Sani plans to form a joint committee between the Kaduna government and Huawei soon. This project is part of broader agreements signed during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) where China and Nigeria elevated their partnership. Sani emphasised China's role in Nigeria's industrial growth and highlighted recent collaborations, including a previous partnership with Hebei Province for an industrial park.
China Daily | English | News
John Haslem, former president of the Association of Former Members of the Parliament of Australia and ex-Liberal Party member, expressed admiration for China's development during a visit to Shanghai for the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges. He compared China's current trajectory to that of the United States 50 years ago, stating his belief in China's potential for significant future strength.
India
Hindu Business Line | English | News
ZETWERK has received approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for its 60kW and 120kW DC fast chargers. These chargers will be supplied to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and other private charge point operators. In March, ZETWERK secured contracts to supply over 1,400 EV fast chargers, which utilise advanced DC Dual Gun CCS2 technology. The certification aligns with the Make in India initiative and underscores ZETWERK's commitment to quality and promoting electric vehicle adoption. The company is also investing in research and development to introduce Super DC Chargers with capacities of 240 kW and 360 kW for faster charging solutions at public and commercial stations.
Hindu Business Line | English | News
IKEA is aiming to achieve 100% electric vehicle (EV) coverage for its logistics in India by 2025, currently operating at 88-90% EV usage. The commitment to EVs began in 2018 as part of its sustainability goals and involvement in the Climate Group's Global EV100 initiative. India has surpassed China in global rankings for EV deployment within IKEA, while the company has adopted a proactive approach to establish partnerships with several manufacturers and last-mile service providers. Challenges include addressing infrastructure needs and finding partners aligned with their sustainability ethos. IKEA has implemented initiatives supporting charging facilities, especially in cities where they already operate at full EV capability.
Japan
ボルボ、30年の全車EV化撤回＝需要伸び悩みで戦略修正
Yahoo Finance | Local Language | News
Volvo has decided to abandon its goal of rolling out all-electric vehicles by 2030 due to weak demand. The company's strategy has been revised in response to sluggish sales figures, prompting a reconsideration of its electric vehicle plans.
Japan Today | English | News
Volvo Cars has revised its plans to stop selling internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030, citing slow progress in charging infrastructure and the removal of purchase incentives. The company now anticipates its lineup will consist of at least 90% electric vehicles by the end of the decade, including battery-only and plug-in hybrids, with up to 10% potentially being mild hybrids. This shift is in response to evolving market conditions and customer preferences. Despite regulatory pressures in Europe to tr ansition to electric vehicles, the adoption of electric cars has faced challenges, including the abrupt withdrawal of purchase subsidies in Germany and insufficient charging infrastructure. Recent data shows a decline in registrations of battery-only vehicles in Europe. Additionally, new tariffs on electric vehicles from China present further uncertainties, potentially driving up prices. Other automakers, including Mercedes-Benz and Ford, have also scaled back their electric vehicle targets and investments.
The Mainichi | English | News
Volvo Cars has revised its earlier commitment to stop selling internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030, now aiming for a lineup that is at least 90% electric, which includes both battery-only and plug-in hybrids. The company indicates that up to 10% of its models may consist of mild hybrids. This adjustment is attributed to slow expansion of charging infrastructure and the withdrawal of purchase incentives. CEO Jim Rowan emphasized the uneven pace of the transition to electrification, reflecting varied customer and market adoption rates. The shift is driven by European emission regulations set to phase out internal combustion cars by 2035, though adoption of electric vehicles has faced challenges, including the sudden removal of subsidies in Germany and lagging charging station construction. Additionally, Volvo mentioned uncertainties from new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, with the U.S. imposing a full tariff and the EU implementing tariffs ranging from 17.4% to 37.6%. Volvo joins other automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Ford in scaling back electric vehicle targets.
ボルボ、２０３０年までに全新車をＥＶにする目標撤回…充電ステーション整備遅れや購入補助打ち切りで
Yomiuri Shimbun | Local Language | News
Volvo Cars announced on September 4 that it is abandoning its goal to make all new cars electric by 2030. The updated aim is for more than 90% of new car sales by 2030 to be electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), with a maximum of 10% being hybrid vehicles (HVs). The decision is attributed to delays in charging station construction, the cessation of government EV purchase subsidies, and new tariffs on Chinese-made EVs in the U.S. and Europe. Volvo's parent company is Chinese, and some of its EVs are produced in China. The European Union has been enforcing provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles since July, with the U.S. and Canada planning additional tariffs.
