New MG3 Hybrid+ lands major award

New MG supermini wins at Auto Express New Car Awards Outstanding value impresses judges Four Highly Commended acknowledgements for MG Only a couple of months after arriving in UK showrooms, MG’s all-new hybrid supermini has secured its first major award from Auto Express. The MG3 Hybrid+ was crowned Affordable Hybrid of the Year in London last night. Auto Express Editor Paul Barker said:“The new MG3 Hybrid+ packs a huge amount of punch for such a compact footprint, whether we’re talking about efficiency, price, performance or ride and refinement. It’s incredibly good value when you look at what you get for the money and is one of the best and most recommendable cars we’ve driven all year.” The new MG3 Hybrid+ also secured a Highly Commended rating in the highly-competitive Supermini of the Year category. David Allison, Head of Product and Planning for MG Motor UK commented:“MG always strives to offer customers affordable cars, however it is equally pleasing to hear that the performance and efficiency of the advanced hybrid engine and the overall refinement of the MG3 impressed the Auto Express team. It is an excellent start for our all-new supermini.” The MG4 EV continues to impress both motoring experts and customers, there were two Highly Commended results for the hatchback in the Small Company Car of the Year and Affordable Electric Car Year awards. To date the MG4 has won over 30 major awards for the UK motoring press. The dramatic MG Cyberster, the world’s first two seat EV convertible to go into production and which will feature prominently at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, was also Highly Commended in the Convertible of the Year section. The Auto Express New Car Awards highlight the best in the business across 25 categories, as well as our overall Car of the Year. Auto Express prioritises the things that are important to car buyers, picking out the most impressive cars available over the entire automotive landscape, helping people choose the right car for them, whatever their budget or requirements. The SE and Trophy MG3 Hybrid+ models underline MG’s clear commitment to offering drivers exceptional value, with state-of-the-art hybrid technology available for a comparable price or less than many petrol superminis presently on sale in the UK. The MG Hybrid+ SE starts from £18,495 OTR with the even more generously equipped Trophy model available from £20,495 OTR. MG also offers a 7-year/80,000-mile warranty. About MGEstablished in 1924, MG Motor boasts a storied legacy that spans a century. Our roots are deeply anchored in our maiden venture, the MG 14/28 Super Sports car, a masterpiece crafted by the iconic Cecil Kimber. Steeped in innovation and fuelled by a commitment to the future, our focus has shifted electrifyingly towards envisioning sustainable and accessible mobility for all. Today, our values are reflected in the MG4 EV, an award-winning hatchback which underlines our commitment to delivering forward-thinking, technologically advanced and exhilarating electric vehicles. MG Motor’s dedication is simple yet profound: democratising mobility. Our diverse lineup, featuring petrol, electric, and hybrid vehicles, encompasses versatile hatchbacks, functional station wagons, and spacious SUVs, all brimming with cutting-edge technology. Every MG vehicle is a testament to world-class design and is reinforced by our generous 7-year/80,000-miles manufacturer’s warranty. Discover more about MG Motor, our range, and our expansive sales network by visiting our website at https://www.mg.co.uk/ For a detailed look into our vehicles, high-resolution imagery, and comprehensive specifications, please explore https://www.mg.co.uk/media-centre MG Press OfficeT: +44 (0)3301 756940E: pr@mg.co.ukwww.mg.co.uk

