Weekly update

Skoda, BYD, Heybike, Polestar, Tesla and more

Post from January 24, 2025

Post from January 24, 2025

04/2025
Topics at a glance

IAA MOBILITY 2025 unveils Its Key Visual , Škoda Begins Series Production of the Elroq, a study exploring the potential of solid-state battery production in Europe, Ehang completing a successful test flight in Shanghai, Korean researchers developing a three-layer solid-state electrolyte, BYD unveiling updated Han L and Tang L models, Heybike introducing compact city e-bikes with a 110-km range, Euro NCAP naming the safest vehicles of 2024, and Polestar 3 and Tesla Model 3 impressing in a winter range test.

IAA MOBILITY 2025 unveils Its Key Visual , Škoda Begins Series Production of the Elroq, a study exploring the potential of solid-state battery production in Europe, Ehang completing a successful test flight in Shanghai, Korean researchers developing a three-layer solid-state electrolyte, BYD unveiling updated Han L and Tang L models, Heybike introducing compact city e-bikes with a 110-km range, Euro NCAP naming the safest vehicles of 2024, and Polestar 3 and Tesla Model 3 impressing in a winter range test.

04/2025
Topics at a glance

In September 2025, IAA MOBILITY will once again set global trends in Munich. The event has now unveiled its new key visual, emphasizing the theme “It’s All About MOBILITY.” Celebrating the diversity of the mobility sector, the visual highlights the collaborative efforts needed to shape the mobility of tomorrow. It reflects constant progress, innovation, and connectivity, inspiring curiosity about the future.

Mobility plays a central role in connecting people, ideas, and places, creating a smarter world – whether by car, public transport, or bicycle. The key visual places the automobile at the center, symbolizing IAA’s heritage and the significant presence of automotive exhibitors. Adjacent themes include cycling and micromobility, flanked by tech and public transportation to underline IAA MOBILITY’s forward-thinking, connected, and diverse approach.

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(c) Skoda

Škoda has started mass production of its second fully electric model, the Elroq, at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Built on the same line as the Enyaq and the conventional Octavia, production changes include moving part of the Octavia line to Kvasiny allowing up to 600 Elroq units daily. With over 20,000 orders placed by the end of 2024, the compact SUV will be offered in four versions: Elroq 50 with a 52 kWh battery and 125 kW motor, Elroq 60 with a 59 kWh net/63 kWh gross battery and 150 kW rear motor, Elroq 85 with a 77 kWh battery and available with a 210 kW motor (rear-wheel drive) or 220 kW (all-wheel drive).The top variants will reach speeds of 180 km/h, while the Elroq 50 and 60 will cap at 160 km/h.

(c) Lamda Technologies

RWTH Aachen University’s PEM chair and industry partners released a study on the future production of solid-state batteries in Europe. Analyzing global activities, the study identifies key opportunities for European manufacturing, predicting that solid-state batteries could account for up to 1,200 GWh of global capacity by 2035, representing a market potential of €550 billion.

While Europe and the US focus on polymer and hybrid electrolytes, Asian manufacturers, particularly in China, are advancing sulfide-based systems. The study outlines challenges, including the lack of methods to create thin, dense solid-state electrolyte layers and optimize ceramic-based production processes.

(c) Ehang

Chinese company Ehang showcased its EH216-S autonomous air taxi in a demonstration flight over downtown Shanghai. Departing from Longhua Airport, the flight demonstrated the aircraft’s potential for urban applications. In collaboration with Shanghai Hynfar Aviation, trial sightseeing flights along the Huangpu River are also underway. By 2027, Shanghai aims to establish over 100 low-altitude service applications, including logistics, emergency response, and passenger transport.

(c) DGIST

Scientists at Korea’s DGIST have developed a lithium-metal battery featuring an innovative three-layer solid polymer electrolyte. The design combines a sturdy middle layer for mechanical strength with softer outer layers to improve electrode contact. After 1,000 charge cycles, the battery retained 87.9% of its capacity, demonstrating significant potential for extended lifespans in devices like smartphones, EVs, and stationary storage systems.

(c) BYD

BYD has introduced revamped versions of its flagship Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. Available as both battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, the BEV versions boast up to 810 kW of power, with all-wheel drive variants accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.7 seconds. The models feature slightly larger dimensions and refined designs, with pricing and further technical details expected in March.

(c) Heybike

Heybike has expanded its lineup with the EC Compact City and EC Compact Sport models. Designed for urban use, these 20-inch-wheel e-bikes feature a 468-Wh battery, hydraulic Tektro brakes, and a compact TFT display. The City version includes a front motor and automatic 3-speed hub gear, while the Sport model offers a rear motor and chain drive.

(c) Mercedes Benz

Euro NCAP has revealed the safest vehicles of 2024 in various categories. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved the highest overall score, while the electric Zeekr X from China topped the small SUV category and was named the safest EV of the year. The Mazda CX-80 led the large SUV class, with the Volkswagen Passat and Škoda Superb tying as the top family cars.

(c) Polestar

During the annual winter range test conducted by Norway’s NAF (Norges Automobil-Forbund) and Motor magazine, the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor Performance and Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD stood out with 531 kilometers of range in winter conditions. Close behind were the Porsche Taycan and Kia EV3 Long Range, both achieving 399 kilometers.

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