VW and XPeng agree China EV charging network

: Battery materials
25/01/08

German carmaker Volkswagen has signed an initial agreement with major Chinese electric vehicle (EV) producer XPeng to jointly build the largest super-fast EV charging network in China, Xpeng announced on 5 January.

The network will include over 20,000 charging piles operated by both parties across 420 cities in China, and will be accessible to both XPeng and Volkswagen customers. The collaboration will likely extend to develop co-branded super-fast charging stations across China in the future, XPeng said.

The initial agreement continues the growing partnership between Volkswagen and XPeng. Volkswagen invested $700mn in XPeng in July 2023, taking a 4.99pc stake in the firm. And the two companies plan to develop battery EVs under the Volkswagen brand, for sale in China.

By Ellanee Kruck

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25/06/17

S Korean eco-friendly car sales top 50pc market share

Singapore, 17 June (Argus) — South Korea's domestic sales of eco-friendly vehicles exceeded 50pc market share for the first time in May, said the country's trade and industry ministry (Motie), while automotive output and exports fell on the year. Eco-friendly vehicles in South Korea refer to hybrids, battery EVs (BEVs), plug-in hybrids and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles. Domestic sales of eco-friendly vehicles reached around 73,500 units in May, up by 39pc against a year earlier and by 5.6pc on the month, overtaking internal combustion engine vehicle domestic sales. This was driven by exceptionally strong BEV and hybrid EV domestic sales, which hit around 21,400 units and 50,600 units respectively, up by 60pc and 31pc on the year. The country's total domestic car sales were marginally up by 0.4pc on the year at around 141,900 units. The country's auto output fell by 3.7pc on the year and 6.9pc on the month to near 359,000 units in May, according to Motie. Exports similarly fell by 3.1pc on the year but were marginally up by 0.2pc on the month at about 247,600 units in May, weighed down by lower automobile exports to the US, which dipped by about 27pc owing to impacts from tariffs. But exports in terms of value to EU countries and Asia rose by 29pc and 45pc on the year to $837mn and $683mn respectively. Eco-friendly vehicle exports rose by 10pc on the year to around 75,200 units, driven by higher hybrid EV exports. Hybrid EV exports rose by 25pc to around 48,800 units in May, while BEV exports dipped by 12pc to near 21,100 units. The South Korean government unveiled in April wide-ranging emergency measures to support its automobile industry in the wake of the US' sweeping tariffs. By Joseph Ho South Korea's domestic car sales in 2025 (units) South Korea's car exports in 2025 (units) Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Brazil BEV sales hit record high in May

25/06/12

Brazil BEV sales hit record high in May

Sao Paulo, 12 June (Argus) — Brazilian battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached an all-time monthly high of 6,969 units in May because of improving charging infrastructure and greater consumer familiarity with the vehicles, according to the Brazilian EV association ABVE. After four months of below-average BEV sales in Brazil — driven by record-high consumer demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) — sales of fully electric models rebounded in May, rising by 35pc from a year earlier. Sequentially, BEV sales surged 48.2pc from April's 4,702 units, ABVE data showed. In May, fully electric vehicle sales grew in all but two states compared with April. The Northeastern region, characterized by less-developed charging infrastructure outside major urban centers, saw the highest monthly growth. Sales rose by 59pc to 1,665 units in May from the prior month, according to data from ABVE. Chinese automaker BYD further increased its dominance in the Brazilian EV market, accounting for 5,596 units sold, more than 80pc of all BEV sales in May. Volvo and fellow Chinese producer Great Wall Motors (GWM) closed out the top three at 514 and 181 units, respectively. BYD does not see this spike as a seasonal or isolated phenomenon, but as a new reality in the Brazilian auto market, which is getting used to EVs, according to the company's senior VP in Brazil, Alexandre Baldy. "We are increasingly growing our dealership network in Brazil at 180 stores," Baldy told Argus on Thursday. "We'll reach 272 stores by the end of the year, solidifying our presence in all regions of the country." Between April and May, BYD opened 15 new dealerships, focusing on more remote regions such as the Midwest and Northeast. ABVE cited, in a release, the scaling of new brands and models, along with improving charging infrastructure, as reasons for the high demand for rechargeable vehicles, such as BEVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Rechargeable vehicles make up 87pc of all EVs in Brazil, according to ABVE. May was the first full month for two Chinese carmakers that recently debuted in Brazil: Omoda and Jaecoo, both subsidiaries of the Chery Auto Group, which has been in the country since 2009. The brands share dealerships, with Omoda marketing BEVs and Jaecoo aiming for the PHEV market. They sold a combined 398 units, according to Fenabrave, a private body that represents car dealerships in Brazil. Hybrid vehicle sales keep growing HEV sales continued to grow at a strong pace in May, rising by 81pc to 15,160 units over the year. Sequentially, HEV demand nudged up 1.5pc from April's 14,927 units. Brazilian consumers tend to prefer hybrids — plug-in or not — because of the lack of charging infrastructure outside of major urban centers, although PHEVs are the preferred choice because of their flexibility to alternate between a fully electric driving experience and a regular, gas-powered one. May's PHEV sales rose by 95.2pc over the year but fell 4.2pc sequentially from April because of the shift in demand towards BEVs. Total EV sales in Brazil — encompassing BEVs and HEVs — hit 22,101 units in May, a 63.3pc increase over the year and up by 12.7pc from April. EVs make up 13.2pc of Brazil's total car market. HEVs: Fiat tops BYD as best-selling brand In May, Fiat overtook BYD as the best-selling HEV brand in Brazil, marking the first time since July 2024 that the Chinese automaker has lost the top spot in the market. Fiat, which debuted in the HEV market in November 2024, quickly took advantage of its status as a traditional, well-known brand among Brazilian consumers to become a leader in the segment. It sold 4,299 hybrid units in May, besting BYD's 3,702, according to data from Fenabrave. HEV sales for the Italian automaker rose by 9pc in May from the previous month, pushing its market share to 28.3pc. BYD, meanwhile, saw its HEV sales drop by over 1,000 units in May from the prior month, as demand shifted towards its fully electric models, which posted record sales. Despite the monthly decline, BYD's HEV sales were up 137pc on the year. The company held a 24.4pc market share in May — down 7.3 percentage points from 31.7pc in April. Fiat — a Stellantis subsidiary — markets two models of mild-hybrids (MHEVs), a regular internal combustion vehicle with a small 12V or 48V non-plug-in battery that assists the gas-powered engine and improves fuel efficiency. Despite the battery not powering the wheels, MHEVs are eligible for environmental tax exemptions and other governmental benefits just like more traditional EVs. By Pedro Consoli Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Q&A: Used vehicle demand in an electrified world

