Electric Vehicles

Bollinger Innovations (BINI) announced a $7,500 price cut on Mullen ONE and THREE commercial EVs. Combined with federal incentives, customers can save up to $15,000 before Sept 30, 2025. The Mullen ONE is now $27,000 and the THREE is $61,000. Formerly Mullen Automotive, the company rebranded to Bollinger Innovations and will transition these vehicles to the Bollinger Motors brand in 2026. They also plan to launch a Class 5 truck in 2027.

A recent Chinese autonomous driving assist system test by Dongchedi, involving 36 vehicles, has sparked controversy and conspiracy theories. The test revealed limitations, even in Tesla’s systems, and polarized reactions. Some criticize the methodology, while others allege bias, suggesting a foreign-backed plot to undermine Chinese automakers and delay Level 3 standards. Skeptics dismiss these claims, viewing the test as highlighting real-world limitations. More balanced views see the controversy as a necessary step towards accurately representing autonomous driving capabilities and avoiding public misinformation.

Weibo is cracking down on online “malicious attacks” and misinformation targeting entrepreneurs and EV brands. Several users, including @不严肃的克拉拉, @猪倌玩电车不养猪, and @Remi雷米侃电车, have been suspended for violating platform guidelines, such as product disparagement and personal attacks. Weibo aims to promote objective reviews and industry analysis, warning against defamatory tactics, citing similar action against blogger @Blood旌旗 for attacking companies and energy policies.

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.