Foxconn unveils Cavira electric crossover with 578 km range, targeting Tesla Model Y
Foxconn, the manufacturer behind iPhone assembly, has introduced the Cavira, an electric crossover aimed at the Tesla Model Y segment. The vehicle boasts a range of up to 578 kilometers on a single charge.
Foxconn, best known as the primary assembler of Apple's iPhone, has entered the electric vehicle market with a new crossover model called the Cavira. The vehicle was officially unveiled at a company event, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Tesla's Model Y. Foxconn's move marks a significant expansion beyond consumer electronics into the automotive sector.
The Cavira features a modern, aerodynamic design with a sleek silhouette and a prominent front grille. The crossover is built on Foxconn's own electric vehicle platform, which the company says offers flexibility for future models. The vehicle's 578-kilometer range is achieved through a high-density battery pack, though specific battery capacity details have not been disclosed.
Under the hood, the Cavira is powered by a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing 201 horsepower. Foxconn claims a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds. The vehicle supports DC fast charging, capable of replenishing 80 percent of the battery in approximately 30 minutes.
Inside, the Cavira offers a minimalist cabin with a 15.6-inch central touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions. The crossover seats five passengers and provides 520 liters of cargo space. Foxconn has integrated its own infotainment system with over-the-air update capability.
Foxconn plans to produce the Cavira at its factory in Taiwan, with initial deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2025. The company has not yet announced pricing, but analysts estimate it will be priced competitively against the Tesla Model Y, which starts at around $47,000 in the United States.
The Cavira will first launch in Taiwan and select Asian markets, with a global rollout planned for later in 2025. Foxconn has not confirmed availability in North America or Europe. The company is also exploring partnerships with other automakers to license its EV platform.
Foxconn's entry into the electric vehicle market comes as part of its broader strategy to diversify beyond electronics manufacturing. The company has previously announced plans to supply EV components to other automakers. With the Cavira, Foxconn aims to establish itself as a credible player in the competitive EV crossover segment.
"The Cavira represents our commitment to sustainable mobility and innovation," a Foxconn spokesperson said during the unveiling. The vehicle is expected to go on sale in Taiwan starting at approximately NT$1.5 million, equivalent to roughly $48,000.
SAIC Motor picks Spain for MG's first European factory
Chinese automaker SAIC Motor will build MG's first European factory in Spain. The facility aims to produce 120,000 vehicles annually.
Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor has selected Spain as the location for its first manufacturing plant in Europe. The company, which owns the MG brand, is preparing to establish the production facility in the country. SAIC Motor plans to manufacture 120,000 vehicles per year at the new factory. The decision marks a significant step in the company's expansion strategy within the European market. Spain was chosen over other potential locations due to its favorable business environment and logistics advantages. The factory will produce vehicles under the MG brand, which has seen growing demand in Europe. SAIC Motor aims to strengthen its presence in the region by localizing production. The move is expected to create jobs and boost the local automotive industry in Spain. The company has not yet disclosed the specific location or timeline for the factory's construction. However, the announcement signals SAIC Motor's commitment to establishing a manufacturing foothold in Europe.
Tesla lags far behind Waymo in robotaxi race, Texas records show
Official records from Texas reveal Waymo operates 577 robotaxis compared to Tesla's 42 vehicles. The data highlights a significant gap between the two companies in the autonomous ride-hailing market.
Texas state records have exposed a stark disparity in the robotaxi operations of Waymo and Tesla. Waymo currently fields 577 autonomous vehicles in the state, while Tesla's fleet numbers just 42 cars. The figures come from official registrations filed with Texas authorities.
The data underscores the competitive landscape of autonomous ride-hailing services. Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has been testing and deploying its self-driving technology for over a decade. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has promised a robotaxi network for years but has yet to launch a commercial service.
Tesla's 42 vehicles are likely part of its ongoing testing and development program. The company has not applied for a permit to operate a commercial robotaxi service in Texas. Waymo, by contrast, already offers paid rides in parts of Austin and other cities.
The registration numbers provide a rare public glimpse into the scale of each company's autonomous vehicle operations. Texas has become a key testing ground for self-driving technology due to its favorable regulations and diverse driving conditions.
Waymo's fleet includes modified Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs equipped with an array of sensors. Tesla's vehicles rely on cameras and artificial intelligence, a approach Musk has championed as more scalable. However, critics argue Tesla's system lacks the redundancy of lidar and radar used by competitors.