Citroen e-C3 scoops the big prize in 2024 Auto Express New Car Awards

Citroen’s all-new electric e-C3 has grabbed the top prize at the 2024 Auto Express New Car Awards as one of a hat-trick of trophies for the impressive new supermini. Acknowledged as one of the most prestigious customer-focused awards in the car industry, the annual Auto Express Awards recognise cars judged to offer the best all-round package for consumers, taking in everything from price and quality to running costs, driving appeal and practicality. “2024 was one of the most competitive years for the New Car Awards, which makes the fact that the new Citroen C3 scooped two category wins on the way to the overall win an even more outstanding achievement,” said Auto Express editor Paul Barker. “Citroen’s Advanced Comfort tech, applied to its suspension and the seats inside a spacious cabin, give the C3 plenty of appeal on its own. However it’s the prospect of a fully electric version, priced from less than £22,000, that cements its place at the top of a very impressive list of shortlisted cars.” The Auto Express New Car Awards highlight the ‘best in the business’ across 25 categories, as well as our overall, much-sought Car of the Year. Auto Express prioritises aspects that are important to car buyers, picking out the most impressive cars available over the entire automotive landscape, helping people choose the right car for them regardless of budgets and requirements. “It’s been a really tricky but enjoyable task to pick out the top cars in each of our 25 awards categories, guiding consumers towards the models that are the best places to put their own money,” continued Barker. “Plus we’ve also chosen two cars that are very worthy of Highly Commended status in each category to give buyers plenty of choice of great cars, whatever they are looking for.” Hyundai collected the most trophies with four across its i10, Kona, Tucson and Ioniq 5 N models, while the new Skoda Octavia, Superb Estate and Kodiaq also triumphed in their sectors. Ford enjoyed a clean sweep of the commercial vehicle categories, winning the Van of the Year Award for the Transit Courier, while the Ranger won Pick-Up of the Year and e-Transit Custom was awarded Electric Van of the Year. For an in-depth look at all the winners, head for www.autoexpress.co.uk/new-car-awards-2024 or contact Tim.Gearey@carwow.co.uk / 07712 557867 – More – Category Winner City Car of the Year Hyundai i10 Supermini of the Year Citroen C3 Family Car of the Year Skoda Octavia Estate Car of the Year Skoda Superb Small Company Car of the Year Hyundai Kona Mid-size Company Car of the Year Tesla Model 3 Large Company Car of the Year Kia EV9 Small SUV of the Year Dacia Duster Mid-size SUV of the Year Hyundai Tucson Large SUV of the Year Skoda Kodiaq Small Premium SUV of the Year MINI Countryman Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year Lexus NX Large Premium SUV of the Year Porsche Cayenne Luxury Car of the Year BMW 7 Series Hot Hatch of the Year Honda Civic Type R Coupé of the Year Maserati GranTurismo Convertible of the Year Mazda MX-5 Performance Car of the Year Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Affordable Electric Car of the Year Citroen e-C3 Premium Electric Car of the Year Porsche Taycan Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year MG3 Premium Hybrid Car of the Year BMW 530e Pick-up of the Year Ford Ranger Electric Van of the Year Ford e-Transit Custom Van of the Year Ford Transit Courier Car of the Year Citroen e-C3 About Auto ExpressAuto Express is the definitive source for automotive news and reviews. Since 1988 we have been the people’s advocate for all things automotive. Today, our journalists continue to go above and beyond, reviewing over 1,000 models every year. From world exclusives to expert insights, we help you save time and money while delivering great-value car content in the process! When we’re not putting the latest cars through their paces, we’re fighting for you and the UK’s other 33 million drivers. We campaign on motoring issues and champion fairer, more affordable driving policies. With almost 40 years of independent and honest car reviews, it’s no surprise that drivers always come to us for savvy answers!

Mazda MX-5 crowned ‘Convertible of the Year’ at the 2024 Auto Express New Car Awards