輸入貨物受け取りまで最大５時間…トラック運転手の待機解消へスマホ予約システム、成田空港で導入へ
领英推荐
Yomiuri Shimbun | Local Language | News
On August 28, Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) announced the introduction of a smartphone-based reservation system for truck drivers, set to launch in November. This initiative aims to reduce long waiting times, which can extend up to five hours, for drivers picking up imported cargo. The "Truck Dock Management System" will initially be implemented in the northern cargo area, which processes about 70% of cargo at the airport, with plans for a future rollout in the southern area. The move is part of addressing the "2024 problem" related to stricter truck driver overtime regulations. Currently, drivers face uncertainty regarding cargo pick-up times, prompting the NAA to respond to concerns from transport companies about high wait times potentially impacting their ability to accept new work. An explanatory meeting involving around 230 participants from transport companies and customs brokers provided insights into the reservation system's operation. The new system is expected to streamline logistics by allowing drivers to pre-book pick-up times, facilitating more efficient cargo handling. In conjunction with this system, the NAA aims to combat illegal dumping of materials in the cargo area by restricting forklift use to warehouse operators, thereby closing a loop exploited by some transport companies. This change responds to persistent issues of illegal disposal and associated risks, such as forklift tire punctures from discarded pallets.
Nippon | English | News
Japan's transport ministry announced the establishment of a new public-private organization aimed at improving access to public transport in areas lacking bus and taxi services. This initiative seeks to foster collaboration between local governments and transport operators, including ride-hailing services. The organization will facilitate partnerships among taxi and rail service providers, as well as ride-hailing and car-sharing companies. Its objectives include developing frameworks for joint taxi operations and enhancing taxi dispatch services to train stations and surrounding areas. The launch of this body is expected within the year.
ボルボ、30年の全EV化撤回＝需要伸び悩みで戦略修正
Yahoo Finance | Local Language | News
Volvo has decided to abandon its plan to exclusively shift to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 due to sluggish demand. The company's strategy is being revised in response to the current market conditions.
South Korea
Yonhap | English | News
Kia Corp. set a monthly electric vehicle (EV) sales record in August, with 6,398 units sold, marking a 250% increase from the previous year and a 58.7% rise from July. This performance was driven primarily by the new EV3 model, which accounted for 4,436 registrations, or 69.3% of Kia's total EV sales. August marked the highest monthly EV sales across all brands in South Korea since 2011. Overall, 13,315 EVs were registered in South Korea, a 79.2% increase from last year, with domestic brands accounting for 9,197 units. Hyundai Motor sold 2,256 units in August, up 33.2% year-on-year. Imported brands collectively saw a 22.3% increase to 4,118 units, though this was down 10.2% from July. Mercedes-Benz experienced a significant drop in sales, down 82% to 133 units, following a fire incident. The incident has led to increased consumer interest in domestic EV brands, perceived as safer due to local battery production and better maintenance systems.
[IFA 2024] ????, ‘??? ?? AI’…????? ??? ???
Digital Daily | Local Language | News
Samsung Electronics is participating in IFA 2024 in Berlin, showcasing its theme "AI for All" with a large exhibition area featuring its SmartThings platform and various AI-enhanced home appliances. The company will highlight key solutions and technologies focused on security, sustainability, ease of connection, safety, and B2B applications. SmartThings, which has over 350 million subscribers, will exhibit innovations like Samsung Knox Matrix for security and energy-saving features like Flex Connect. Additional highlights include smart home services such as Family Care, personalised voice recognition through Bixby, and new AI appliances like the Bespoke AI Combo and washing machines. Samsung also plans to introduce advanced entertainment technologies, including a range of Micro LED displays and AI TV features. The exhibition aims to address European consumers' interests in energy efficiency and connectivity.
Joongang Ilbo | English | News
Mercedes-Benz experienced a significant decline in electric vehicle (EV) sales in August, following an incident where a Mercedes EV exploded in an underground parking lot in Incheon on August 1, resulting in damage to 880 vehicles and power outages for approximately 1,600 households. Sales of the EQE model plummeted by 89% year-on-year, with only 39 units registered, while sales of the EQS and EQA models fell by 82.4% and 57% respectively. Overall sales for Mercedes dropped 19.8% to 5,286 units, though petrol-engine cars like the E-Class saw increased sales. Compounding these issues, domestic brands such as Hyundai and Kia also reported declines in EV sales. Additionally, a group of approximately 250 Mercedes EV owners in Korea has filed complaints alleging they were misled about the batteries used in their vehicles, prompting a potential collective legal action against the automaker.
