Weekly update

Volkswagen, BMW, Tesla, Maxus, BYD,Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and more

Post from January 17, 2025

Post from January 17, 2025

03/2025
Topics at a glance

The U.S. announces a ban on connected vehicles and connectivity components from China and Russia, Volkswagen consolidates charging and fueling services into a new unit and sets an efficiency record with the ID.7 Pro S, BMW launches a battery recycling project in Europe and strengthens its circular economy efforts for high-voltage batteries, Tesla unveils the updated Model Y "Juniper," Maxus begins deliveries of the eDeliver 5, BYD introduces the compact city SUV Atto 2 to the European market, Mercedes-Benz integrates Google-powered AI navigation, Mazda brings the electric sedan EZ-6 to Europe, Zeekr starts mass production of its robotaxi for Waymo, Aptera reveals its production-ready solar-powered trike, Elaphe presents a new in-wheel motor for front axles, Segway enters the e-bike market, Yadea launches an e-scooter with sodium-ion batteries, Microlino debuts the Spider Concept, and Vulcan Energy produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate for the first time — these are our top news stories from Week 3 of 2025.

The U.S. announces a ban on connected vehicles and connectivity components from China and Russia, Volkswagen consolidates charging and fueling services into a new unit and sets an efficiency record with the ID.7 Pro S, BMW launches a battery recycling project in Europe and strengthens its circular economy efforts for high-voltage batteries, Tesla unveils the updated Model Y "Juniper," Maxus begins deliveries of the eDeliver 5, BYD introduces the compact city SUV Atto 2 to the European market, Mercedes-Benz integrates Google-powered AI navigation, Mazda brings the electric sedan EZ-6 to Europe, Zeekr starts mass production of its robotaxi for Waymo, Aptera reveals its production-ready solar-powered trike, Elaphe presents a new in-wheel motor for front axles, Segway enters the e-bike market, Yadea launches an e-scooter with sodium-ion batteries, Microlino debuts the Spider Concept, and Vulcan Energy produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate for the first time — these are our top news stories from Week 3 of 2025.

03/2025
Topics at a glance
Illustration of a vehicle with connected technologies
(c) AdobeStock

The current U.S. administration has proposed a ban, effective as early as model year 2027 for software and 2030 for hardware, on the import and sale of connected vehicles and related components from China and Russia. The goal is to mitigate potential national security risks posed by foreign technology in connected cars. The regulation will focus on electronic systems, driver assistance features, and communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and satellite connectivity, aiming to safeguard automotive supply chains against cyber threats.

Logo von Elli
(c) Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen has announced the merger of its fuel card subsidiary Logpay with the charging card operations of its Elli division, forming a new entity called Elli Mobility, set to launch on March 1.
Additionally, Volkswagen’s ID.7 Pro S achieved a remarkable efficiency record at the Nardò track in southern Italy, covering 941 km (585 miles) on a single 86 kWh battery charge — surpassing its official range of 709 km by 232 km. The car consumed only 9.2 kWh per 100 km, showcasing exceptional efficiency.

 A BMW technician in a battery recycling facility.
(c) BMW Group

The BMW Group has partnered with SK tes to establish a closed-loop recycling system for high-voltage batteries in Europe. The process will recover cobalt, nickel, and lithium from used batteries for reuse in new battery production. Starting in 2026, the program will expand to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, focusing on dismantling, sorting, and hydrometallurgical processes to extract premium-grade materials.

The Tesla Model Y "Juniper" with updated design.
(c) Tesla

Tesla has introduced the updated Model Y, codenamed "Juniper." Enhancements include a quieter cabin, ambient lighting, a second rear-seat display, and ventilated seats. While detailed specs are limited, Tesla claims improved efficiency and performance. The long-range AWD model offers a 719 km range under the CLTC standard. Production began at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Grünheide, Germany, on January 14, and the vehicle is already available for pre-order in parts of Asia.

 The BYD Atto 2 SUV displayed at a car show.
(c) BYD

BYD has announced the European launch of its compact electric SUV, the Atto 2, bridging the gap between its Dolphin and Atto 3 models. The Atto 2 features BYD's e-Platform 3.0 and offers a range of up to 312 km (WLTP) with its 45.1 kWh battery. A longer-range version is planned for later in 2025, with its European debut set for February.

 A Mercedes-Benz dashboard showing Google navigation.
(c) Mercedes Benz Group

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Google to introduce AI-powered navigation to their vehicles. The system, accessible through the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, integrates advanced Google Maps features, including real-time traffic updates and detailed POI information. Mercedes-Benz is among the first automakers to use Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent, which provides up-to-date data on 250 million locations worldwide.

The Mazda EZ-6 electric sedan driving on a European city street.
(c) Mazda

Mazda is launching its electric sedan, the EZ-6 (renamed Mazda6e), in Europe. Developed in collaboration with their Chinese partner Changan, the vehicle offers two configurations: a 190 kW (258 hp) version with a 68.8 kWh battery for a 479 km range and a 180 kW (245 hp) version with an 80 kWh battery for a 552 km range. The launch is slated for this summer.

The Zeekr robotaxi, developed for Waymo, showcased in a production facility.
(c) Waymo

Chinese automaker Zeekr is gearing up for mass production of the Zeekr RT, a customized version of its Mix minivan developed for Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service. The vehicle will feature Waymo Driver's sixth-generation technology and is expected to begin testing without safety drivers in 2024.

The Aptera solar-powered three-wheeler parked outdoors, highlighting its aerodynamic design.
(c) Aptera Motors

California-based Aptera Motors has showcased its solar electric vehicle (sEV), capable of a 400-mile (643 km) range. Solar panels integrated into the hood, roof, dashboard, and tailgate can provide up to 40 miles of daily charging, making the car capable of over 10,000 miles annually using solar power alone in sunny regions.

Close-up of Elaphe's new in-wheel motor installed in a vehicle's front wheel assembly.
(c) Elaphe

Slovenian firm Elaphe has launched the Sonic.1, a new in-wheel motor designed for front axles of premium cars and supercars with 21-inch rims. Delivering 200 kW per wheel (peaking at 255 kW), the motor enhances acceleration, braking, and handling by up to 15% compared to conventional systems.

A Segway-branded e-bike displayed in a showroom setting.
(c) Segway

Segway has debuted its Xyber and Xafari e-bikes. The Xyber features a 6,000 W motor and a 175 Nm torque for rapid acceleration, achieving a top speed of 32 km/h in just 2.7 seconds. Equipped with two batteries, it offers a range of up to 180 km. Both models include features like a TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless AirLock systems.

The Yadea e-scooter equipped with sodium-ion batteries, shown in an urban environment.
(c) Yadea

Chinese manufacturer Yadea has introduced an e-scooter equipped with sodium-ion batteries, offering rapid charging to 80% in just 15 minutes and excellent performance in low temperatures, making it ideal for colder regions.

The Microlino Spider Concept, a compact electric vehicle, displayed at an auto show.
(c) Microlino

Swiss company Micro Mobility Systems unveiled the Microlino Spider Concept at Brussels Auto Show. This open-air EV, dubbed an "anti-pickup truck," lacks a roof and tailgate, targeting U.S. residential areas and European leisure spots as a stylish alternative to golf carts.

 Laboratory equipment used by Vulcan Energy to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate.
(c) Vulcan Energy

Vulcan Energy has successfully produced battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) at its Frankfurt facility. Using lithium chloride extracted from geothermal brine in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, the process is entirely fossil fuel-free, yielding a minimal carbon footprint. Vulcan plans to produce 24,000 tons of LHM annually in its first project phase, enough for 500,000 EV batteries.

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