CATL Launches Battery Swapping in Europe; Xiaomi YU7 Launch Heats Up Tesla Competition

Latest Motoring and Tech News
Total 1192 words · 5 mins read

Key Takeaways

  • CATL plans European battery swapping with 30,000 stations; 99.99% success in 100 seconds.
  • Xiaomi YU7 launch: 200,000+ reservations; Tesla competition increases, Chinese EV stocks fall.
  • Tata Harrier EV launched: AWD, 396 PS, 622 km range, starting at ₹28.99 lakh.
  • Volkswagen recalls Polo, Taigo, Passat, ID.7, ID.Buzz for airbag deployment failure risk.
  • Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear sets Gotland Ring record: 2:55.88 with over 1,600 horsepower.

Top Stories

CATL to launch battery swapping in Europe; 30,000 stations planned.

On June 28, 2025, CATL announced plans to introduce battery swapping in Europe, with plans for 30,000 swap stations, each equipped with 14-30 battery compartments and achieving a 99.99% success rate in 100 seconds.

Xiaomi YU7 launch: 200,000+ reservations, Tesla competition heats up.

Xiaomi's YU7 electric SUV launch on June 27, 2025, priced around 253,000 yuan ($35,000), received over 200,000 reservations, causing Chinese electric vehicle stocks to fall due to increased competition with companies like Tesla.

Tata Harrier EV launched: AWD, 396 PS, 622 km range.

On June 27-28, 2025, Tata Motors launched the Harrier EV, with prices starting at ₹28.99 lakh, featuring an AWD variant with 396 PS, 504 Nm torque, and a 622 km MIDC-claimed range.

Volkswagen recalls models due to airbag deployment failure risk.

Volkswagen is recalling Polo, Taigo, Passat, ID.7, and ID.Buzz models because of a manufacturing defect that may cause the front passenger airbag to fail during deployment, increasing injury risk.

Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear sets Gotland Ring record: 2:55.88.

Koenigsegg's Sadair's Spear hypercar, with over 1,600 horsepower, set a lap record of 2 minutes and 55.88 seconds at Gotland Ring in Sweden.

Autonomous Drive Updates

Volvo, Porsche use virtual, real-world testing to validate ADAS.

Manufacturers like Volvo and Porsche are using advanced techniques, including virtual environments and real-world testing, to validate their ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems).

CNBC: Tesla vs Uber in autonomous vehicle market.

On June 27, 2025, CNBC's 'Halftime' Investment Committee discussed the autonomous vehicle battle between Tesla and Uber.

Car News Today

Lamborghini Revuelto: 1,001 hp plug-in hybrid, 0-60 mph in 2.5s.

Lamborghini's Revuelto, a $612,000 plug-in hybrid, combines a 6.5-liter V12 engine with two electric motors, producing 1,001 hp and accelerating from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.

2026 Audi RS5 spied: Testing at Nürburgring with hybrid powertrain.

On June 27, 2025, the 2026 Audi RS5 sedan was spied testing at the Nürburgring, expected to launch as a 2026 model with a potential 2.9L V6 twin-turbo engine and hybrid capabilities.

Mercedes Vision V concept: Luxury van previews future VLS, VLE.

The Mercedes Vision V concept, a luxury van prototype previewing the future VLS and VLE ranges, debuted in Dubai on June 27, 2025, featuring a 'Private Lounge' design with a Superscreen and Dolby Atmos audio.

Stellantis, Renault push EU for Japanese kei car category.

Stellantis and Renault are pressuring the European Union to introduce a category of small cars, similar to Japanese kei cars, which represent 40% of registrations in Japan.

Nissan Rogue E-Power Hybrid confirmed for North America in FY26.

Nissan confirmed that the Rogue E-Power Hybrid is coming to North America in Fiscal Year 2026, featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, a small 2.1 kWh battery, and a single electric motor producing 202 horsepower.

Mahindra's Freedom NU platform reveal set for August 15.

Mahindra will reveal its new Freedom NU platform on August 15 in Mumbai, which may serve as a base for both ICE-powered and electric models, potentially including the next-generation Mahindra Bolero.

Geely's Livan X3 Pro SUV launches in Spain, priced at €16,995.

Livan, a Chinese brand owned by the Geely Group, introduces the X3 Pro SUV in Spain, priced at 16,995 euros, featuring a 1.5-liter 103 CV gasoline engine.

