Jan 6, 2025
Build Your Dreams
BYD’s worst nightmare has begun
BYD’s worst nightmare has begun: The legendary brand jumps to China and the war begins
China’s domestic EV market is led by homegrown players such as BYD and is ready for a revolution. The world’s largest car maker, Toyota, has also signalled its intention by planning to establish a separate EV plant in Shanghai to manufacture Lexus models. This brave decision places Toyota head to head-with BYD and other Chinese EV giants, preparing for an extraordinary confrontation in the world’s largest EV market.
Toyota’s luxury EV strategy: A game-changer for China’s auto market
One of the most striking changes in the plan is that Toyota has recently decided to build a separate manufacturing site in China that will entirely focus on producing Lexus EV models. Unlike other Japanese peers who decided to leave China due to low sales and intense competition, Toyota is expanding its operations there. The Shanghai plant is expected to be operational in 2027, allowing Toyota to avoid using hybrids to sell luxury EVs made in China.
This step has been prompted by Toyota’s declining market share in China, which was 9.3 per cent in 2023. Being associated with luxury and reliability, Lexus is already a known brand of Toyota, and the company wants to attract Chinese consumers interested in premium electric vehicles. While Mitsubishi and other shrinking Japanese automobile makers have had to avoid a head-on confrontation with local electric car leaders such as BYD, Toyota has been ready and willing to step up to the challenge, thanks to its super brand internationally.
Another proof of Toyota’s long-term strategy in China is that the Shanghai factory operates as a separate entity that does not rely on local suppliers. In the same manner that it has done, Toyota can present itself as a conflict-free company with high-quality vehicles it can produce on its own in the backdrop of a competitive Chinese EV market.
BYD and the challenge of defending home turf
BYD has been the king of China’s EV market due to its technological advancement, affordability, and rampant production line expansion. However, Toyota’s entry is different and tricky as it offers a luxury EV. While BYD excels in affordability and practicality, Lexus comes into the partnership with a pedigree of luxury and speed that might upset the Applecart.
Toyota’s move is well-timed. While Chinese EV makers are locked in a price war, Toyota’s Lexus luxury cars are not pitted directly against BYD’s affordable electric vehicles. Instead, Toyota aims to purchase by the well-off segment of consumers, thus changing the market relations. Yet, for BYD, which has been so successful in the segment, it might be time to reconsider how to sustain its leadership as competition in the luxury EV segment intensifies.
Also, the announcement that Toyota is building an EV factory is a testament to the company’s innovation because it fits the global shift towards electrification. Despite its overwhelming presence, BYD must continue adapting and developing new technologies since competition will only heat up as car giants like Toyota shift their gaze onto China.
The battle of brands: Lexus Luxury versus BYD’s dominance
Toyota is one of the world’s leading automakers and has leveraged its existing brand – Lexus – while BYD has a new approach to electric vehicles. Lexus promises exclusivity, quality, and sophistication, attributes that go beyond functional utility in a car. While BYD has struggled to create name recognition for its cars and lacks any specialty, the firm has successfully offered EVs with diverse and valuable models for the everyday consumer.
This clash shows an emerging Chinese market where consumers’ tastes are becoming more diverse. Toyota’s luxury EVs target market is a virgin area that will push BYD out of its comfort zone to achieve its goal. For example, the new generation of premium vehicles, Lexus, might change the discourse on which BYD has to adapt by maintaining dominance in the mid-price segment.
In addition, being a global company, Toyota has the power and financial might to make some difference. Thus, utilizing Lexus’s already accepted brand, Toyota is in an excellent position to reimagine China’s luxury EV market. Nonetheless, BYD has the advantages of local experience and flexibility in the market, which can be an interesting battle.
The launch of Toyota’s EV brand Lexus in the Chinese market opened up a high-risk battle with BYD. This conflict between luxury and cost-effectiveness shows how quickly the Chinese automotive market changes. Whereas Toyota strives to become the preferred choice of the ‘new rich,’ BYD has the problem of sustaining its leadership in various segments. The war has only begun, promising transformative shifts in the world’s most vibrant EV market.
It’s the end for Tesla and EVs…
It’s the end for Tesla and EVs…Korea invents the alternative and many will buy these cars
Electric mobility is a source of opportunities for the transportation sector, but also of problems (you know what the insurance companies think). While we in America are still battling Chinese competition, now comes a new fuel from Korea that wants to break the market: no more filling up with gasoline, and no more of the high cost of stopping at the gas station.
