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Sun, Oct 11
7 itemsCATL deepened its grip on the Aito brand with a long-term battery supply deal, while Nio hit a regional milestone for battery swapping and a new electric semi charging hub was announced in Southern California.
CATL signs long-term battery deal with Seres for Aito
CATL and Seres agreed a long-term strategic partnership to expand Aito battery capacity, with total annual capacity to exceed 20 GWh once a joint project is completed. Aito will keep using CATL batteries across its lineup.
Why it mattersTies a major Chinese automaker's EV brand more tightly to the world's largest battery maker, shaping cell supply and cost for Aito's expansion.
Nio passes 500 battery swap stations in Guangdong
Nio reached 500 swap stations in Guangdong, a province accounting for about 13% of its cumulative battery swaps in China, with over 17 million swaps completed.
Why it mattersShows Nio's swap network still scaling in its home market, the infrastructure bet underpinning its brand and battery-as-a-service model.
EV Realty plans new electric semi charging hub in Inland Empire
EV Realty announced a new Inland Empire site for its next electric semi truck charging hub, as high diesel prices drive demand for commercial truck charging.
Why it mattersAdds charging capacity for heavy-duty electric trucks in a key Southern California freight corridor, a bottleneck for fleet electrification.
Mitsubishi shows 459 hp AWD ASX VR-e electric hot hatch
Mitsubishi unveiled the ASX VR-e, a 459 hp all-wheel-drive electric hot hatch that does 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, aimed at overseas markets.
Why it mattersSignals a more ambitious EV for Mitsubishi, whose North American lineup has relied on aging, badge-engineered models.
Citroen revives 2CV as electric concept targeting €15,000
Citroen revealed an electric 2CV concept that previews a European-built production car with a targeted starting price of €15,000.
Why it mattersA sub-€15,000 EV from a European brand would pressure the affordable end of the market where Chinese imports have gained ground.
Maextro V800 minivan fails emergency braking test
Independent testing found the $150,000 Maextro V800's brake pedal bracket does not survive a 62-mph emergency braking situation.
Why it mattersA safety defect in a high-priced Chinese luxury EV could dent confidence in newer premium brands' engineering.
China agrees to limit hybrid exports to EU
China and the EU agreed in trade consultations to introduce a brake on imports of Chinese hybrids and plug-in hybrids into the EU, though specific rules are still unknown.
Why it mattersCould curb a fast-growing export channel for Chinese automakers in Europe, shifting their mix toward pure EVs.