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Maekyung | Local Language | News
Hyundai Motors plans to build a factory capable of producing 250,000 electric vehicles (EVs) annually, reflecting the company's confidence in the future of electric mobility. The factory is expected to enhance Hyundai's production capacity for EVs, which currently include a diverse lineup. The company aims to launch multiple models and increase its market share significantly by 2030, targeting the production of 1.2 million EVs every year. In addition, Hyundai's growth strategy includes the introduction of new models, such as those under the eM brand, and expanding its product offerings to further capture the EV market.
Taiwan
MG再次擔任電動車領頭羊 預計明年就提供固態電池給車主使用
The Storm Media | Local Language | News
MG plans to launch a mass-produced electric vehicle with solid-state battery technology in 2025, positioning itself ahead of competitors like BMW and Toyota, who have later timelines. Solid-state batteries offer twice the energy density of lithium batteries, enhancing electric vehicle endurance and reducing weight, which improves performance and production costs. The first deployment is expected in the second quarter of 2025, and mass production may face challenges related to cost reduction and stability in real-world scenarios. IM Zhiji Automobile has demonstrated solid-state technology in its L6 sedan, showcasing a cruising range of 1,000 kilometers and rapid charging capabilities.
盟立AMR導入信驊全景相機 為機器人添「慧眼」
Liberty Times Net | Local Language | News
Mengli AMR has announced the integration of Xinhua Technology's Cupola360 panoramic camera into its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) product line. This enhancement aims to improve machine vision, inspection, and remote management capabilities for smart factories and warehousing. The Cupola360 camera offers 360-degree visual sensing, enhancing real-time detection and obstacle avoidance, thus facilitating unmanned intelligent inspections in dynamic environments. The AMR is designed for efficient collaboration, autonomous movement, and adaptability to complex terrains. Additionally, the integration allows for comprehensive data collection related to factory systems, improving operational monitoring and response times. Overall, this collaboration seeks to enhance productivity and smart manufacturing capabilities.
加入現代思維與電動科技重塑半世紀前的復古－Renault 17 Electric Eestomod
The Storm Media | Local Language | News
Renault has introduced the 17 Electric Eestomod, a modern reinterpretation of the classic 1971 model, combining retro aesthetics with electric technology. This two-door coupe features a design in collaboration with Ora Ito, maintaining original curves while modernizing elements like the head and tail lights. Equipped with a rear-wheel drive configuration, it boasts a maximum horsepower output of 270hp and is constructed from carbon fiber to limit weight to 1,400 kilograms. The cockpit resembles that of the original model, with minimal decorations and a small screen. The 17 Electric Eestomod will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show and is expected to launch in October, though it will not be mass-produced.
Vietnam
Vietnam Net - E | English | News
High tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) have been implemented by several countries due to concerns over unfair competition stemming from China's overproduction policies. Canada announced a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs in August 2024, while the U.S. increased its tariff from 25% to 100% in May 2024. The EU has imposed tariffs of up to 38%. China has heavily invested in its EV industry, totaling $230.8 billion over the past decade, leading to significant growth and current overcapacity. With 123 automotive manufacturers capable of producing around 40 million vehicles per year, and domestic demand only covering 22 million, China exported 4.91 million cars last year. Chinese brands like BYD, Geely, and others are making inroads into Vietnam's growing EV market, anticipated to reach between 1 million and 1.8 million vehicles by 2035. The Vietnamese government aims to completely transition to electric and green energy vehicles by 2050, creating an attractive environment for Chinese manufacturers. However, the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) has raised concerns over the potential impact of inexpensive Chinese EVs on local producers. While current pricing for these vehicles in Vietnam is high, historical trends show that prices may drop significantly after initial launches. Economic experts suggest that Vietnam should implement protective measures for its domestic auto industry, including the possibility of import tariffs on low-cost EVs that threaten local production. Recommendations include swift regulation establishment and potential legal actions against subsidized imports that harm domestic manufacturers.
B? sung thêm v?n cho các d? án giao th?ng
VTV News | Local Language | News
Key transport projects have fully utilised their allocated capital for the year, prompting the Ministry of Transport to seek additional funding to enhance project progress and quality. The Vung Ang - Bung expressway project in Quang Binh province is moving forward with more than 60 construction sites and substantial machinery and labour resources. As a result of the capital absorption rate assessment, the Prime Minister has allocated over 13 trillion VND to the Ministry of Transport, which has achieved nearly 31 trillion VND in public investment disbursement, accounting for more than 49% of its assigned plan. However, due to ongoing projects, site clearance, and adverse weather conditions, over 45 trillion VND remains to be disbursed this year. For 2025, the Ministry plans to allocate more than 77 trillion VND, aiming to complete 8 out of 12 components of the North-South Expressway Project Phase 2 by April 30.