What’s New?

Hybrids with big batteries are the side sect most really ambitious EV-makers are pivoting to lately. And honestly, we get it. Sometimes, we start a big project and realize we can’t quite finish it after we’ve started. Of course, usually, it’s cleaning a garage for us, not trying to shift a global industry from gas stations to really big cell phone chargers…but, you know. Same-Same.

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Recent Hybrid Announcements

We've been talking about hybrids a lot more since the EV train started rolling back down the hill. Here are a few headlines we grabbed from names across the industry, all talking hybrids and how they factor into the future.

• Stellantis announced plans to produce a hybrid version of the Fiat 500e at its Mirafiori plant in Turin, starting in the first quarter of 2026. They also have a hybrid Jeep Compass SUV that will be manufactured in Melfi, and production of the hybrid Fiat Panda city car could continue until 2029.
• BYD introduced its fifth-generation plug-in hybrid technology, which boasts a record low fuel consumption of 81.11 miles per gallon on depleted batteries. The new tech, featured in the Qin L and Seal 06 models, ensures a driving range of 2,100 km with a fully charged battery and full gasoline tank.
• Porsche debuted the "T-Hybrid" system for the 2025 911 Carrera GTS. The system combines a 1.9-kWh battery with an electric turbocharger and traction motor, delivering a total output of 532 hp and 449 lb-ft of torque while maintaining optimal performance and efficiency.

Nissan Adopts Gigacasting to Cut EV Costs and Complexity

Sometimes, "cookie cutter" means lacking uniqueness. Other times, it means some literal cookies are on the way. Gigacasting is like a car-sized cookie-cutter, so we're eager to see if Nissan produces something tedious or...treat-ious with their new gigacasting plan. 🍪

Nissan is set to adopt the technology (following Tesla's lead) to reduce production costs and complexity for its future electric vehicles.

This advanced manufacturing technique, which involves creating large, single pieces of a vehicle's structure, aims to cut EV part costs by 10% and development expenses by $1B.

By simplifying production and reducing vehicle weight by 20%, Nissan's gigacast EVs are expected to hit the market around 2027, contributing to the company's goal of making fully battery-powered cars 40% of its sales by 2031.

It's not like other assembly methods that produce "one-of-one" vehicles. You gotta bring your own hammer to get that. #AfterMarket

Global Automarket Impact: Magna Steyr and Chinese Automakers Localize EV Production in Europe

No matter what happens tomorrow, such as storms, droughts, alien invasions, zombie uprisings, etc., on the NEXT DAY, we will be reading about China's automotive industry all the same. They just never quit, y'all.

Recent discussions between Magna Steyr and Chinese automakers highlight a pivotal move toward localizing EV production in Europe, with potential global ramifications:

• Magna Steyr: The Austria-based contract manufacturer is in talks with several Chinese EV makers to produce vehicles locally in Europe. This move aims to mitigate the impact of potential tariffs that the European Union might impose on Chinese imports. Local production could also help Magna Steyr fill its production lines, left vacant after Fisker Ocean's halted production.
• Chinese Automakers: Brands like NIO, XPeng, BYD, and ZEEKR are exploring local manufacturing in Europe to avoid tariffs and boost their market presence. This strategic localization could enhance their competitiveness in the European market, fostering stronger ties and potentially easing trade tensions between Europe and China.

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