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 picks up ‘Convertible of the Year’ at Auto Express New Car Awards. With an unchanged engine line-up across Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura model grades. Updated features include a new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential for 2.0-litre models. The Mazda MX-5 has been named ‘Convertible of the Year’ in this year’s Auto Express New Car Awards. Celebrating 35 years since its debut at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show, the latest recognition for the 2024 model adds to the extensive global awards tally for Mazda’s iconic sports car. “The MX-5’s ability to bring you to the motoring world shows no signs of slowing down, with a revised 2024 model introducing more tech to the sharp-handling sports car,” said Auto Express Editor Paul Barker. Continuing, “at a time when cars grow ever-larger, the MX-5’s sense of fun means that it’s a refreshing breath of fresh air – whether the roof is up or down.” The eight-model range features four Roadster and four RF models with a choice of Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura trim grades. Prime-Line cars are powered by the 132ps 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine, while Exclusive-Line can be chosen with either the 1.5-litre or the 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine. The range-topping Homura is exclusively matched to the 184ps unit. Prices for the 2024 Mazda MX-5 range start at £28,015 for the 1.5-litre Prime-Line Roadster. As before 2.0-litre cars feature a front strut brace, limited slip differential and Bilstein dampers as standard. The 2024 MX-5 features a new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential – a cam mechanism has been added to the conical clutch, which is lightweight, compact and highly durable. The cam angle is set differently for the deceleration and acceleration side, thereby achieving optimal limiting force of slip during both actions. Strengthening the slip limiting force when the unloaded rear wheel is lightened during cornering enhances stability, moreover tuning the slip limiting force and optimising the set up for the MX-5’s engine, suspension and tyre characteristics ensures the purity of handling balance the MX-5 is famed for. In addition, the 2024 model features upgrades to the cabin of the MX-5, as inside there’s a new larger central 8.8-inch touch-screen multimedia display and an updated instrument panel. The larger central screen allows for clearer navigation mapping, while the more advanced MZ Connect system helps user functionality, additionally USB-C ports have been introduced. However, as you would expect, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 retains the same driver focused cabin and driving position, while the range-topping Homura grade now features Recaro seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara. For more than three decades and across four generations, the Mazda MX-5 has always been the benchmark pure lightweight sports car with driver engagement at the centre of its appeal. This Jinba Ittai philosophy – of driver and machine working in perfect harmony – is at the heart of every Mazda, none more so than the Mazda MX-5. The 2024 Mazda MX-5 continues to deliver pure open-top driving pleasure while retaining its core values of agility, lightweight and finely balanced handling. On Exclusive-Line and Homura models, the new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) track driving mode avoids intervention until a later parameter to deliver a more dynamic, yet secure, drive experience with first-time track drivers in mind. Continuing the MX-5’s fine-tuning, the response of the accelerator has been improved to deliver a more accurate throttle application, while the electric power steering has been adjusted and steering rack friction reduced to deliver an even more natural and fluid response. The aim was to further enhance the sense of oneness with the car and connection with the road. Since the first-generation Mazda MX-5 was revealed at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show over 1.2 million MX-5s have been produced at Mazda’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima. With over 135,000 of these being sold in the UK, the place the MX-5 holds in the hearts of UK sports car fans is clear. Commenting on the award recognition from Auto Express, Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director at Mazda Motors UK, said: “when it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2024 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy, so it’s great the latest model has been recognised by Auto Express in this year’s New Car Awards”. Adding, “The MX-5 is a sports car that has resonated with enthusiastic British drivers ever since its debut 35 years ago and remains true to the original principle of being an affordable, lightweight and above all fun-to-drive roadster, something that stands out even more in a marketplace where fewer and fewer true affordable driver’s cars are being launched”.

Ineos postpones electric off-road vehicle indefinitely

The carmaker told British Autocar that there are two reasons for the postponement of the Fusilier market launch: the hesitant acceptance of EVs among consumers and uncertainty in the industry regarding customs duties, timetables and taxes. Ineos Automotive presented the electrically powered off-road vehicle at the end of February. It was to launch two drive options – a fully electric one and with a petrol range-extender. Ineos Automotive did not yet provide performance data for the two drive options at the February launch. Details of the drive system and the timetable for the market launch were originally to be confirmed in autumn 2024. Now, things are different. “Charging infrastructure for EVs in most markets continues to grow and consumer confidence will match that, but for the industry to meet net-zero targets there needs to be long-term clarity from policy makers and a number of technology options available considering factors like raw materials, infrastructure and affordability,” the carmaker told Autocar. And then there is legislation, according to which the Ineos may not be able to sell its range-extended version in Europe or the UK after 2035. The Ineos Fusilier was to be developed in collaboration with automotive supplier Magna and later manufactured by the Austrians. The first two models, the Grenadier positioned above the Fusilier and the Quartermaster pickup, were already developed in collaboration with Magna – although these were still combustion engines. autocar.co.uk, bloomberg.com

