Audi drops its iconic logo to enter the Chinese EV market!

Plus: Bentley’s first EV to be an SUV, and Sydney auto show features flying cars

Author

EV Hype
November 09, 2024

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Good morning!

In today’s edition:

  • Audi joins Chinese EV market and drops its four rings

  • Jaguar reveals its electric sedan

  • What happened in Sydney autoshow?

Ready, set, go…

What’s new?

Source: The Verge

Audi is stepping into the Chinese EV market with a bold new brand, dropping its iconic four-ring logo to appeal to innovation-focused, younger consumers. Partnering with SAIC, one of China’s largest auto manufacturers, Audi aims to deliver affordable, high-tech EVs tailored to local preferences. Their first model, debuting next summer, will feature locally developed technology and leverage local suppliers to meet competitive price demands. This strategy, emphasizing affordability, sustainability, and adaptability, could redefine Audi’s approach globally if successful in China’s high-stakes EV landscape.

🚙 Bentley’s first EV confirmed: Compact electric SUV to launch in 2026

Bentley has announced that its first electric vehicle, an “Urban SUV,” will launch in 2026, marking a milestone in its journey to an all-electric lineup by 2035. Smaller than the Bentayga, this city-friendly SUV will offer impressive range and fast charging, though exact specs remain under wraps. Bentley’s new CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, highlighted the model’s compact design as a versatile choice for urban drivers. Alongside the EV rollout, Bentley is investing £2.5 billion in new technologies, including an expanded paint facility, to support its shift toward sustainable luxury.

⚡2025 Kia Niro EV: affordable, feature-rich, and ready to compete

Source: CarBuzz

The 2025 Kia Niro EV strengthens its appeal with fresh updates, a 253-mile range, and two affordable trims: the Wind starting at $39,600 and the Wave at $44,600. Designed to balance innovation and value, the Niro EV introduces upgraded tech, including a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, advanced safety features, and parking assist options. Despite being outshoned by flashier models, the Niro EV remains a popular, practical choice for everyday electric driving, making it ideal for families and urban commuters. With these enhancements, the 2025 Niro EV continues to provide strong value in the EV market.

💰 Jaguar's first electric sedan to debut next month, priced over $125,000

Source: CarBuzz

Jaguar is set to unveil its first-ever electric sedan next month, marking the beginning of a dramatic shift towards a fully electric future. The high-end EV will be a four-door grand touring sedan with a starting price of over $125,000. With a range exceeding 430 miles and 575 horsepower, the car aims to compete with luxury brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce. This new direction is part of Jaguar’s strategy to revamp its image and enter the luxury electric vehicle market, with the production model expected to arrive in 2025.

🔥 Sydney EV AutoShow 2024: a glimpse into the future of EVs

Source: Xinhua

The 2024 Sydney International EV AutoShow, held from November 8 at the International Convention & Exhibition Center, showcases the latest in EV technology. Leading brands like XPENG, GWM, Deepal, and Zeekr are unveiling innovative models, including the XPENG G6, Zeekr 009, and a flying car from XPENG. The show highlights advancements in long-range EVs, rapid charging, and autonomous driving technology, while emphasizing sustainability and convenience. With increasing interest in electric vehicles across Australia, the event provides a vital platform for industry discussions on the future of mobility and the necessary infrastructure to support the transition to electric transportation.

🧐 EV or EN-V?

Head-to-Head: XPENG G9 Electric SUV

Specifications

  • Price: From $44,590 to $67,490 (FOB)

  • Range: 435-512 miles (WLTP)

  • Battery: 98 kWh

  • Charging: 10-80% in 24 minutes (DC fast charging)

Features (Based on Trim Level)

  • Infotainment: 14.96-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, advanced voice control

  • Safety: XPILOT 3.5 (autonomous driving assistance), adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking

  • Interior: Premium materials, customizable ambient lighting, spacious cabin, heated and ventilated seats, large panoramic sunroof

More news & initiatives

  • Toyota is challenging California's strict EV regulations, with Jack Hollis, the COO of Toyota North America, calling them "impossible" to meet. He argues that the push for 35% zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2026 would distort the industry and limit consumer choices. While Toyota has been slow to adopt fully electric vehicles, it plans to launch several EVs, including a three-row SUV in 2026. Despite these remarks, EV adoption in California is growing, with 22% of new cars sold in the state this year being electric.

  • North America’s EV charging landscape is changing as Tesla opens its connector, now called the North American Charging Standard (NACS), to compete with the more common CCS plug. Automakers like Ford, GM, and Toyota are adopting NACS, which will start appearing in new models by 2026. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is investing $7.5 billion to build a more reliable and widespread charging network, aiming to simplify EV ownership.

  • Volvo’s EX90 “Driver Understanding System” won TIME’s 2024 Best Invention in Automotive. It detects impaired or distracted driving and can nudge, alert, or even safely stop the car if needed. This builds on Volvo’s legacy of safety, including its invention of the three-point seatbelt.

🔋You’re now charged up!

Until Wednesday, stay charged and ready for your next drive!