25/06/11

Q&A: Used vehicle demand in an electrified world

London, 11 June (Argus) — Widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption is raising new questions about battery lifespan, resale value and smart charging habits. Argus spoke with Peter McDonald, director at UK charging technology firm Ohme, to discuss how home charging and battery health standards could shape EV demand. The role of Standardising State of Health (SOH) certification is often discussed as key to building trust in the used EV market. How will this impact European OEMs? Battery State of Health helps address information asymmetry in the used EV market. New BEVs typically come with generous warranties, giving first owners confidence. However, in mature markets, most vehicles are financed, with future value influencing lease rates and purchase prices. Since the battery is a major cost component, confidence in its long-term durability significantly affects a vehicle's lifecycle value. Buyers increasingly want not only a snapshot of battery health but also a forecast of its future condition. This is especially critical in markets like Europe, where consumer finance is tightly linked to vehicle purchases. As a result, battery durability may impact a vehicle's future value more than performance specs. OEMs are incentivised to encourage optimal charging habits to extend battery life. Batteries with high residual or scrap value may help offset concerns around SOH and depreciation. Ultimately, transparency in battery health and projected performance is becoming essential to maintaining confidence and value in the growing used EV market. What does a shift toward home charging mean for how and when batteries degrade and, by extension, demand for replacement cells or recycling? Discussions with OEMs suggest AC (slow) charging is better for battery health than DC (fast) charging. As a result, OEMs prefer customers to charge at home or work where possible, preserving battery longevity. Most early EV adopters—and around 16mn future UK households — can charge regularly at home or work, using DC fast charging occasionally for longer trips. Homes without off-street parking present challenges, but as demand grows, more scalable public charging solutions will emerge. Widespread home and workplace charging supports more consistent battery health, leading to higher resale values and lower new purchase costs. Improved durability also extends vehicle life, reduces warranty and maintenance issues, and delays battery recycling needs. We have seen carmakers are leaning on subsidised leasing to justify EV production volume. How does this distort demand and how should that shape investment in materials supply chains? Two key factors drive this: OEM commercial dynamics and government policy incentives. OEMs make inflexible production decisions and, to meet environmental regulations and attract investor confidence, many have committed to EV strategies. When EV supply exceeds demand, OEMs need demand levers. Lowering new vehicle prices is a blunt tool — most, except Tesla, avoid it as it directly impacts residual values. In Europe, government EV incentives have focused on benefit-in-kind tax reductions, encouraging businesses and drivers to choose EVs over ICE vehicles. Fleet channels, with less transparent and fluctuating lease rates, now dominate EV uptake. This has created polarised demand and fuelled the rise of salary sacrifice schemes, attracting retail-intent buyers into fleet. As a result, OEMs rely heavily on fleet sales, often via hidden discounts. Leasing companies have become major asset holders, concentrating EV ownership. Strong EV demand exists — at the right price. Given lease rates are tied to residual value, buyers act rationally. This places high importance on battery state of health and sustaining post-mobility battery value. What is Vehicle-to-Grid charging and how might that reshape the economics of battery packs, degradation rates, and materials circularity? There are major financial and carbon-saving opportunities when consumers charge during low grid demand. Charging overnight, or when supply exceeds demand, offers the lowest-cost, lowest-carbon charging. Companies like Ohme, in partnership with energy providers like Octopus, make this smart charging simple and seamless. Vehicle-to-Grid/House (V2X) technology offers even greater benefits. It allows customers to power their homes from their cars or profit from strategic charging and discharging — exporting energy back to the grid. While high upfront costs have limited adoption, many OEMs are now committing to vehicles with two-way inverters, making V2X primed for mass uptake. From a battery perspective, V2X can reduce charging costs, turn the EV into a grid asset, and enhance residual value — potentially increasing what consumers are willing to pay. It encourages EV adoption and aligns with home-based charging habits. At scale, V2X could reduce the need for separate home batteries and industrial grid storage, lowering overall battery demand across the supply chain. What challenges do carmakers and energy providers face in co-ordinating charging strategy and battery health? The worlds are different. Carmakers face high upfront costs, intense competition and uncertain demand as they invest heavily in building a global electrified fleet. In contrast, with a few notable exceptions, energy retailers are typically national heroes, focused on local, highly regulated markets. Collaboration between the two remains limited, despite clear mutual benefits: OEMs building great EVs, and energy providers supplying abundant, affordable power. Ultimately, my view is that OEMs may have the greater influence in shaping future standards, as they design vehicles for multiple markets and global requirements, while energy providers remain more locally constrained. By Chris Welch Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Korea's Samsung, Germany's Tesvolt sign battery deal

