Latest news with #CHAdeMO
Business Insider
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
Tesla (TSLA) Doubles Down in Japan after Sales Grow by 70%
EV maker Tesla (TSLA) is planning to more than double its number of stores in Japan from 23 to 50 by the end of 2026, according to a report by Nikkei. More specifically, the company hopes to open seven additional stores by the end of this year and add another 20 locations next year. While Tesla has mainly relied on online sales in Japan, it now plans to expand its physical presence with directly operated stores in shopping and business centers. Along with more stores, Tesla also wants to expand its fast-charging network, which currently includes 130 stations across the country. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Interestingly, though, to make charging even more convenient, Tesla will begin supporting Japan's CHAdeMO fast-charging standard, which previously didn't work with its vehicles. As a result, a new adapter will allow Tesla drivers to use both Tesla Superchargers and CHAdeMO stations. This move comes as sales in Japan continue to grow, with Tesla deliveries rising by 70% year-over-year in the first half of 2025 to around 4,600 vehicles. It is worth noting that CEO Elon Musk previously said that Tesla wants to match the market share of German luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz (MBGAF), which sold over 53,000 vehicles in Japan last year. Despite Tesla's growth, overall electric vehicle adoption in Japan remains slow. In the first half of 2025, battery electric vehicle sales fell by 7% to around 27,000 units. This is because Japanese consumers tend to prefer domestic brands, and local automakers have been slower to release EVs. Indeed, Toyota (TM) chairman Akio Toyoda recently said that one EV creates as much pollution as three hybrids and argued that Toyota's 27 million hybrids have reduced emissions more effectively. What Is the Prediction for Tesla Stock? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on TSLA stock based on 13 Buys, 13 Holds, and nine Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average TSLA price target of $293.38 per share implies 6.5% downside risk.
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Meridian's Fast-Charging EV Hub At Auckland Airport Takes Off
Meridian Energy has today opened a fast-charging hub at Auckland Airport, marking a major milestone in New Zealand's transition to more sustainable transport. Purpose-built to meet the real-world needs of electric vehicle (EV) drivers, this state-of-the-art facility is a leap forward in accessibility, efficiency and environmental impact. 'As New Zealand's largest city and the leader in EV adoption, Auckland is the ideal place for us to launch Meridian's first fast-charging hub,' says Joanna Yip, Meridian Public Charging Product Manager. 'Auckland Airport is a high-traffic gateway for both locals and international visitors, so it's the perfect location to showcase our commitment to decarbonisation and driver-centric design.' Strategically located at the Auckland Airport Shopping Precinct, the hub features: • 5 x DC fast chargers (up to 160kW), each with two charge points to ensure 10 vehicles can charge at once • Dynamic power allocation to reduce wait times and maximise efficiency • Two chargers designed and prioritised for drivers with greater accessibility needs. The chargers accommodate wheelchair users with sufficient space to navigate around the vehicle and charger and feature an adjustable user screen to suit various heights. • A drive-through charger for EVs towing trailers, boats or caravans • CCS + CHAdeMO connectors to support a wide range of EV models • Room to grow, with space to add more chargers as demand increases 'We've designed this hub to tackle real pain points for drivers — especially queuing. We've listened to the EV community and built a site that's accessible, efficient and supporting communities to decarbonise,' says Joanna Yip. Every kilowatt delivered at the hub is matched with Certified Renewable Energy generated by Meridian's hydro stations and wind farms, ensuring that every charge supports renewable energy generation. Charging at this site also helps fund community decarbonisation projects through Meridian's Certified Renewable Energy programme. 'We're aiming to become the largest public EV charging provider in the country, and planning to expand its Certified Renewable Energy product across our public charging network so this launch is just the beginning.'
Asahi Shimbun
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Asahi Shimbun
China's BYD seeks Japanese talent to enter minicar market
The personnel recruiting site of BYD (From the BYD website) Two Japanese subsidiaries of Chinese auto giant BYD are seeking local professionals who will steer them on the road to success in the Japanese market. The recruiting campaign for experts on sub-660cc minivehicles and trucks was launched on May 19, as BYD is looking to plug an electric minicar in Japan as early as next year. Since the 660cc standard for minivehicles is exclusive to Japan, BYD intends to hire experienced personnel in the country to further ramp up development and production capabilities. BYD has a pair of subsidiaries in Japan: BYD Auto Japan Inc., a passenger car department, and BYD Japan Co., a commercial vehicle division. Its affiliated passenger car company is expected to release an EV in the sub-660cc category in the second half of 2026. The commercial automobile enterprise is likewise working to market an electrified truck model in 2026 at the earliest. The two local branches of BYD on May 19 opened a dedicated recruiting website for personnel. COMMERCIAL STARRING POPULAR ACTRESS Mercedes-Benz topped the list of imported passenger car sales by foreign automakers in Japan in fiscal 2024 with 53,000 units, followed by BMW with 37,000, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association. BYD accounted for just 2,000 units or so, as the Chinese maker only began expanding its sales network to Japan in earnest only a few years ago. However, BYD has been doubling down on increasing its presence in the Japanese market over recent years. BYD acquired a factory of Ogihara Corp., a mold manufacturer headquartered in Japan's Gunma Prefecture, in 2010 as part of its endeavor to beef up technological abilities. The Chinese automaker has additionally aired a TV commercial featuring the famed Japanese actress Masami Nagasawa under the catchphrase 'Arikamo, BYD!' (Maybe nice for you is BYD!). BYD has set a goal of scaling up its supply network as well, offering a total of 100 sales outlets by the end of this year. Sub-660cc minicars totaled 35 percent of all automobile sales across Japan in fiscal 2024. However, non-Japanese automakers had long been hesitant about competing at full tilt in the lucrative market, because the categorization is specific