Report to China Times, due to the declining cost of batteries, by 2024, the prices of electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe will be on par with those of gasoline-powered cars, while the American market will have to wait until 2026. Furthermore, it’s projected that by 2030, two-thirds of all cars sold globally will be electric vehicles.

A report released on the 14th by the non-profit organization Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) predicts that battery costs will be cut in half over the next decade. This reduction will bring the cost of batteries down from $151 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2022 to a range between USD 60~90.

According to TrendForce, in 1H23, the total sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs, including BEV, PHEV, FCEV), including pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, reached 5.462 million units, by YoY of 33.6%. Specifically, NEV sales in the second quarter amounted to 3.03 million units, up 42.8% YoY, and accounting for 14.4% of the overall automobile sales in the second quarter.

Price-wise, TrendForce believes that when the cost of pure electric cars falls below approximately USD100 per kWh, there will be an opportunity to compete with gasoline cars.

By 2030, electric vehicle prices will finally match those of gasoline cars. The high cost of EV batteries, which accounts for approximately 40% of the price of electric cars, has been a barrier preventing many consumers from affording electric vehicles. RMI points out that automakers are investing in the development of new battery chemistries, materials, and software to improve electric vehicle efficiency, gradually driving down both battery and electric vehicle prices. RMI analysts suggest that as electric vehicles rapidly grow in popularity in Europe and China, EV sales could increase at least six times by 2030, with a global market share of 62~86%.

(Source: https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20230915700374-430704)

According to the news from Chinatimes, Tesla, the leading electric vehicle manufacturer in the United States, achieved a record-breaking delivery volume of 466,140 units in the second quarter of this year. Meanwhile, Chinese electric car companies like NIO and BYD have made strides in the European market, increasing their sales market share from 4% in 2021 to 6% in 2022, and now reaching an impressive 8% in early 2023.

The Biden administration’s implementation of the IRA Act is expected to drive a significant increase in sales for Tesla and other EV manufacturers. It is projected that the annual growth rate for EV sales in the U.S. could potentially reach 49% this year. In China, the growth is mainly attributed to the continuation of the government’s policy of exempting consumers from purchase taxes. The estimated growth rate for Chinese EV sales this year is around 26%. In Europe, there is optimism for countries like Germany, France, and the UK, where EV penetration is currently only at around 20%. There is potential for a 37% increase in sales this year in these regions.

According to the market insider says the global EV market has witnessed fierce competition in 1H23, with major manufacturers engaging in price wars to capture market share. For instance, Tesla’s best-selling EV, the Model Y, sold 889,000 units in 1H23, accounting for around 49.38% of the total annual sales of 1.8 million units. BYD, the top-selling electric car manufacturer in China, sold 1.2556 million units in the first half of the year, achieving 41.85% of its annual target of 3 million units. Another emerging Chinese EV brand, Li Auto, also achieved a sales target rate of nearly 50% in 1H23.

Leading electric vehicle manufacturers globally, including Tesla from the United States and NIO and BYD from China, have successfully increased their sales through a series of price reduction strategies and aggressive expansion into international markets. While short-term price reductions might impact profit margins and stock prices, the long-term outlook is promising. As these manufacturers enhance their market share, potentially even achieving “super dominance” in the market rankings, the excess market share can contribute to their competitive advantage and long-term profitability, enabling them to tap into other revenue streams beyond high market share dividends.

The market forecast indicates that electric vehicle sales in 2023 could surge to 13.32 million units, representing a growth rate of over 30% compared to 2022. The driving forces behind this growth remain centered in the United States, China, and the European countries including Germany, the UK, and France. (Image credit: BYD)

(Source: https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20230829001265-260410?ctrack=pc_main_rtime_p03&chdtv)

According to sources familiar with the matter within Xiaomi, as cited by Chinese media outlet Jiemian News, the Xiaomi electric vehicle that has been spotted multiple times on the roads has finalized its battery supplier list. Both selected suppliers are Chinese companies. The primary battery supplier is set to be CALB, while the secondary supplier is the well-known CATL.

Reports indicate that Xiaomi initially planned to have CATL as the primary supplier, but there was a change of plan. This change could be attributed to the conclusion of patent disputes between CATL and CALB regarding lithium-ion batteries, cathode electrode sheets, and battery-related patents. The National Intellectual Property Administration invalidated the two aforementioned patents held by CATL, allowing CALB to re-enter the market with competitive pricing against CATL.