Korea has invented a new fuel: we hardly know about it in the U.S.
The auto industry is getting into top gear vehicles running on different emissions friendly fuels which can replace gasoline. Tesla and other electric cars have made great strides but still have issues such as limited travel distances and recharging duration.
How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles are an option let us understand how hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a zero-emission option though have presented issues of high cost and lack of fueling infrastructure. Hydrogen combustion engine is a new innovative hydrogen application that has been developed in Korea to help solve this.
Contrary to the fuel cell which uses hydrogen to generate electricity for powering machines in this technology the pure hydrogen is bunt in an internal combustion engine. Examples from Hyundai and Kia indicate that first prototypes of this new hydrogen engine can offer similar ranges and the same refueling times as gasoline.
How does this new hydrogen engine work? Goodbye to EVs and Tesla
Korea announces the unveiling of an internal combustion engine that only uses 100 percent hydrogen gas as fuel. As compared to other hydrogen vehicles that use fuel cells for burning the fuel, this engine employs internal combustion to ignite the hydrogen – as it does for petrol.
Air and fuel are mixed into the gas cylinder and the cylinder is heated up using an electric spark plug which in turn provides power to drive the pistons. This advanced combustion of hydrogen and air means that there are only beneficial emissions of water vapor.
It is a prototype of 180-200 horsepower 2-liter hydrogen engine. For one thing the first tests have indicated that torque and power curves are comparable to the equivalent gasoline engines in size while the fuel consumption looks very attractive.
This engine design removes the need of fuel cell system of hydrogen cars whose counter parts may be quite complex and expensive. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices which converts hydrogen to electricity to propel the electric motor.
Why are we talking about the end of electricity? Three key advantages of this new fuel
The electric vehicles have been considered to be the future, but now we have reached to a quite different situation because of this three advantages of hydrogen as a fuel:
First, hydrogen vehicles eliminate the need for a heavy battery pack and some of the batteries in electric vehicles. The fuel cell stack that converts hydrogen to electricity is much more compact and lighter than a lithium-ion battery with a power train with similar range.
Another factor is that it only takes 3 to 5 minutes to refuel a hydrogen vehicle at a hydrogen station just the same as it takes to refuel a gasoline vehicle. EV charging is significantly slower compared with these comparison assets. A halfway charge on the superfast charger may even take 15-30 minutes.
Third, hydrogen has an energy density at least 3 times greater compared to batteries. For instance, a typical Mirai or Nexo tank of hydrogen has energy content equivalent at least to 5-7 gallons of gasoline but weighs much less. The distance between one fill can go is 2-3 times longer than that of most EVs.
As far as we have been able to see, hydrogen as a fuel is an opportunity to decarbonize the sector, but it is reserved for a longer time horizon than electricity. Just look at the opinion of brands like Tesla or BYD (our Chinese rival), or also the bad experience they have had from Volskwagen. The only thing we can conclude from this is that innovation takes time, don’t you think?
EVs are about to disappear worldwide
EVs are about to disappear worldwide: Hydrogen is not the problem, it’s this
Electric vehicles (EVs) have long been touted as the future of transportation, yet recent trends suggest their dominance might not last. While hydrogen power often takes the blame for challenging EVs, the real issue lies elsewhere. Falling production numbers, inadequate infrastructure, and high costs are eroding the appeal of EVs. The critical challenges threatening the EV revolution and why the world’s transition to electric mobility might be stalling at the worst possible time are discussed below.
Electric car production is struggling to meet growing demands
Despite ambitious global targets, EV production has hit a significant roadblock. According to industry data, the UK saw a recent 25% drop in EV production, underscoring a concerning trend. Manufacturers like Jaguar Land Rover emphasize the need for better government support to meet these targets. Without robust production pipelines, achieving milestones like the 2030 goal of 80% EV sales seems increasingly unrealistic.
One factor behind declining production is the complexity of transitioning from traditional vehicles. Many factories are still adapting their operations for EVs, leading to temporary shutdowns or reduced outputs. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) attributes this to factories prepping for new models, but time is running out. A better alternative has been developed, which offers better transitioning, posing a threat to the production of EVs. The looming 2035 combustion engine ban puts even more pressure on automakers.