CATL unveils electric CV batteries under new ‘Tianxing’ brand

CATL says the Tianxing batteries have energy storage capacities ranging from 30 to 200 kWh, making them suitable for a wide range of commercial vehicles across various industries. The company uses non-heat diffusion technology, double-layer large-surface liquid cooling, and aviation-grade insulation materials for maximum safety. Additionally, the batteries incorporate low-lithium consumption graphite in the anode material and utilise bionic self-healing SEI passivation film technology for a long life. CATL skips the module level in the Tianxing batteries and uses the advanced cell-to-pack (CTP) method, which allows for higher energy density, reduces weight, and saves costs. The company initially offers two such products in the domestic market – Tianxing L Superfast Charging Edition and Tianxing L Long Range Edition. Both electric CV batteries are for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and include an 8-year/800,000 km warranty. The Tianxing L Superfast Charging Edition battery is a 140 kWh unit with an energy density of 155 Wh/kg. It supports 4C charging, which theoretically means it takes only 15 minutes for a full charge. CATL added that this battery can replenish 60% of charging in just 12 minutes. The Tianxing L Long Range Edition battery is a 200 kWh unit but with a lower energy density of 200 Wh/kg. CATL says it is suitable for medium and long-distance transportation service providers and companies with high-frequency use scenarios that make charging stops inconvenient. They deliver a range of 500 km, allowing customers to transport goods from Hohhot to Beijing non-stop. CATL says that it is already mass-producing Tianxing L batteries and that these units are present in 21 models in the following 13 companies: Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles Dongfeng Light Vehicle SAIC Maxus SAIC Hongyan Foton Motor JAC Group Jiangling Motors Qingling Motors LiuGong Machinery Yutong Group Shaanxi Tongli DST Lingshi Auto weibo.com (product announcement in Chinese), weibo.com (list of companies in Chinese), 36kr.com (in Chinese), autonews.gasgoo.com

Big wins for TUCSON, KONA Electric, IONIQ 5 N and i10 as Hyundai dominates 2024 Auto Express New Car Awards