Toyota tests Tacoma pick-up in Argentina with 278 hp engine.

Toyota is testing a camouflaged Tacoma pick-up truck in Patagonia, Argentina, with a 2.4 turbonaftero engine producing 278 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque.

Stellantis delays Lancia revival; Delta rendering surfaces.

On June 28, 2025, it was reported that Stellantis' plans to revive old brands like Lancia have been delayed, while a virtual artist created a rendering of the Lancia Delta as a futuristic two-door coupe.

EV Revolution

Scout Motors: VW-backed EV brand targets 2027 launch in US.

On June 28, 2025, it was reported that Scout Motors, backed by the VW Group, plans to launch the Terra pick-up and Traveler SUV in the US by 2027 or 2028, with prices starting around $50,000.

Study: Artificial EV sounds difficult for brain to locate.

A Swedish study reveals that some artificial sounds emitted by electric vehicles at low speeds are poorly perceived by the human brain, making it difficult to identify their direction.

Tesla Model S gets 100 kWh battery upgrade after 470,000 miles.

A 2015 Tesla Model S 70D with over 470,000 miles received a battery upgrade with a used 100 kWh battery for $8,500, increasing estimated range from 207 to 303 miles.

Six new electric urban SUVs coming by 2028, starting at €25,000.

From 2026 to 2028, six new electric urban SUVs are expected to debut, including the Skoda Epiq (around €25,000 with 400 km range) and Nissan Juke 3.

Senate ruling complicates scrapping USPS EV program.

A Senate parliamentarian ruling makes it harder for Congress to scrap the USPS EV program, which includes 7200 EVs, $500 million in charging infrastructure, and plans for 45,000 electric delivery vans.

Lucid's Peter Rawlinson wins Sturmey Award for EV contributions.

Published on June 27, 2025, the article discusses Peter Rawlinson, winner of the 2025 Sturmey Award, and his contributions to the EV industry, including his work at Lucid and involvement with the Tesla Model S.

Kia recalls 2020-2022 Niro EVs for rearview camera failure.

Kia America is recalling 2020-2022 Kia Niro EV models due to a rearview camera issue caused by voltage surges, with notifications to owners by August 19, 2025.

2027 BMW i3 production allegedly starts July 2026 in Munich.

Production of the 2027 BMW i3 is allegedly scheduled to begin in July 2026 at BMW's Munich plant, with US market production expected to start in November 2026.

Market Watch

EV industry 'de-globalization': Tariffs, preferences, supply chains.

Published on June 27, 2025, an article discusses the 'de-globalization' of the electric car industry due to geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, and shifting consumer preferences.

Kalanick eyes Pony AI's US arm amid geopolitical constraints.

Uber founder Travis Kalanick is reportedly in talks with a firm to acquire Pony AI’s US arm, which has been limited by geopolitical factors to 1% of the group's sales.

Ford's battery credit strategy crucial for US carmakers.

On June 27, 2025, Bloomberg's Hyperdrive newsletter reported on Ford's attempt to maintain battery credit, which is pivotal for US carmakers.

European auto suppliers face decline, need diversification.

European auto equipment suppliers face a declining market, dropping from nearly 16 million vehicles in 2019 to under 13 million last year, and must diversify to survive amid technological changes and Chinese competition.

Tech in Motion

Faraday Future's FF 91 2.0: AI infotainment in 50+ languages.

Faraday Future launched the FF 91 2.0, an AI-powered infotainment system for its FF 91 electric sedan, which understands over 50 languages and responds to conversational commands.

McLaren W1 suspension parts 3D-printed by Divergent Technologies.

On June 27, 2025, CarBuzz highlighted how McLaren W1 suspension parts are 3D printed by Divergent Technologies using laser powder-bed fusion for complex designs.

Decathlon previews Btwin E-FL 900 folding e-bike: €1,999.

On June 27, 2025, Frandroid previewed the Decathlon Btwin E-FL 900 electric folding bike at Eurobike 2025, weighing under 16 kg and priced at 1,999 euros.

Mahle unveils M40 e-bike system: 850 W, 105 Nm torque.

On June 27, 2025, Mahle unveiled the M40 e-bike system, delivering a peak output of 850 W and 105 Nm of torque, with battery options offering a range of up to 150 km.

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