The Automotive Update: Big week for BYD
21 March 2025
BYD has a big week, Nvidia reveals its latest autonomous technology developments, and many model updates. Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus presents the latest stories in The Automotive Update podcast.
This week, carmakers confirmed new artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Europcar revealed plans to address electric vehicle (EV) price parity. Renault unveiled a sporty version of its new Renault 5, and MG gave one of its most popular models a facelift.
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BYD’s game-changing platform
BYD has unveiled its ‘Super e-Platform’. The EV technology could be capable of charging at speeds of 1,000kW Reuters reported. This means the system could deliver 400km of range after five minutes of charge.
The new BYD Han L sedan, and Tang L SUV, will be the first models fitted with the technology. The news sent the carmaker’s stock soaring, according to the Wall Street Journal.
However, it was not all good news last week. The Financial Times (FT) reported that BYD faces a European Commission investigation. The probe is exploring whether China provided unfair subsidies for its EV plant in Hungary. If the European Commission finds the company has benefited from unfair state aid, penalties may be imposed.
The FT also drew attention to a delay in the approval of a BYD plant in Mexico. Meanwhile, the carmaker’s executive vice president, Stella Li, told Autocar there are no plans for BYD plants in Germany or the UK. However, she did confirm to the Independent that the UK will be home to a new research and development centre.
Nvidia unveils autonomous developments
At its GTC AI conference, technology company Nvidia revealed its latest autonomous and AI-based developments. The business confirmed the launch of Halos, a full-stack safety system. It brings together its hardware and software solutions for autonomous vehicles.
It also unveiled an open-source data set to help developers with physical AI projects. Data focused on developing autonomous vehicles will be made available. This includes 20-second clips of traffic scenarios from over 1,000 US cities as well as two dozen European countries.
Nvidia also announced some major collaborations at the event, including a tie-up with General Motors (GM). The companies will work together to build custom systems to train AI manufacturing models.
GM will also use Nvidia’s Drive AGX for future advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and enhanced safety experiences.
Carmakers increase use of AI
Volvo Cars has revealed it will use realistic, AI-generated virtual worlds to develop its safety software, including ADAS. The carmaker can work with incident data gathered from sensors in its new cars. This will allow it to reconstruct and explore how incidents could be avoided.
Mercedes-Benz confirmed the deployment of AI features at its Berlin-Marienfelde site. This includes humanoid robots, advanced chatbots and virtual assistants. The site will also soon produce high-performance electric axial-flux motors.
EV market developments
Japanese carmaker Mazda has outlined a ‘lean asset strategy’ when it comes to electrification.
The brand will reduce investment in batteries, production, and EV development, through collaborations and partnerships. It will focus on existing resources as well as more efficient development and manufacturing methods.
Meanwhile, Foxconn and Mitsubishi are reportedly close to an EV production deal. According to people familiar with the matter, an announcement is expected in the coming weeks. The FT reports that any venture will allow Mitsubishi to expand its line-up of models at a lower cost.
Europcar Mobility Group UK is aiming to bring electric vehicle price parity to its rental offering. As of April, business customers will be able to rent EVs for the same price as an internal-combustion engine counterpart.
‘We understand that cost is a significant factor for businesses considering electric vehicles,’ commented Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar Mobility Group UK. ‘The Europcar EV barometer for 2024 revealed that the cost of purchasing and maintaining an EV is a barrier for around 40% of fleets.’
New EV’s from Renault
Renault has revealed an electric reboot of the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E has been built for rallying, drift and track performance, but adapted for the road.
The highly customisable model will feature an 800-volt architecture. This means it will be capable of going from 15% to 80% battery in 15 minutes at a 350kw DC charging point. It will arrive in showrooms in 2027, with a limited production of 1,980 units.
The carmaker also unveiled the new Renault Espace. The full hybrid vehicle features a redesigned front and rear, new light signatures and body colour. Passenger comfort is enhanced, with new front seats and upholstery, as well as improved soundproofing.
Fresh-faced models
MG revealed a redesigned MG4. electrive reports that the BEV has been elongated by 11cm and features redesigned styling with softer curves. It also has new EV hardware, including a smaller motor.
Aito unveiled revised versions of its M5 and M9 models, both of which have undergone facelifts, electrive wrote. The online platform also reported that Xpeng has launched the latest editions of its G6 and G9 electric SUVs. Both models will get new battery packs with faster charging capabilities and will be available in Europe and China.
In the UK, Leapmotor has opened its order books for its affordable T03 and C10 electric vehicles. T03 prices start at £15,995 (€19,090), while the C10 is priced at just £36,500.
BYD is also setting its sights on the UK’s small and affordable EV segment with the BYD Dolphin Surf. Known as the Seagull in China, the model is expected to cost below £20,000 in the UK, according to Autocar. BYD has also made the Atto 2 available in Germany according to electrive.
