A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has found that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold in Europe produce 73% fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their entire life cycle compared to equivalent gasoline-powered cars. This reduction accounts for emissions generated during vehicle production, including battery manufacturing. The research indicates that electric cars become more climate-friendly than combustion engine vehicles within two years of use. In contrast, hybrid vehicles are reported to have emissions nearly as high as traditional gasoline cars. The findings highlight the environmental benefits of BEVs and suggest that they outperform all other vehicle types in terms of lifetime emissions.

China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a final ruling on its year-long anti-dumping investigation into European Union brandy, concluding that imports were sold below fair value and threatened the domestic spirits industry. Duties ranging from 27.7% to 34.9% will be applied to EU brandy shipments for five years starting 5 July 2025.

The ministry said 34 EU producers—including major cognac makers Pernod Ricard, LVMH’s Hennessy and Remy Cointreau—will be exempt from the tariffs if they respect minimum selling prices agreed with Beijing. Deposits paid since provisional duties were introduced in October 2024 will be reimbursed to companies that sign the price-undertaking deal.

Read more

U.S. Senate Republicans have introduced a revised tax and budget bill that aims to end federal tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) by September 30, 2025. The legislation proposes terminating the $7,500 tax credit for new EV sales and leases, as well as the $4,000 credit for used EVs, ahead of the previously scheduled expiration at the end of 2025 or later. The bill, referred to as the "Big Beautiful Bill," has passed the Senate and the House of Representatives and is now awaiting President Trump's signature to become law. This accelerated timeline marks a shift from earlier plans under the Biden administration, which had intended for these incentives to continue until 2032. The termination of these federal incentives is expected to impact the electric vehicle market in the United States, affecting consumer purchasing decisions and the broader EV industry landscape.

Preliminary figures from the China Passenger Car Association indicate that the country’s retail sales of passenger vehicles climbed 15% year-on-year to about 2.03 million units in June, extending the recovery in the world’s largest auto market. On a month-on-month basis, sales rose 5%.

New-energy vehicles continued to outpace the broader market. Retail deliveries of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models increased 25% from a year earlier to 1.07 million units—marking the second consecutive month above the one-million threshold and lifting their share of retail sales to 52.7%. Compared with May, NEV sales were up 4%.

For the first half of 2025, cumulative NEV retail volume reached 5.43 million units, 32% higher than a year earlier, underscoring sustained demand despite intense price competition and the recent imposition of a 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods. The CPCA is scheduled to release final June data later this month.

Chinese electric-vehicle maker Nio Inc. said it delivered 24,925 cars in June, a 17.5% increase from a year earlier. The performance lifted second-quarter deliveries to 72,056 units, up 26% from the same period in 2024, and brought first-half shipments to 785,714 vehicles.

Rival Li Auto Inc. reported 36,279 deliveries for June, a 24% year-on-year decline. Its second-quarter tally reached 111,074 units. The contrasting results underscore the diverging momentum among China’s home-grown EV manufacturers as they vie for market share amid intensifying competition and slowing overall demand.

The Senate parliamentarian ruled that a Republican proposal to force the U.S. Postal Service to sell off its electric-vehicle fleet and dismantle related charging equipment cannot be advanced under budget-reconciliation rules. Because the measure does not have a predominant budgetary impact, it would now require 60 votes to clear the chamber rather than a simple majority, effectively sidelining the provision in the current tax and spending package.

The Postal Service has already deployed about 7,200 battery-powered vehicles—comprising Ford e-Transit vans and Oshkosh Defense’s purpose-built Next Generation Delivery Vehicles—and installed widespread charging infrastructure. In a June 13 letter to lawmakers, USPS warned that undoing those investments would cost roughly $1.5 billion, including $1 billion to replace the vehicles and $500 million to abandon or remove charging systems.

Republican sponsors said the mandate would refocus the agency on its core mail-delivery mission, while Democrats argued it would squander taxpayer funds and slow fleet modernization. With the parliamentarian’s decision, the Postal Service’s plan to expand to about 66,000 electric trucks by 2028 remains on track, pending broader action on the omnibus legislation.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a video conference on 19 June, telling electric-vehicle manufacturers to tighten safety controls and warning that companies found breaching standards would be punished. The meeting, publicised by state and market-monitoring outlets, underscored official concern that rapid production growth is outpacing quality oversight.

The safety push comes days after the Beijing municipal government issued a separate notice to 16 domestic marques—including BYD, Nio, Leapmotor and SAIC Motor—urging them to avoid “merciless” price-cutting that could erode profit margins and undermine the sector’s stability. Together, the moves signal a broader effort by authorities to rein in mounting competitive and operational risks in the world’s largest EV market.

