The tide has turned in the electrification of the German auto market, with plugin electric vehicles taking the majority of sales for the first time in December. Plugins took 55.4% of the month’s passenger auto sales, with full electrics taking a third (33.2%) and plugin hybrids taking over a fifth (22.2%). Plugless hybrids took 12.8%, leaving less than a third of sales for combustion-only autos (31.8%). Overall auto volumes in December were 314,318 units, up some 38% on December 2021. 2022’s total auto sales were 2.65 million units, up just 1.1% from 2021. December’s overall bestselling vehicle (of any kind) was the Tesla Model 3 with 9,566 registrations.

Norway’s auto market saw plugin EV volume explode to take 87.6% share in December, with huge numbers of BEVs registered, and overall auto volumes double those of seasonal norms. The freak volume in December 2022 resulted from one-off pull-forward effects ahead of new policies and auto taxes applying from 2023 onwards. BEVs saw pull-forward sales, with volume around 2.5x their previous monthly record, ahead of new weight taxes, and VAT taxes. Petrol vehicles also saw a relative sales surge ahead of increased emissions taxes. Several interesting new BEV models joined the market, and the Tesla Model Y was the overall best seller.

Sweden’s auto market saw plugin electric vehicle share continue to grow strongly in December, reaching a record 74.6%, up from 60.7% year on year. Full electrics alone took a record 51.3% share of the market. Overall, auto volume for the month was up 28% year on year, but still 18% down from December 2019. Full year 2022 saw auto volumes fall by 4% compared to 2021, and fall by over 19% compared to 2019. December’s bestselling BEV was the Volvo XC40. The full year bestseller was the Volkswagen ID.4.

World’s biggest battery maker, CATL, has finally started producing battery cells in Europe. Let’s see the press release. Contemporary Amperex Technology Thuringia GmbH (CATT), CATL’s first plant outside of China, has kicked off serial production of lithium-ion battery cells in December as scheduled, marking another milestone on CATL’s global journey. The first batch of lithium-ion battery cells rolled off the newly installed production line under series condition in CATT’s G2 building. The installation and commissioning of the remaining lines are in full swing for the production ramp-up.

The Chinese battery maker CALB and the Portuguese government signed a memorandum on November 2 to launch a battery production plant in the country. While there aren’t much details known yet, it seems that the location chosen was the costal city of Sines, which has Europe’s second largest deep water port capable and a railway system that connects the region to the rest of Europe. The initial phase aims to start battery cell production by the end of 2025 with a anual capacity of 15 GWh. In 2028, a second phase is planned to expand production capacity from 15 to 45 GWh.

The new PEUGEOT e-208 will arrive on the market in 2023 with more power, range and efficiency. Let’s see the press release. NEW e-208 100% ELECTRIC: MORE FUN, MORE EFFICIENT, AND UP TO 400 KM OF RANGE WITH A NEW ELECTRIC ENGINE • EXCELLENCE: The new electric technology of the e-308 is arriving with the e-208! • EXCELLENCE: Ultra-efficient, average consumption of 12 kWh/100 km • EMOTION: 15% more power and 10.5% more 100% electric range • ALLURE: Electric champion in France and Europe

BYD introduced the new eBus Blade Platform at the IAA Transportation 2022. A focal attraction of the stand is the official European reveal of BYD’s new and highly adaptable eBus Blade Platform, incorporating the ultra-safe, and highly durable Blade Battery that is revolutionising battery electric transportation. The rigorously tested Blade Battery passes the punishing demands of the Nail Penetration Test, regarded as the ultimate battery safety test. The Blade’s Battery distinctive CTP (cell to pack) technology significantly improves rigidity compared to traditional structures, giving it superior strength. The space-saving design of the Blade Battery, representing a 50% reduction, is inherent to eBus Blade Platform development, enabling increased battery capacity for a longer driving range, while also reducing chassis weight.

Already launched in the UK, the ORA Funky Cat gets five-star Euro NCAP rating. With a starting price of 31.995 GBP (36.869 euros) in the UK, it gets a 48 kWh battery and a WLTP range of 310 km. Curiously in China, there’s a long range version with a 63 kWh battery. ORA Good Cat standard range specs in China Length: 4.235 mm Width: 1.825 mm Height: 1.596 mm Curb weight: 1.555 kg (empty vehicle) Gross weight: 1.930 kg (vehicle more passengers and cargo) Maximum speed: 150 km/h Motor: 105 kW and 210 N.m of torque Consumption: 13,8 kWh/100 km in NEDC Range: 401 km in NEDC and around 300 km in WLTP Battery capacity: 49,92 kWh (usable) and 51,35 kWh (total) Battery weight: 394 kg Battery energy density: 130,33 Wh/kg Battery cell maker: Guoxuan Battery cell chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4) On-board charger: 6,6 kW Fast charging: 30-80 % in 30 minutes TMS: liquid-cooling Drag coefficient: 0,289 Cd MIIT code: CC7000BJ01GBEV ORA Good Cat long range specs in China

The MG Mulan (MG4 Electric) is the new best value electric car - to be sold not only in its home country China, but also in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, South America and the Middle East. Let’s see some details. Standard range version Length: 4.287 mm Wheelbase: 2.705 mm Width: 1.836 mm Height: 1.516 mm Gross vehicle weight: 2.062 kg Curb weight: 1.641 kg Wheels: 17 inch alloy Motor: 125 kW and 250 Nm Top speed: 160 km/h Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 7,7 seconds Battery capacity: 51 kWh total and 50,8 kWh usable Battery energy density: 140 Wh/kg Battery chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4) Range: 425 km in CLTC and 350 km in WLTP Consumption: 17 kWh/100 km Fast charging: 39 minutes from 10 to 80 % and peaks at 117 kW MIIT code: CSA7002XBEV1 In the UK the starting price of this version is 25.995 GBP (30.259 euros).

Teslamag was able to confirm that Tesla will produce the Model Y in Germany with a structural and module-less LFP (LiFePO4) battery from BYD. This is great news! The battery is estimated to have a capacity of 55 kWh and provide a 440 km range in WLTP. Compared to the version with the 60 kWh battery from CATL that provides a 455 km range, the Model Y with BYD battery will weigh 66 kg less (2.087 instead of 2.153 kg) and the energy consumption will improve to 15,5 kWh/100 km.

BYD will go the 2022 Paris Motor Show to announce that the EV revolution is coming to Europe. BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and power batteries, will attend the Paris Motor Show 2022 to showcase its latest passenger car product range and technologies to the European automotive audience. It follows BYD’s recent announcement to enter Europe with its technologically advanced range of new energy passenger vehicles, starting with delivery in Q4 2022, and its ongoing commitment to this emerging European market.

The BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) will be the first model to arrive in Japan, followed by the Dolphin and the Seal. Tokyo, Japan – On July 21, BYD JAPAN Inc., a branch of BYD Company Limited in Japan, held a brand conference in Tokyo, marking BYD’s official entry into the passenger vehicle market in Japan. Three BYD models debuted at the conference - BYD ATTO 3, BYD DOLPHIN, and BYD SEAL.