Prestigious Auto Express awards recognise strength of Hyundai line-up TUCSON leads a quartet of winners by being named Best Mid-Size SUV Hyundai’s EV expertise acknowledged as KONA Electric takes Best Small Company Car prize, and the IONIQ 5 N is hailed Best Performance Car i10 retains its crown as the Best City Car on sale in Britain Judges praise the superb variety and quality across Hyundai line-up Leatherhead, 3 July 2024 – The widespread appeal of Hyundai’s exciting range of cars has been demonstrated in emphatic fashion as four models picked up top prizes at the 2024 Auto Express New Car Awards. The awards were handed out at a ceremony held at Dartmouth House in London’s Mayfair, with the big-selling Hyundai TUCSON leading the way as Auto Express’s Best Mid-Size SUV. It was joined by the Hyundai i10 (Best City Car), while Hyundai’s leadership in electrification was underlined by awards for the Hyundai KONA Electric (Best Small Company Car) and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, which continued its amazing run of success by being crowned Best Performance Car. Auto Express is one of the UK’s leading car news and reviews titles both in print and online, and its New Car Awards are long established, having been launched in 1993. The awards are judged by an experienced team of road testers and seek to identify the best cars on the market across 25 sectors, focusing on the real-world requirements and priorities of buyers. This year’s award for the TUCSON was the fourth year in a row it has been acclaimed Best Mid-Sized SUV by Auto Express, following triumphs in 2021, 2022 and 2023, with its excellent all-round appeal proving popular with the judges. Starting prices for the TUCSON are from £32,000. Another winner from last year which repeated its success was the i10, which continues to attract buyers in the city car class thanks to its blend of smart styling, generous specification and sensible pricing. It is available from £16,030. The KONA Electric’s Best Small Company Car honour followed up its overall Auto Express Car of the Year award in 2023, with judges continuing to be impressed by its sharp design and affordability. It is priced from £34,995. The IONIQ 5 N’s accolade is the latest recognition for the groundbreaking EV, which was created to deliver maximum driving enjoyment by integrating the motorsport-bred technologies and expertise of Hyundai’s N division. Already it has been named 2024 World Performance Car in the World Car Awards, 2023 Car of the Year by TopGear.com and Best Performance Car of 2024 by Autocar. In May, it was also hailed as the world’s best electric performance car by CAR following a definitive seven-car test. The IONIQ 5 N can be ordered from £65,000. Paul Barker, Auto Express Editor, said: “With Hyundai, the variety impresses as much as the quality – to be top of the list in so many different areas of the market illustrates the breadth of ability across the company’s line-up. “The TUCSON offers an unbeatable combination of distinctive design, excellent space and tech and a great blend of powertrain options, while the i10 shows it is still possible to have a fun, affordable and well equipped small car. The KONA Electric blends space, style and low running costs to excellent effect, and the incredible IONIQ 5 N has set a new bar by some distance in terms of what is possible in the world of electric performance cars.” Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “Winning four major awards from a title as respected as Auto Express underlines yet again what a compelling line-up of cars Hyundai has to offer customers in the UK. In every area of the market, from affordable city cars to smart family SUVs and exhilarating electrified performance cars, Hyundai is setting new benchmarks and delivering exactly what buyers want with desirable, high-quality, attractively priced models.” For more information on all the cars in Hyundai UK’s award-winning range, visit www.hyundai.co.uk – End – About Hyundai Motor CompanyEstablished in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision ‘Progress for Humanity,’ Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions, while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero emission vehicles equipped with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies. More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com About Hyundai Motor Europe HQHyundai Motor Europe HQ was formally established in 2000 with its main office in Offenbach, Germany. It is the regional headquarters responsible for selling vehicles in 47 European countries through 2,279 sales outlets, holding a 4.2 per cent market share in the first three quarters of 2023. More than 70 per cent of the vehicles Hyundai sold in the region are models engineered, tested, and built in Europe to meet the needs of European customers, served by the company’s Czech and Turkish production plants. In the third quarter of 2023, around 16.1 per cent of Hyundai cars sold in Europe were zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles (BEVs and FCEVs), including respective World Car of the Year 2022 and 2023 winners IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. This makes Hyundai one of the leading manufacturers in terms of fleet share as well as total sales of zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles in Europe, as the company transitions to becoming a Smart Mobility Solutions Provider. More information about Hyundai Motor Europe HQ and its products is available at www.hyundai.news. Follow Hyundai Motor Europe HQ on Twitter @HyundaiEurope and Instagram @Hyundai.Europe About Hyundai Motor UKHyundai has sold vehicles in the UK since 1982 with its UK HQ based in Leatherhead, Surrey. As of February 2024, Hyundai has one of the…