Seventeen of China’s largest carmakers have pledged to pay all suppliers within 60 days, answering a government campaign to stabilise an industry battered by an extended price war. The commitment, confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology after new State Council rules came into force on 1 June, covers BYD, Geely, SAIC Motor, Nio, FAW and other major manufacturers.

Payment terms in the sector routinely exceeded five months before the crackdown. Twelve of the companies that disclosed data averaged 170 days to settle bills, with BAIC BluePark stretching to 248 days and Xpeng to 233 days. Together they owed suppliers more than CNY 1.1 trillion (USD 153 billion), according to industry tallies.

Read more

Recent analyses indicate a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the United States, attributed largely to shifts in federal policy under former President Donald Trump. BloombergNEF and other analysts have revised downward their projections for U.S. EV sales, citing the rollback of supportive policies such as tax credits and emissions regulations. These policy changes are expected to impede the growth of the EV market both in the short and long term, potentially causing the U.S.

to lag behind other countries in EV adoption. Under the previous Biden administration, the U.S. saw a surge in battery manufacturing projects across various communities, which contributed to local economic growth and job creation. However, the imposition of tariffs during Trump's tenure has led to delays and stalling of these projects, adversely affecting workers and local economies.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday released their version of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and budget package, setting up a fresh round of negotiations with the House after lawmakers inserted major changes to electric-vehicle incentives, state-tax deductions and energy provisions.

The draft would terminate the $7,500 federal tax credit for new electric vehicles 180 days after enactment and immediately end the credit for leased cars assembled outside North America. Clean-energy and home-efficiency incentives would also be wound down sooner than under current law.

Read more

President Donald Trump signed a resolution on June 12, 2025, that blocks California's pioneering rule banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This measure, which had positioned California as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) mandates, was met with immediate legal opposition. Eleven states, led by California, filed a lawsuit challenging the repeal of the state's 2035 electric vehicle rules and heavy-duty truck requirements. The legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between the federal government and California, particularly with Governor Gavin Newsom.

Subsequently, on June 20, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of fuel producers and industry groups, allowing them to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approval of California's stringent vehicle emissions and electric car standards. This ruling grants fuel sellers standing to sue against the state's pro-EV regulations, signaling a continued judicial scrutiny of California's climate policies. Major energy companies involved in the challenge include ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, Occidental Petroleum, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, and Valero Energy.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the high cost of electric-vehicle chargers and the heavy weight of some battery-powered pickup trucks remain obstacles to widespread adoption. While declaring, “I’m all for electric,” he added that EVs are only attractive “if you buy the right one.”

Trump urged policymakers to give consumers the freedom to choose among electric, gasoline and hybrid models and cautioned against hydrogen-powered cars, citing potential safety risks in accidents. He also called wind energy "too expensive."

The former president argued that strict electric-vehicle mandates would undermine domestic supply chains, send auto jobs to China and even require the United States to rebuild bridges to handle heavier EV trucks.

Former President Donald Trump expressed support for electric vehicles, stating that he is "all for electric" cars. He emphasized that electric vehicles (EVs) are a good choice if consumers select the right model. Trump also suggested caution regarding hydrogen-powered cars, implying they may not be the preferable option compared to EVs.

Nio Inc., the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, reported a 30% increase in its net loss to CNY 6.8 billion (approximately USD 944 million) in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. Despite the widening loss, Nio's revenue rose 21% year-over-year to CNY 12 billion (USD 1.7 billion), driven by a more than 40% increase in vehicle deliveries to 42,094 units. The company's CEO expressed confidence in returning to profitability by the fourth quarter. However, the first-quarter results fell short of market expectations amid intense competition in China's electric vehicle sector, particularly following aggressive price cuts by industry leader BYD that have pressured competitors.

