China’s hybrid car exports to EU up 200%; response to Tesla’s ‘flying car’: 7 EV reads

We have put together stories from our coverage on electric and new energy vehicles from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. BYD to build new factories in Europe to beat trade barriers aimed at Chinese EVs

China’s BYD will build new factories in Europe for a bigger market share, as the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker faces fiscal support pullback at home and rising trade barriers overseas, according to an executive.

2. China’s hybrid car exports to EU surge by more than 200% as import cap looms

China’s hybrid car exports to the European Union tripled in September from a year earlier, with shipments expected to remain elevated before an import cap agreed during recent trade talks takes effect.

3. Tesla’s ‘flying car’ draws public concern in China – and an official response

The Communist Party’s flagship newspaper has urged the public not to underestimate China’s technological achievements after Tesla’s “flying car” demonstration sparked concern in some quarters that the country may be falling behind in the global auto race.

4. Battery giant CATL hit by profit slowdown, mainland China shares tumble over 10%

Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) extended its stock price rout after recording a surprise slowdown in third-quarter net profits, as analysts warned the company could be hit by slowing demand from China’s electric car industry next year.

5. China grants permits to VW joint venture and Xpeng as driverless car race builds

China has granted new autonomous-driving permission to electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng and a mainland joint venture of Volkswagen, intensifying the commercialisation race between China’s autonomous driving firms and US company Tesla.

6. Tesla drivers in China can now make in-car Alipay payments under new deal

Tesla has agreed a deal to integrate Chinese fintech giant Ant Group’s Alipay digital payment software into its vehicles in China, as Elon Musk’s firm steps up efforts to offer localised smart features amid intense competition in the Chinese market.

7. Anti-China protectionism backfiring on US carmakers’ EV plans: analyst

While Washington’s efforts to block Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) were originally intended to protect its domestic automotive industry, they have sparked concerns the strategy is hurting America’s carmaking competitiveness.