The 577-to-42 gap reflects Waymo's head start in deploying a commercial robotaxi service. Waymo began offering autonomous rides in Phoenix in 2018 and has since expanded to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Tesla has not yet launched a robotaxi service anywhere.
Tesla has faced regulatory hurdles and technical challenges in its autonomous driving efforts. The company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software remains in beta and requires active driver supervision. Musk has stated that Tesla will achieve full autonomy by the end of 2024, but such predictions have repeatedly missed deadlines.
Waymo's lead in Texas is likely to grow as it continues to expand its service area. The company recently announced plans to offer autonomous rides in Austin without a safety driver. Tesla, meanwhile, has not disclosed a timeline for launching its robotaxi service in Texas or elsewhere.
Lynk & Co Launches 10 Series EV Sedan with 816 km Range, 5.5-Minute Fast Charging
Geely's Lynk & Co brand has launched its new 10 series electric sedan, offering up to 816 km range and 912 hp. The vehicle supports ultra-fast charging from 10% to 80% in just 5.5 minutes, with a starting price around $25,000.
Geely's premium brand Lynk & Co has officially launched its new electric sedan family, the 10 series, in the Chinese market. The model is positioned as a high-performance electric vehicle with competitive pricing and advanced charging capabilities.
The 10 series sedan boasts an impressive range of up to 816 kilometers on a single charge, according to the company. It also delivers up to 912 horsepower, placing it among the more powerful electric sedans available.
One of the standout features is the ultra-fast charging technology. Lynk & Co claims the vehicle can charge from 10% to 80% in just 5.5 minutes, a significant improvement over many current EVs. This is achieved through an 800-volt architecture and a high-power charging system.
The vehicle is built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which also underpins other electric models from the group. The 10 series is available in multiple variants, including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
Lynk & Co has positioned the 10 series as a direct competitor to models like the Tesla Model 3 and Nio ET5. The starting price is approximately 180,000 yuan, which translates to roughly $25,000, making it one of the more affordable high-performance EVs in China.
Sales have already begun in China, with deliveries expected to start in the coming weeks. The company has not yet announced plans for international markets, but Lynk & Co has previously expanded to Europe, suggesting a potential global rollout.
The 10 series also features a minimalist interior design with a large central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. Advanced driver-assistance systems are included, with over-the-air update capability.
Lynk & Co stated that the 10 series represents a new benchmark for electric sedan performance and charging speed. The company emphasized its commitment to making high-performance EVs accessible to a broader audience.
Honda invests in Nexeon for silicon anode battery technology
Honda has invested in Nexeon, a developer of silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The move comes despite Honda's recent cancellation of some electric vehicle projects.
Honda has made a strategic investment in Nexeon, a UK-based company specializing in silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The Japanese automaker's move signals continued interest in advanced battery technology even as it has canceled some electric vehicle projects. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Nexeon's technology replaces traditional graphite anodes with silicon, which can store significantly more lithium ions. This approach promises higher energy density and faster charging times for batteries. The company has been developing its silicon anode materials for over a decade and holds numerous patents in the field.
Honda's investment aligns with its broader electrification strategy, which includes hybrid and fuel cell vehicles alongside battery electrics. The company has stated it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Nexeon's technology could be applied to Honda's future battery systems, potentially improving range and performance.
The investment comes at a time when many automakers are racing to secure battery supply chains and next-generation technologies. Silicon anodes are seen as a key advancement over current graphite-based designs, offering up to 50% higher energy density. However, challenges such as silicon's expansion during charging have limited commercial adoption.
Nexeon has raised over $100 million to date from investors including Invesco and Sumitomo Corporation. The company operates a pilot plant in the UK and plans to scale up production. Honda's investment may help accelerate commercialization of the technology.
Honda has not specified which vehicle platforms might use Nexeon's materials. The company recently announced it would cancel its partnership with General Motors to develop affordable electric vehicles, but reaffirmed its commitment to electrification. Honda plans to launch 30 electric vehicle models globally by 2030.
The investment was announced on March 8, 2023. Honda and Nexeon will collaborate on further development of silicon anode technology for automotive applications. No timeline for production-ready batteries was provided. Honda stated the investment will support its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.