Several financial institutions have adjusted their outlooks on Nio's stock: Bank of America Securities and Bernstein SocGen maintained neutral and market perform ratings respectively but cut their price targets to $4.30 and $4.00, citing weaker-than-expected average selling prices, margin misses, and a deteriorating outlook. Barclays downgraded Nio to underweight and lowered its price target to $3.00, highlighting deep margin losses and challenges in scaling delivery volumes despite cost-cutting efforts. The data also indicate that while Nio's vehicle sales have increased substantially by 254%, its net losses have grown even more sharply by 289%, underscoring ongoing profitability challenges. Meanwhile, Bank of America Securities also revised its price target for STMicroelectronics to $27 from $32, noting improved near-term earnings prospects but cautioning about tariff risks in 2027.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio announced plans to expand its presence into seven new European markets, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Romania, with launches scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The company will introduce several models in these markets, including the Nio ES6 (branded as EL6 in Europe), Nio ES8 (EL8), Nio ET5, Nio ET5 Touring, and the Firefly model. In Belgium and Luxembourg, Nio will collaborate with Hedin Mobility Group, while in Central and Eastern Europe, it will partner with AutoWallis to cover Austria and Hungary in 2025, followed by the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania in 2026. Nio also provided guidance for its second-quarter deliveries, expecting between 72,000 and 75,000 vehicles, with June deliveries projected between 24,869 and 27,869 units.

CEO William Li indicated the brand aims to reach monthly sales of 25,000 units for its three Onvo models by the fourth quarter of 2025. Additionally, Nio's third factory is set to begin production in September. Despite these growth plans, the company reported a widening net loss amid intense competition in the Chinese EV market.

A joint investigation by The New York Times, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and Der Spiegel has revealed that Uyghur workers are being relocated from Xinjiang to factories across China, including those supplying well-known global brands. This relocation occurs largely outside the oversight of supply chain auditors and border customs authorities, raising concerns from United Nations labor experts and activists who identify these practices as consistent with documented patterns of forced labor. The extent of Uyghur labor deployment beyond previous estimates complicates efforts by international regulators to identify and eliminate forced labor within supply chains. Meanwhile, labor rights advocates highlight the broader challenges faced by Chinese workers, including long working hours—up to 13 to 14 hours daily and 20 consecutive days without rest—in industries such as electric vehicles and electronics, which they argue contradicts the government's narrative of common prosperity.

The economic transition in China is also placing approximately 300 million workers in precarious positions. Additionally, reports from Taiwan's semiconductor factories describe harsh conditions for migrant workers, including overnight shifts lasting up to 16 hours, verbal abuse, and threats of deportation, underscoring labor issues in key global supply chains. Separately, discussions on workplace equity note that women remain underrepresented in C-suite positions, with concerns that setbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives could hinder women's advancement to top leadership roles. The retirement of entrepreneurs who led China's economic rise in the 1980s and 1990s raises questions about the future leadership and succession in the country's evolving economy.

Huawei, in partnership with JAC Motors, has entered China’s luxury electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the Maextro S800, a high-end sedan priced between 708,000 yuan and 1.018 million yuan (approximately $98,000 to $140,000). This pricing is notably lower than initial pre-sale estimates, influenced by competitive pressure from other domestic luxury EVs such as the Su7 Ultra and Yangwang U7. The Maextro S800 is positioned as a challenger to established luxury models like the Mercedes-Maybach, joining competitors including the Nio ET9 and Yangwang U7 in the Chinese luxury sedan segment. Huawei reported receiving 1,000 orders within the first hour of the launch, indicating strong initial market interest. Separately, Avatr Technology has introduced the Avatr 12, a Chinese luxury electric vehicle priced above $40,000, featuring advanced capabilities such as automatic parking that can be activated remotely by the driver.

China's Ministry of Commerce has convened a meeting with major automakers, including BYD and Dongfeng Motor, as well as industry associations such as the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the China Automobile Dealers Association, to address the practice of selling 'used cars' that have never been driven. This phenomenon, referred to as 'zero-mileage' used cars, involves vehicles registered and marked as sold but not actually used. Great Wall Motor's chairman estimated that at least 3,000 to 4,000 vendors are selling such cars on Chinese used car platforms. Leapmotor shares also declined following news of the meeting.

Read more

NIO Inc. and Zeekr, an electric vehicle brand under Geely, have reached an agreement to share their charging infrastructure. This collaboration allows owners of NIO, Onvo, and Firefly vehicles to access Zeekr's charging stations through their respective apps, facilitating greater interoperability among these brands. The deal represents a rare cooperation between two direct competitors in the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) market, aiming to enhance charging convenience for customers by integrating their charging networks.

The social leasing program for automobiles will be renewed in 2025 following its success last year, but with reduced financial aid and stricter eligibility criteria. The program, which supports access to electric vehicles, will not be available before September. Notably, the 2025 version of the social leasing scheme will no longer be combinable with the ecological bonus, marking a significant change in how these incentives can be used together. These adjustments aim to refine the support system for vehicle leasing while adapting to evolving policy priorities.