Another challenge is securing the necessary components for EVs. Battery production, which relies on critical minerals, is becoming a bottleneck. This hampers production and inflates costs, making EVs less accessible to the average buyer. To reverse this trend, investments in supply chain resilience are imperative.
Charging infrastructure fails to support the electric revolution
A lack of charging infrastructure is one of the biggest obstacles to EV adoption. While the UK has over 64,000 public charging devices, many EV owners remain dissatisfied. Nearly three-quarters of drivers report frustration with the current charging network, citing inadequate availability and unreliable performance.
Fast-charging stations, especially on highways, are glaringly insufficient. Trevor Leeks, operations director at Jaguar Land Rover, highlights the need for expanded fast-charging options to make long-distance EV travel viable. Current efforts to meet the government’s target of 300,000 public chargers by 2030 are falling short, leaving manufacturers and consumers concerned.
Urban areas fare better, but suburban and rural regions lag far behind. Only 37% of chargers are on the streets, leaving many potential EV owners with limited options. Addressing these gaps is critical, as convenience plays a huge role in consumer decisions. Without significant upgrades, EV adoption risks plateauing.
High costs and unmet incentives discourage potential buyers
The upfront cost of EVs remains a significant barrier for many consumers. Although EVs promise lower running costs over time, the initial investment often outweighs those savings. This is especially true for households that lack access to charging facilities, making ownership less practical.
Governments have introduced trade-in schemes and tax cuts to bridge the affordability gap, but these efforts have yet to make a substantial impact. For example, vehicle exchange programs could allow consumers to transition from combustion engines to EVs more seamlessly, but they’re not universally available or well-funded.
Compounding the issue is the lack of consumer confidence. Many potential buyers hesitate due to fears about battery lifespan, charging network reliability, and resale value. Without comprehensive policies to address these concerns, EVs will struggle to maintain their momentum in the global market.
The dream of widespread EV adoption is at risk, but hydrogen is not to blame. Instead, declining production, insufficient charging infrastructure, and high costs are holding the industry back. This new motor vehicle addresses most of the challenges of the EVs, adding to the pressure of their extinction. For EVs to thrive, governments and manufacturers must address these issues urgently.
Infrastructure, affordability, and production investments are needed to keep the electric revolution alive. Time is running out, and the next few years will be critical in determining whether EVs can fulfill their promise or fade into the background.
Farewell to EVs like Teslas and BYDs…
Farewell to EVs like Teslas and BYDs…This is a real money saver with massive fuel efficiency
The automotive industry continues to focus on EVs, although more and more brands are opting for other alternatives. One of them has just left electricity in the background to bet on a fuel as futuristic as its new engines. Do you know which one we are talking about? It is one that is produced in the air, in rocks, in water and even under the ground.
New fuel efficiency boosted, but not with gas or electricity
The gas prices are soaring and the climate change is accelerating, thus the necessity for the more fuel efficient transportation is growing bigger and bigger. In this century, internal combustion engines have been the main player in the auto industry, however, their days may be numbered.
The automobile industry has made some amazing inventions in fuel technology which will significantly increase the mileage and at the same time will decrease the emission. This article will give a detailed description of the latest engines that are geared towards the dream of that goal.
BMW revealed a hydrogen-fuelled car which can beat Tesla’s electric vehicles in speed. Other ideas are based on the use of fuels other than those commonly used such as ammonia and microwaves. It is the time of the new age of fuel efficiency.
More than 20 years investing on hydrogen engines: what BMW has done
Bringing the electro-hybrid drivetrain project back, BMW introduced its H2R hydrogen-powered engine concept in 2005. The engine is a modified version of BMW’s 6-liter V12 engine which is now used to run on liquid hydrogen.
The H2R engine represents the vision of the future where hydrogen will be used to achieving the maximum fuel efficiency. During the tests, the H2R achieved the fuel consumption of less than 200 litres per 100 km. This is a fuel efficiency that is more than three times higher than the gasoline-powered engine.
The hydrogen’s properties as an energy carrier are the source of its high efficiency. In the engine, hydrogen and oxygen combine and the chemical reaction gives out energy and water is the only emission. The BMW’s engineers successfully optimized the engine’s combustion process.
