Electric Vehicle

Xpeng Motors announced Xu Yizhen, a popular short drama actress, as a new owner of the Xpeng G7, a mid-size SUV launched in July. A promotional video features Xu testing the G7’s features, including its air conditioning, which the company claims outperforms Tesla’s in cooling speed and ventilation. CEO He Xiaopeng personally delivered the car, emphasizing the spacious interior and large cargo area. The partnership highlights Xpeng’s marketing strategy and the growing influence of short-form video in China.

Faraday Future (FFAI) celebrated its 4th public listing anniversary with a business update from Founder YT Jia, highlighting over 10,000 paid pre-orders for the FX Super One MPV. Jia emphasized the Super One’s innovative features, including its “First Class EAI-MPV” category, AI capabilities, and focus on safety and luxury. The company showcased the FX Super One and FF 91 on Capitol Hill, advocating for American manufacturing and innovation. Faraday Future is also exploring Web3 applications and will present the FX Super One at Pebble Beach.

A recent incident in China highlights safety concerns surrounding low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs). A parked EV, not recently charged, spontaneously combusted inside a home, resulting in its complete destruction. Online commentators identified the vehicle as a potentially substandard “Old Man’s Joy,” a type of LSEV known for lacking proper manufacturing standards and safety features. The incident underscores the need for stricter regulations in China’s rapidly expanding EV market to protect consumers from unsafe products.

A user publicly apologized to NIO after initially taunting their legal department over derogatory online comments. After being threatened with a lawsuit, the user claimed health issues and financial hardship, pleading for leniency and offering to remove the offensive content. He cited sleepless nights, exacerbated tinnitus, and weight loss due to the stress of the lawsuit and inability to afford cross-provincial litigation. He implored NIO to reduce the 1 million RMB claim, citing humanitarian considerations.

A leaked image suggests Xiaomi is developing a mid-to-large size SUV with a range extender powertrain, potentially launching as early as 2026. The heavily camouflaged prototype, spotted alongside a Xiaomi SU7, showcases a more robust design. This move expands Xiaomi’s product line beyond the current all-electric SU7 and YU7 series, aiming to attract consumers seeking extended driving range. Xiaomi Auto has delivered over 300,000 units, with nearly 170,000 in 2025, and targets 350,000 annually. The SUV introduction could solidify Xiaomi’s position in the EV market.

Videos circulating online show BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu visiting the Xiaomi Auto factory, accompanied by Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun. Lei acted as Wang’s “tour guide,” hinting at closer ties between the tech and auto giants. The presence of Shunwei Capital’s Hu Zhengnan further emphasizes the visit’s strategic nature. BYD already supplies batteries for Xiaomi’s SU7, and Wang has publicly supported Xiaomi’s EV venture. This visit may indicate an expansion of their partnership or new alliances in the EV market.

A fake movie poster for “Pegasus 3” featuring Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun and the SU7 went viral, fueling speculation about his acting debut. The poster used an image from Lei Jun’s drifting practice while learning to drive the SU7. Xiaomi’s PR General Manager Wang Hua confirmed the poster was inauthentic. Lei Jun’s drifting skills, showcased in a video, are part of his commitment to understanding the automotive industry. He aims to be a top CEO driver.

Faraday Future (FF) has secured $105 million in funding to boost production of its upcoming FX Super One model and advance its AI technology roadmap. The package includes $82 million in new unsecured convertible notes and warrants. Existing investors, including Master Investment Group, and new institutions participated. Terms are more favorable compared to previous rounds. FF’s CEO Jerry Wang stated the financing will enhance the company’s ability to deliver the FX Super One and establish FF as a leader in intelligent electric mobility.

California American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the San Marino Fire Department for Southern California’s first all-electric emergency response vehicle, enabling multi-agency coordination across 23 municipalities. This EV mobile command center, supported by the LAFD Foundation, aligns with California’s 2035 zero-emission mandate and enhances climate-resilient disaster preparedness. The initiative reinforces partnerships between water utilities and emergency services, with the Foundation’s “Keep Communities Flowing” program investing over $20 million since 2012 in water security and infrastructure resilience nationwide.

Xiaomi founder Lei Jun promotes the new YU7 EV, highlighting its impressive range and performance. The YU7 Standard Edition achieved the top spot in the EasyCar Endurance Test for SUV models, with a 784km real-world range. A 24-hour endurance test saw the YU7 Max cover 3,944km, showcasing its power, charging, and durability. This aggressive marketing approach signals Xiaomi’s ambition in the EV market.