A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has found that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold in Europe produce 73% fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their entire life cycle compared to equivalent gasoline-powered cars. This reduction accounts for emissions generated during vehicle production, including battery manufacturing. The research indicates that electric cars become more climate-friendly than combustion engine vehicles within two years of use. In contrast, hybrid vehicles are reported to have emissions nearly as high as traditional gasoline cars. The findings highlight the environmental benefits of BEVs and suggest that they outperform all other vehicle types in terms of lifetime emissions.

China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a final ruling on its year-long anti-dumping investigation into European Union brandy, concluding that imports were sold below fair value and threatened the domestic spirits industry. Duties ranging from 27.7% to 34.9% will be applied to EU brandy shipments for five years starting 5 July 2025.

The ministry said 34 EU producers—including major cognac makers Pernod Ricard, LVMH’s Hennessy and Remy Cointreau—will be exempt from the tariffs if they respect minimum selling prices agreed with Beijing. Deposits paid since provisional duties were introduced in October 2024 will be reimbursed to companies that sign the price-undertaking deal.

Read more

U.S. Senate Republicans have introduced a revised tax and budget bill that aims to end federal tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) by September 30, 2025. The legislation proposes terminating the $7,500 tax credit for new EV sales and leases, as well as the $4,000 credit for used EVs, ahead of the previously scheduled expiration at the end of 2025 or later. The bill, referred to as the "Big Beautiful Bill," has passed the Senate and the House of Representatives and is now awaiting President Trump's signature to become law. This accelerated timeline marks a shift from earlier plans under the Biden administration, which had intended for these incentives to continue until 2032. The termination of these federal incentives is expected to impact the electric vehicle market in the United States, affecting consumer purchasing decisions and the broader EV industry landscape.

Preliminary figures from the China Passenger Car Association indicate that the country’s retail sales of passenger vehicles climbed 15% year-on-year to about 2.03 million units in June, extending the recovery in the world’s largest auto market. On a month-on-month basis, sales rose 5%.

New-energy vehicles continued to outpace the broader market. Retail deliveries of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models increased 25% from a year earlier to 1.07 million units—marking the second consecutive month above the one-million threshold and lifting their share of retail sales to 52.7%. Compared with May, NEV sales were up 4%.

For the first half of 2025, cumulative NEV retail volume reached 5.43 million units, 32% higher than a year earlier, underscoring sustained demand despite intense price competition and the recent imposition of a 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods. The CPCA is scheduled to release final June data later this month.

Chinese electric-vehicle maker Nio Inc. said it delivered 24,925 cars in June, a 17.5% increase from a year earlier. The performance lifted second-quarter deliveries to 72,056 units, up 26% from the same period in 2024, and brought first-half shipments to 785,714 vehicles.

Rival Li Auto Inc. reported 36,279 deliveries for June, a 24% year-on-year decline. Its second-quarter tally reached 111,074 units. The contrasting results underscore the diverging momentum among China’s home-grown EV manufacturers as they vie for market share amid intensifying competition and slowing overall demand.

The Senate parliamentarian ruled that a Republican proposal to force the U.S. Postal Service to sell off its electric-vehicle fleet and dismantle related charging equipment cannot be advanced under budget-reconciliation rules. Because the measure does not have a predominant budgetary impact, it would now require 60 votes to clear the chamber rather than a simple majority, effectively sidelining the provision in the current tax and spending package.

The Postal Service has already deployed about 7,200 battery-powered vehicles—comprising Ford e-Transit vans and Oshkosh Defense’s purpose-built Next Generation Delivery Vehicles—and installed widespread charging infrastructure. In a June 13 letter to lawmakers, USPS warned that undoing those investments would cost roughly $1.5 billion, including $1 billion to replace the vehicles and $500 million to abandon or remove charging systems.

Republican sponsors said the mandate would refocus the agency on its core mail-delivery mission, while Democrats argued it would squander taxpayer funds and slow fleet modernization. With the parliamentarian’s decision, the Postal Service’s plan to expand to about 66,000 electric trucks by 2028 remains on track, pending broader action on the omnibus legislation.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a video conference on 19 June, telling electric-vehicle manufacturers to tighten safety controls and warning that companies found breaching standards would be punished. The meeting, publicised by state and market-monitoring outlets, underscored official concern that rapid production growth is outpacing quality oversight.

The safety push comes days after the Beijing municipal government issued a separate notice to 16 domestic marques—including BYD, Nio, Leapmotor and SAIC Motor—urging them to avoid “merciless” price-cutting that could erode profit margins and undermine the sector’s stability. Together, the moves signal a broader effort by authorities to rein in mounting competitive and operational risks in the world’s largest EV market.

