Electric Vehicles

Xiaomi enthusiasts await CEO Lei Jun’s annual address; however, the timing is uncertain. Redmi’s Wang Teng suggests Lei needs a break after a busy June. Lei’s annual speeches since 2020 have been highly anticipated, with last year’s focusing on the challenges of Xiaomi’s entry into the electric vehicle market. He attributed the success of the Xiaomi SU7 to collective courage.

A potential ban on gasoline-powered vehicles for ride-hailing in Beijing, allegedly effective July 20th, has sparked significant reactions. News of the policy, attributed to the China Urban Public Transportation Association, caused EV drivers to rejoice while gasoline car drivers expressed concerns over vehicle depreciation and loans. The used car market reportedly saw a drop in prices for gasoline-powered ride-hailing vehicles.

China’s Ministry of Finance has revised consumption tax regulations for luxury vehicles priced at 900,000 yuan (approximately $125,000 USD) or higher, impacting both traditional and electric vehicles. The new rules take effect on July 20th, 2025, prompting a surge in demand for high-end cars, particularly brands like Porsche. Dealerships report tight inventory and a buying frenzy as consumers rush to purchase vehicles before the tax hike, potentially saving thousands of yuan.

Battery X Metals’ subsidiary, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies, enters a Commercial Revenue Share Agreement with a Vancouver auto service center specializing in Tesla vehicles. This agreement marks the first commercial deployment of their Prototype 2.0 lithium-ion battery rebalancing machine. Battery X will receive 20% of gross service revenue per rebalancing procedure. Trials saw Prototype 2.0 restore an electric truck’s driving range from 40km to 295km, a 637.5% improvement. This collaboration generates early revenue with no direct operating expenses and validates the platform’s commercial potential.

A Weibo hashtag “HarmonyOS Grand Hotel” is trending in China, spotlighting unique perks for Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) EV owners. Users are sharing photos of elaborate meals offered at HIMA authorized user centers. HIMA’s Weibo account encouraged car owners to “come home for a meal,” showcasing culinary offerings. These centers provide free charging, car washes, maintenance, and complimentary dining, enhancing the ownership experience. This strategy aims to build brand loyalty in China’s competitive EV market by transforming traditional service centers into comprehensive hubs.

CATL executive Shi Wei advocated for battery-swap capable EVs as second cars at the China Automotive Forum. He compared current battery ownership, which degrades irreplaceably with the car, to a marriage. Wei highlighted swapping’s ease, especially for groups like female drivers who avoid the physical hassle of charging. Swapping stations replace depleted batteries in minutes without manual handling. This enhances convenience for all secondary EV buyers, as CATL pushes adoption to alleviate range anxiety and reshape the market. CATL Service is the subsidiary driving these technology solutions. (94 words)

Economist Li Daokui advocated for government subsidies to help automakers like Xiaomi Auto expand production capacity, addressing demand-supply gaps in the EV market. He proposed RMB 100 million per production line for companies exiting, matched by firms like Xiaomi, to facilitate asset exchange. Li also suggested increasing national debt issuance to 40-50% of GDP to replace local government debt, enabling better public service provision.

A recent traffic ban on non-standard three and four-wheeled vehicles, known as “lao tou le,” in Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, has sparked online debate. While praised for safety improvements due to the vehicles’ lack of safety features and potential for violations, experts highlight a challenge: ensuring continued mobility for the elderly who rely on them for daily life. The effectiveness of alternatives for seniors remains a key concern following the policy implementation.

The automotive industry faces unsustainable pressures, according to CNBC AI News. Experts highlight the impossible equation manufacturers face: meeting consumer demands for feature-rich vehicles at low prices. This conflict, exacerbated by consumer expectations and competitive pricing, risks long-term profitability and vehicle value. The People’s Daily cautions against prioritizing price over all else, as extreme cost-cutting harms both manufacturers and consumers through compromised after-sales support and rapid depreciation.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun wished fathers a happy Father’s Day on Weibo, also sharing his personal fitness progress. The post highlighted his 54th gym workout of the year, part of his goal to reach 100 sessions in 2025. This follows a 40-day break prompted by challenges, including an incident involving the Xiaomi SU7 vehicle and a demanding period for the company.