Hyundai to halve slow charging time in future EVs

Hyundai says in its latest sustainability report that it is considering a 50% reduction in slow-charging time compared to current levels with the introduction of its next-generation dedicated EV platforms. The company is developing an ‘eM’ platform for passenger EVs and an ‘eS’ platform for Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs). In addition to faster slow-charging time, it aims to increase battery capacity by 40% and motor output by 28%. Hyundai uses its latest battery pack in the Ioniq 5 N, which has a 10.5 kW three-phase on-board charger. This battery pack is an 84 kWh lithium-ion unit featuring the company’s fourth-generation technology and fully charging it takes seven hours and 35 minutes. If Hyundai substantially reduces AC charging time, say, in the Ioniq 5 N’s case, to under four hours, customers may not need to keep their EVs charging overnight. For example, one could start charging their EV through an AC charger at their office when they arrive in the morning and have it fully charged well before the lunch break. Additionally, as customers would need to rely less frequently on DC chargers, they would significantly lower their charging cost and also extend the life of the battery pack, saving even more in the long run. On a mass level, reduced use of DC chargers can also lower the load on the power grid. Most automakers are focusing on increasing the DC charging input of their EVs, with Chinese companies like Zeekr and Li Auto having crossed figures well over 500 kW. However, improving AC charging may do the greater good for the charging ecosystem globally. Media reports suggest Hyundai will first use the eM platform in the Genesis GV90, a full-size three-row SUV. The upcoming flagship EV may debut Hyundai’s slow charging improvements as well. The South Korean automaker has confirmed that eM platform-based EVs will include novelty features like swivelling seats in the first and second rows, a pop-up display, and Level 3+ advanced driver assistance functions. Hyundai plans to offer eM platform-based EVs with cell-to-module battery packs featuring better energy density than the cell-to-module units of the models based on the Electronic Modular Platform (E-GMP). Moreover, the company will use LFP cells instead of NCM cells in certain lower-end cars to price them competitively. The eM platform will cover B to E model segments and offer a broader range compared to E-GMP. At its 2023 CEO Investor Day event, Hyundai said that it will launch four mainstream EVs and five Genesis EVs based on the new modular chassis between 2025 and 2030. The company also revealed that Kia will use the same platform for four EVs during that period. bloter.net (in Korean), hyundai.com (in Korean | page no. 25)

Tesla gets preliminary approval for expansion of Grünheide plant

Tesla wants to increase production capacity in Grünheide from 500,000 to one million vehicles per year by expanding its factory. These plans have been known for some time. According to the German news agency DPA, the Brandenburg State Office for the Environment has now given the green light for certain expansion work on the existing site, meaning Tesla can begin initial construction work ahead of schedule. The basic plans include the construction of another large hall and the optimisation of existing facilities. According to DPA, battery storage production will also be increased. Tesla’s first measures now include creating a logistics area for new cars (including underground pipes), constructing stairwells at the press shop, and installing solar panels on roofs. Tesla submitted the approved application for the expansion of its plant in Grünheide to the state of Brandenburg in March 2023. It was the first application for partial approval; others will follow. According to earlier reports, the expansion involves 70 hectares in the north of the site. While the current development plan still covered the clearing, Tesla had to reapply for the expansion of the factory itself. The planned hall must thus be eligible for approval under the Federal Emission Control Act. Tesla is carrying out the approved preliminary work at its own risk, as final approval is still pending. As mentioned, the production facilities will be built on the existing factory premises. According to earlier statements, Tesla has optimised planning and production processes so that the previously assumed and contractually agreed quantities of fresh water are also sufficient for the expansion. The company will achieve this by fully treating and reusing wastewater from production. In other words, the Texan company estimates that it can double its production capacity while using the same amount of water. The expansion plans are flourishing at a time when Tesla is still in the ramp-up phase of the first factory section. According to DPA, the latest status is that around 300,000 units have rolled off the production line in Grünheide in twelve months. The workforce currently comprises around 12,000 employees. Incidentally, the expansion plans should not be confused with an expansion announced in September 2022 for a new logistics centre, including a freight station. It will be built outside the existing site on a good 100 hectares of land in the east. The project is met with strong protests in Grünheide. dw.com, msn.com