Seventeen of China’s largest carmakers have pledged to pay all suppliers within 60 days, answering a government campaign to stabilise an industry battered by an extended price war. The commitment, confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology after new State Council rules came into force on 1 June, covers BYD, Geely, SAIC Motor, Nio, FAW and other major manufacturers.

Payment terms in the sector routinely exceeded five months before the crackdown. Twelve of the companies that disclosed data averaged 170 days to settle bills, with BAIC BluePark stretching to 248 days and Xpeng to 233 days. Together they owed suppliers more than CNY 1.1 trillion (USD 153 billion), according to industry tallies.

Read more

Recent analyses indicate a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the United States, attributed largely to shifts in federal policy under former President Donald Trump. BloombergNEF and other analysts have revised downward their projections for U.S. EV sales, citing the rollback of supportive policies such as tax credits and emissions regulations. These policy changes are expected to impede the growth of the EV market both in the short and long term, potentially causing the U.S.

to lag behind other countries in EV adoption. Under the previous Biden administration, the U.S. saw a surge in battery manufacturing projects across various communities, which contributed to local economic growth and job creation. However, the imposition of tariffs during Trump's tenure has led to delays and stalling of these projects, adversely affecting workers and local economies.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday released their version of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and budget package, setting up a fresh round of negotiations with the House after lawmakers inserted major changes to electric-vehicle incentives, state-tax deductions and energy provisions.

The draft would terminate the $7,500 federal tax credit for new electric vehicles 180 days after enactment and immediately end the credit for leased cars assembled outside North America. Clean-energy and home-efficiency incentives would also be wound down sooner than under current law.

Read more

President Donald Trump signed a resolution on June 12, 2025, that blocks California's pioneering rule banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This measure, which had positioned California as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) mandates, was met with immediate legal opposition. Eleven states, led by California, filed a lawsuit challenging the repeal of the state's 2035 electric vehicle rules and heavy-duty truck requirements. The legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between the federal government and California, particularly with Governor Gavin Newsom.

Subsequently, on June 20, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of fuel producers and industry groups, allowing them to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approval of California's stringent vehicle emissions and electric car standards. This ruling grants fuel sellers standing to sue against the state's pro-EV regulations, signaling a continued judicial scrutiny of California's climate policies. Major energy companies involved in the challenge include ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, Occidental Petroleum, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, and Valero Energy.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the high cost of electric-vehicle chargers and the heavy weight of some battery-powered pickup trucks remain obstacles to widespread adoption. While declaring, “I’m all for electric,” he added that EVs are only attractive “if you buy the right one.”

Trump urged policymakers to give consumers the freedom to choose among electric, gasoline and hybrid models and cautioned against hydrogen-powered cars, citing potential safety risks in accidents. He also called wind energy "too expensive."

The former president argued that strict electric-vehicle mandates would undermine domestic supply chains, send auto jobs to China and even require the United States to rebuild bridges to handle heavier EV trucks.

Former President Donald Trump expressed support for electric vehicles, stating that he is "all for electric" cars. He emphasized that electric vehicles (EVs) are a good choice if consumers select the right model. Trump also suggested caution regarding hydrogen-powered cars, implying they may not be the preferable option compared to EVs.

Nio Inc., the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, reported a 30% increase in its net loss to CNY 6.8 billion (approximately USD 944 million) in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. Despite the widening loss, Nio's revenue rose 21% year-over-year to CNY 12 billion (USD 1.7 billion), driven by a more than 40% increase in vehicle deliveries to 42,094 units. The company's CEO expressed confidence in returning to profitability by the fourth quarter. However, the first-quarter results fell short of market expectations amid intense competition in China's electric vehicle sector, particularly following aggressive price cuts by industry leader BYD that have pressured competitors.