25/06/11

Korea's Samsung, Germany's Tesvolt sign battery deal

Singapore, 11 June (Argus) — South Korean battery producer Samsung SDI has agreed to supply its battery products to German battery energy storage systems (BESS) manufacturer Tesvolt, with the potential for further negotiations for possible additional supply. Samsung SDI will begin with supplying its battery box 1.0 to Tesvolt from this month onwards, before switching the model to its upgraded battery box 1.5 in April-June 2026, said Samsung SDI on 11 June. Details such as supply volumes were undisclosed. Tesvolt last year secured an order for its BESS products and services to be used in a 65MWh battery storage park in Germany's Worms city. The order — Tesvolt's largest order ever — will see it supporting the project's development, supplying and installing the large-scale storage system, as well as providing service and maintenance for the storage power plant. Tesvolt uses Samsung SDI's lithium nickel-cobalt-aluminum cells in its storage systems. The lithium nickel-cobalt-aluminum cells have a higher energy density and an above-average efficiency when compared to lithium-iron-phosphate cells, said Tesvolt. Tesvolt started building a 4 GWh/yr BESS gigafactory in Germany in April last year, and it expects the factory to be able to produce up to 80,000 units/yr of BESS. The €30mn ($34mn) plant is expected to begin its commissioning this year. Tesvolt has been tasked with commissioning storage power plants with more than 40MWh of capacity across Germany and Sweden, it said in July last year. Samsung SDI has been competing head-to-head with fellow battery producer LG Energy Solutions in the US ESS market . It has secured orders for 90pc of its planned ESS battery production capacity this year, according to the firm. By Joseph Ho Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Chile touts test of emerging Li technology

25/06/10

Chile touts test of emerging Li technology

Santiago, 10 June (Argus) — Chilean national mining company Enami's tests on direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology have shown reduced water consumption, improved lithium recoveries and a smaller surface-area footprint, the company said. Eight international laboratories participated in the tests on brine samples from Enami's Altoandinos project, Chile's largest undeveloped lithium deposit. On average, water consumption was 36m³/metric tonne (t) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), 55 times less than traditional lithium extraction methods from evaporation ponds, according to Enami. Lithium recoveries from brine also doubled from 42pc in ponds to an average of 92pc, while a 75,000 t/yr DLE plant would require a surface area of 10 hectares (25 acres) versus 1,020 hectares (2,520 acres) for traditional methods, it said. Traditional extraction involves pumping lithium-rich brines from salt lakes into ponds to evaporate under northern Chile's fierce sun, thereby increasing lithium concentrations. Enami plans to develop Altoandinos in northern Chile's Atacama region in partnership with Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto for an estimated $3bn. The proposed joint venture is still subject to regulatory and other approvals. The state-run company has identified resources of 15mn t of LCE at Altoandinos, which is comprised of the Aguilar, La Isla and Grande salt lakes. It has also reached agreement with six nearby indigenous communities to develop the project. Chile's national lithium strategy, launched in April 2023, aims to increase production of the white metal while reducing the environmental impacts on salt lakes' fragile ecosystems. The strategy commits Chile to transitioning from traditional extraction methods to DLE and protecting at least 30pc of salt lake ecosystems. Chile has the world's largest lithium reserves and is the second-largest lithium producer after Australia, with output of an estimated 261,000 t of LCE in 2024, according to the US Geological Survey. By Emily Russell Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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