The report mentions that Xiaomi’s initial electric vehicle production volume is relatively low, which limits its bargaining power. The cost per battery pack starts at 80,000 RMB, accounting for approximately half of the overall cost. The proportion of supplies from the primary and secondary suppliers will reportedly be adjusted based on Xiaomi electric vehicle’s actual sales after its launch. The report also highlights the possibility of Xiaomi introducing additional battery suppliers like BYD through an open bidding process to lower battery costs and enhance bargaining capabilities in the future.

(Photo credit: Xiaomi FB)

At an online investor meeting, Foxconn Group’s Chairman Young Liu shared insights on the company’s current endeavors. He disclosed that the group is in discussions with over 10 clients on 20 electric vehicle (EV) collaboration projects. Out of these, two projects are already in production, and five more are likely to result in contracts. Additionally, Foxconn’s electric vehicle platform, Model C, is on track for mass production in Taiwan in the fourth quarter. Analyzing the information released during the meeting, TrendForce offers the following insights:

• Foxconn’s Electric Vehicle Platform Outsourcing Model Builds a Self-Sufficient Ecosystem

Electrified vehicle platform manufacturing enables various components to be categorized into several platform types based on vehicle segments, avoiding the chaotic scenario of each car having unique specifications. This modular approach enhances the utilization of interior space and promotes advancements in battery life and future advanced driving control designs. Consequently, various automakers are introducing new energy vehicle platforms.

However, initial investments in platform development can be burdensome for automakers. Moreover, integrating new EV technologies into platforms poses potential risks. Foxconn’s EV platform, by adopting an ‘outsourced’ manufacturing concept, reduces initial resource expenditures for automakers and accelerates market entry for EV models.

Foxconn also presents the concept of MIH, a membership-based industry cluster, which gathers around 2,400 suppliers spanning battery, motor, and control systems, building a comprehensive EV platform ecosystem.

• Correct Market Approach Yet Missing a Vital Catalyst

Foxconn, not opting for a fully proprietary brand, draws lessons from Taiwan’s automotive brand history. Building on years of contract manufacturing, the company ventures into the EV market, positioning itself ahead of the curve.

However, with the rapid global development of electric vehicles, the early advantages Foxconn established face challenges. The Volkswagen MEB platform successfully produced the Ford Explorer, hinting at potential collaborations through platform sharing. Audi is reportedly considering direct acquisition of a Chinese new energy vehicle platform. The common theme here is that traditional automakers seem inclined to collaborate with proven counterparts, showcasing the cautious approach toward platforms. At this stage, while Foxconn’s promising achievements might attract certain startups, their stability and market scale might not fully align with Foxconn’s EV market expectations.

Foxconn is well-prepared but awaits a catalyst. The company currently lacks the support of established automakers like GM, BMW, and Stellantis. If the projects mentioned during the investor meeting involve collaborations with such established players and secure manufacturing contracts, Foxconn’s model will foster a more diversified evolution in future EV platform collaborations.

(Photo credit: Foxconn)

According to the news from Mydrivers.com, BYD has reached a groundbreaking milestone, producing its 5 millionth new energy vehicle. The company asserts that China now possesses critical new energy vehicle technology and a robust industry chain.

BYD contends that a globally recognized brand stands as a vital hallmark of an automotive powerhouse. Throughout the annals of automotive industrial history, every automotive giant has harbored a world-renowned brand. For instance, the United States boasts General Motors, Ford, and Tesla; Germany takes pride in Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW; Japan and South Korea have cultivated their own globally esteemed brands. Presently, China lacks a universally acknowledged world-class automotive brand.

Yet, recent reports from Mydrivers.com highlight that China has already ascended to the status of a new energy vehicle juggernaut, wielding pivotal core technology and a comprehensive industrial framework, thereby freeing the automotive industry from constraints. Objectively, China possesses the foundation and capability to forge a world-class brand. Subjectively, the emotional desire to establish such a global automotive brand exists.

BYD also anticipates that by 2025, the penetration rate of new energy vehicles in the Chinese market will surpass 60%. In 2022, Chinese brands forayed into over 50% of the market for the first time, with projections indicating that within 3 years, their market share will escalate to 70%. In a recent development, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) indicates that in the first half of this year, China’s complete vehicle exports surged by 76.9% YoY, surpassing Japan and claiming the global lead for the first time.

(Source: https://news.mydrivers.com/1/928/928676.htm)