Several financial institutions have adjusted their outlooks on Nio's stock: Bank of America Securities and Bernstein SocGen maintained neutral and market perform ratings respectively but cut their price targets to $4.30 and $4.00, citing weaker-than-expected average selling prices, margin misses, and a deteriorating outlook. Barclays downgraded Nio to underweight and lowered its price target to $3.00, highlighting deep margin losses and challenges in scaling delivery volumes despite cost-cutting efforts. The data also indicate that while Nio's vehicle sales have increased substantially by 254%, its net losses have grown even more sharply by 289%, underscoring ongoing profitability challenges. Meanwhile, Bank of America Securities also revised its price target for STMicroelectronics to $27 from $32, noting improved near-term earnings prospects but cautioning about tariff risks in 2027.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio announced plans to expand its presence into seven new European markets, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Romania, with launches scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The company will introduce several models in these markets, including the Nio ES6 (branded as EL6 in Europe), Nio ES8 (EL8), Nio ET5, Nio ET5 Touring, and the Firefly model. In Belgium and Luxembourg, Nio will collaborate with Hedin Mobility Group, while in Central and Eastern Europe, it will partner with AutoWallis to cover Austria and Hungary in 2025, followed by the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania in 2026. Nio also provided guidance for its second-quarter deliveries, expecting between 72,000 and 75,000 vehicles, with June deliveries projected between 24,869 and 27,869 units.

CEO William Li indicated the brand aims to reach monthly sales of 25,000 units for its three Onvo models by the fourth quarter of 2025. Additionally, Nio's third factory is set to begin production in September. Despite these growth plans, the company reported a widening net loss amid intense competition in the Chinese EV market.

A joint investigation by The New York Times, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and Der Spiegel has revealed that Uyghur workers are being relocated from Xinjiang to factories across China, including those supplying well-known global brands. This relocation occurs largely outside the oversight of supply chain auditors and border customs authorities, raising concerns from United Nations labor experts and activists who identify these practices as consistent with documented patterns of forced labor. The extent of Uyghur labor deployment beyond previous estimates complicates efforts by international regulators to identify and eliminate forced labor within supply chains. Meanwhile, labor rights advocates highlight the broader challenges faced by Chinese workers, including long working hours—up to 13 to 14 hours daily and 20 consecutive days without rest—in industries such as electric vehicles and electronics, which they argue contradicts the government's narrative of common prosperity.

The economic transition in China is also placing approximately 300 million workers in precarious positions. Additionally, reports from Taiwan's semiconductor factories describe harsh conditions for migrant workers, including overnight shifts lasting up to 16 hours, verbal abuse, and threats of deportation, underscoring labor issues in key global supply chains. Separately, discussions on workplace equity note that women remain underrepresented in C-suite positions, with concerns that setbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives could hinder women's advancement to top leadership roles. The retirement of entrepreneurs who led China's economic rise in the 1980s and 1990s raises questions about the future leadership and succession in the country's evolving economy.

Huawei, in partnership with JAC Motors, has entered China’s luxury electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the Maextro S800, a high-end sedan priced between 708,000 yuan and 1.018 million yuan (approximately $98,000 to $140,000). This pricing is notably lower than initial pre-sale estimates, influenced by competitive pressure from other domestic luxury EVs such as the Su7 Ultra and Yangwang U7. The Maextro S800 is positioned as a challenger to established luxury models like the Mercedes-Maybach, joining competitors including the Nio ET9 and Yangwang U7 in the Chinese luxury sedan segment. Huawei reported receiving 1,000 orders within the first hour of the launch, indicating strong initial market interest. Separately, Avatr Technology has introduced the Avatr 12, a Chinese luxury electric vehicle priced above $40,000, featuring advanced capabilities such as automatic parking that can be activated remotely by the driver.

China's Ministry of Commerce has convened a meeting with major automakers, including BYD and Dongfeng Motor, as well as industry associations such as the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the China Automobile Dealers Association, to address the practice of selling 'used cars' that have never been driven. This phenomenon, referred to as 'zero-mileage' used cars, involves vehicles registered and marked as sold but not actually used. Great Wall Motor's chairman estimated that at least 3,000 to 4,000 vendors are selling such cars on Chinese used car platforms. Leapmotor shares also declined following news of the meeting.

Read more

NIO Inc. and Zeekr, an electric vehicle brand under Geely, have reached an agreement to share their charging infrastructure. This collaboration allows owners of NIO, Onvo, and Firefly vehicles to access Zeekr's charging stations through their respective apps, facilitating greater interoperability among these brands. The deal represents a rare cooperation between two direct competitors in the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) market, aiming to enhance charging convenience for customers by integrating their charging networks.

The social leasing program for automobiles will be renewed in 2025 following its success last year, but with reduced financial aid and stricter eligibility criteria. The program, which supports access to electric vehicles, will not be available before September. Notably, the 2025 version of the social leasing scheme will no longer be combinable with the ecological bonus, marking a significant change in how these incentives can be used together. These adjustments aim to refine the support system for vehicle leasing while adapting to evolving policy priorities.