BYD selects Ayvens as European sales partner

BYD and Ayvens have signed a deal to distribute electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles for European customers. Leasing expert Ayvens will provide a range of sales services on behalf of BYD – from customer consultations to operating leasing and charging services. In addition, Ayvens will provide leasing offers via the existing BYD dealer network. Ayvens will initially be active for BYD in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Other countries will be to follow. Ayvens also states that it and “BYD will actively explore more opportunities within retail, further developing white label operational lease cooperations, to nurture the transition to electric mobility within Europe.” Ayvens was created in 2023 when ALD Automotive, one of the world’s leading fleet management and mobility companies, acquired LeasePlan. Ayvens sees itself as a multi-brand and multi-channel vehicle leasing provider that primarily targets businesses, private customers, and SMEs. At the beginning of the year, Ayvens had already attracted attention with a major deal: The French company agreed to a framework agreement with Stellantis for the purchase of up to 500,000 vehicles by 2026. “BYD is clearly at the forefront in new energy vehicle development,” says Tim Albertsen, CEO of the Ayvens Group, about the agreement with BYD. “We are pleased to be joining forces with them to expand the availability of electric vehicles in Europe, as well as working together to further innovate around electric vehicles and battery technology.” According to Wang Chuanfu, BYD Chairman and President, the collaboration with Ayvens reflects a shared vision to accelerate the development of NEV markets in Europe. “Together we offer diverse, accessible and appealing products with pioneering innovation toincentivise the advancement of eco-friendly lease fleets.” cnevpost.com, ayvens.com

Porsche considers acquiring a stake in Varta battery subsidiary V4Drive

According to consistent media reports, Varta has officially announced that it is examining a possible majority investment in its subsidiary V4Drive, which was founded in 2022, with Porsche. Both parties have signed a non-binding letter of intent. According to Varta, V4Drive will initially be outsourced before Porsche buys in via a capital increase. However, the deal has not yet been finalised. The transaction is said to depend on various factors and Porsche first wants to take a close look at the balance sheets. Varta presented the first V4Drive cell suitable for electric cars in the 21700 format (2.1 cm diameter, 7 cm height) in 2021. In April of that year, the company initially presented it as the basis for a battery that would serve as a “booster” in premium and sports vehicles or as a storage unit for recuperation energy in hybrid vehicles. Just a few months later, Varta then announced “larger lithium-ion round cells” that would go beyond the 21700 format and would also be suitable as a stand-alone traction battery. Varta’s CEO at the time, Herbert Schein, was convinced “that our round cell formats represent excellent alternatives for the construction of battery electric vehicles in the performance sector due to their unique properties.” Varta wanted to push ahead with commercialisation quickly: Pilot production of V4Drive cells in the 21700 format was announced at the time for the end of 2021, with mass production scheduled to begin two years later at the end of 2023 – and production capacity of at least 2 GWh. According to a statement from Schein at the time, customer demand would determine the extent to which the company would subsequently enter into the production of V4Drive cells. Interestingly, an order from Porsche from June 2021 had already been placed at the time. The Zuffenhausen-based company has therefore been interested for a long time. However, Varta put its plans in the automotive sector on hold at the end of 2022. The new factory construction for the V4Drive battery was only to be continued after binding customer commitments, it was said at the time. There was therefore apparently a lack of interested parties for the performance cells. However, the operation of the pilot plant continued as planned. In August 2023, rumours again flared up that Varta was continuing to work on the series production of battery cells for electric cars. This was indicated by a purchase agreement for anode copper foil with a Korean supplier. Meanwhile, Porsche has long indicated that it wants to produce its own battery cells. Around three years ago, Porsche founded a battery subsidiary called Cellforce – initially with Customcells as a partner, but Porsche has since taken over completely. Cellforce is currently building a pilot plant near Reutlingen with a production capacity of up to 1.3 gigawatt-hours. In addition to the factory currently under construction near Reutlingen, the company is looking into a potential expansion to over 20 gigawatt-hours at a second site in 2023. A few weeks ago, however, Tagesspiegel Background reported that Porsche could not currently bring itself to build a large battery cell factory. Porsche had confirmed plans for such a battery factory as recently as mid-2023, when North America was initially considered the favourite. However, Porsche was later rumoured to be interested in an area in Brandenburg, specifically a site on the grounds of the Schwarzheide/Schipkau airfield in the district of Oberspreewald-Lausitz. According to Automobilwoche, investments of two to three billion euros would be required for 20 gigawatt-hours. Porsche apparently does not want to manage this alone but is looking for partners. The sports car manufacturer also wants to work together with Volkswagen’s battery sister company PowerCo. automobilwoche.de, wiwo.de (both in German)