Unlike the electric cars which have to use heavy batteries, the H2R keeps hydrogen fuel in a lightweight, insulated tank. This lets the car to have a long driving range like the gasoline car. The process of refueling is also fast and the entire process takes only a few minutes.
Why gas and electricity have not been a good option for BMW
The internal combustion engines nowadays have achieved much in terms of fuel efficiency in the past decades, although they still waste over two-thirds of the energy in gasoline. Classical gas engines will probably be limited to a certain level of efficiency improvements because of the existing obstacles, such as heat-loss.
Although electric cars are the solution of the problems caused by gas engines, they have also their own disadvantages. The weight and range of the EV batteries limit the design such as the EV car and the driving range between the charges.
Although, with the fast charging technology, most EVs still take more than 20 minutes to become 80% charged. This is the reason why long road trips are now very inconvenient and at the same time the battery capacity of the vehicle becomes very large which reduces the overall energy efficiency.
As you can see, these new hydrogen engines will multiply the thermal efficiency of fuels and, above all, reduce dependence on the most polluting ones. The key is to continue the line that manufacturers such as Stellantis are opening, which involves increasing large-scale production and continuing mass marketing, for which they have found partners such as Hyundai.
Goodbye to EVs with this new fuel
Goodbye to EVs with this new fuel: The first-ever engine with 3.0 liters and water emissions
While the world looks forward to a sustainable means of transport, Bosch has unveiled what might be a game changer in the automotive sector—announcing the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine with 3. 0-liter engines and emissions that equal the water vapor output of a teapot. This tremendous architectural work might change how people view green cars, making battery electric vehicles or EVs outdated.
The Dawn of Hydrogen Power
This is why Bosch has developed a hydrogen engine which is a revolution in the world of green mobility. This engine uses the energy provided by hydrogen and can, therefore, be considered emission-less while still being highly powerful. Unlike conventional gas or diesel engines that emit dangerous greenhouse gases, this revolutionary power source’s only emission is water vapor.
Hybrid cars that use hydrogen as a fuel source are not a new idea, but what Bosch has done to this idea is taken to the next level by converting a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine to run on hydrogen. To adapt the engine, they developed a high-performance unit with 563 horsepower and 650 Nm torque, delivering eco-friendliness and unmatched power.
Uncompromising Performance
Another critical issue associated with AFVs is performance compared to their gasoline counterparts. In this regard, Bosch’s hydrogen engine disapproves this notion with a stunning power and acceleration that could be compared to some sports cars.
Bosch has recently revealed a prototype with Ligier Automotive based on the Ligier JS2 R racing car to demonstrate the possibilities of this new technology. This hydrogen automobile can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph faster than most traditional cars, proving that efficient green vehicles can also be fun.
Sustainable Racing, Sustainable Future
The presentation of Bosch’s hydrogen engine against the backdrop of the 24 Hours of Le Mans centenary was intentional. Motorsports have always incubated new automotive technologies and innovations, which could be the stepping stone for sustainable racing, showcasing the potential for high-performance, eco-friendly vehicles in competitive environments.
Consider the sound of powerful engines with the sweet taste of not polluting the environment. The hydrogen engine of Bosch is set to redefine the motorsport and let the people enjoy their passion without harming the environment.
However, this technology’s application reaches much further than the racetrack. Hydrogen cars may emerge as a lucrative option for EVs in the future, given that hydrogen has the potential to be used universally and with no restraints in terms of the range of batteries and time required for charging.
The Road Ahead
Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go in this regard, even with Bosch’s hydrogen engine as a giant leap forward. One of the biggest challenges is the number of hydrogen refueling stations, which is still limited, and the same goes for the production and distribution of green hydrogen at scale.
However, since most car manufacturers have started incorporating hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the networks for hydrogen refueling are gradually developing. With this technology set to advance and grow even further, this could be a sign of things to come regarding efficient and environmentally friendly transport – and it would be fun, too.
The case of the Bosch hydrogen engine indicates that innovation is one of the most powerful tools and that there should be no stopping in the search for sustainable solutions. In a world now faced with climatic change problems, this innovation provides a sneak preview of a world where high performance and environmental conservation go hand in hand. Goodbye to EVs? Not perhaps just yet, but Bosch’s hydrogen engine has set a new benchmark in what can be achieved in the sphere of green mobility.
By undefined
5 notes ・ 7 views
English
Intermediate