solely to Japan. Consequently, foreign auto manufacturers had not made moves to develop minivehicles exclusively for the Japanese market. An electric minicar to be released by BYD next year will be the corporation's first model intended particularly for a designated country. The envisioned EV is expected to be compatible with Japan's unique CHAdeMO recharging system. Aside from this, BYD is planning to start selling a plug-in gas-electric hybrid vehicle in Japan within this year. PHVs are widely thought to serve as a 'bridge' between gasoline-powered cars and EVs, encouraging Japanese makers to pour resources into developing this type of transitional model. BYD has already emerged as a dominant player in the Japanese commercial vehicle market. Representatives from the company claimed that it holds nearly 80 percent of the electric bus market share, as EV coaches become increasingly common, leaving its Japanese counterparts struggling to keep up. BYD's next plan is to replicate the same success in the electric minivehicle market as well. MAY BENEFIT JAPANESE AUTOMAKERS With the latest development in mind, Toshihiro Suzuki, president of Suzuki Motor Corp., the leader in the overall domestic minicar business, rolled out the red carpet for BYD's goal. 'It is great news for us,' Suzuki said during a news conference on Suzuki Motor's financial results on May 12. He insisted that BYD's entry to Japan may bring positive momentum to the minicar market. 'BYD is an immensely judicious enterprise,' Suzuki said. 'The fact that such a company is entering our market with EV models focused on minivehicles indicates that compact cars are a good match for EVs.' Referring to BYD's decision, Suzuki believes that the Chinese corporation 'seems to consider compact cars much more suited for electrification than large, heavy vehicles.' Suzuki Motor will put on sale its commercial EV model developed jointly with Toyota Motor Corp. and Daihatsu Motor Co. by the end of fiscal 2025 as the first step. Suzuki Motor is similarly currently involved in the development of an electric passenger minivehicle. 'We will be drawing up a range of strategies while engaging in healthy competition" with the new rival from China, Suzuki said. 'We still have a lot to learn from it in terms of price competitiveness, whereas we will make exhaustive efforts to protect our minicar market at the same time.' (This article was written by Daisuke Matsuoka and Kaname Ohira.)
South Wales Argus
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Lexus UX300e offers enjoyable driving experience and refined interior
It's a vehicle that ticks enough of the right boxes to be worthy of consideration for those on the lookout for a small electric SUV. Coming into 2025, the UX300e received a number of tweaks and revisions to increase choice for would-be buyers. These include new model grades, revised equipment specifications, an improved interior finish, and an upgraded digital instrument display. It's a car that also benefits from striking looks that are sufficient to turn a few heads as you drive along the high streets. Sharp creases in the side of the vehicle catch the sunlight The tone is set by the eye-catching front grille, which blends nicely with some sharp angles and a contemporary headlight signature. The bodywork is notable for the number of bold creases, while the look is completed by the full-width light bar at the rear. Front seat head and leg room is excellent, although the driver has a relatively low seating position. Things are a bit more cramped in the back seats and the boot. Behind the wheel, it's a comfortable and satisfying drive. The instant response from the electric motor makes it easier and safer when overtaking or pulling out at junctions, while the overall smoothness of the power delivery is a real plus-point. The car's main battery has an increased usable capacity of 64kWh, compared to earlier versions that had 54kWh, and powers one electric motor driving the front wheels. The vehicle looks smart from all angles That delivers 201bhp and 221lb ft of torque, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. The UX300e delivers agile handling and feels to have a lower centre of gravity than many of its SUV rivals. To enhance the vehicle's control in corners, Lexus has ensured that all heavier components are concentrated at the middle of the car. For extra steering precision and driving refinement, the vehicle's GA-C platform has been stiffened by the extra rigidity of the underfloor battery and cross members. The car has a distinctive grille The vehicle does a decent enough job of absorbing bumps in the road, but can feel a bit unsettled on broken or undulating B-roads. At motorway speeds, it settles down nicely to provide a very relaxing drive, while longer motorway drives have been made easier by the new, bigger battery introduced within the last few years. Official figures suggest that up to 280 miles is possible on a single charge, but I found that to be closer to 250 in real world driving conditions, which is still reasonably good. However, the charging situation isn't too good. The vehicle's rapid charging tops out at 50kW, which provides an 80 per cent charge in about 90 minutes. The UX uses a CHAdeMO socket for its DC rapid charging, which are not always easy to find because CCS tends to be more widespread. The interior is refined and features premium materials The renamed entry point to the UX 300e is Urban grade, which comes with17-inch alloys, power adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone integration, reversing camera and the Lexus Link Connect multimedia system with cloud-based navigation and eight-inch touchscreen. A seven-inch digital diver's instrument display is new to the UX 300e. The new Premium grade provides rear privacy glass, illuminated door handles, front and rear parking sensors, a driver monitor, smart entry, power back door, LED front fog lights and roof rails. Premium Plus grade gets you 18-inch alloys, aluminium scuff plates, a wireless smartphone charger, Tahara synthetic leather upholstery, heated front and outer rear seats and front seat ventilation, plus additional safety features. Premium Plus Tech is another new grade, with extra technology features such as a 12.3-inch display, 13-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a 12.3-inch driver's digital instrument display. The top-spec Takumi version includes smooth leather upholstery, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, hands-free power back door, head-up display, sunroof and three-eye LED headlights. Lexus UX300e PRICE RANGE: £40,065 to £51,145 RRP ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds RANGE: 274-281 miles DRIVE: front wheels POWER: 201bhp BATTERY: 64kWh
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2026 Nissan Leaf EV revealed in more detail
Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from:
