PowerTALK™, February 2024

China companies dealing in alternative power–batteries and electric vehicles–make the news in the February issue of PowerTALK by Power Systems Research. CATL has gained market share in the global battery market and it has formed a production alliance in China. At the same time, China OEMs are gaining market share in Thailand’s EV market. Mike Aistrup reports that the global powersports recreational products market is forecast to exceed US$ 35 Billion in 2025.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

  • CATL Expands Battery Market Share Lead in 2023
  • Electric Trucks Can Haul 100 Tons
  • Daimler’s Aims for Hydrogen Milestone
  • Toyota Maintains EV Market Skepticism

NORTH AMERICA:

  • Shell To Exit Light Duty FCEV Market in California
  • Global Powersports Market To Exceed $35 Billion in 2025

DATAPOINT: NA ATVs
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

  • VW To Invest US$250 Million in Argentina by 2026
  • Cummins To Produce New Off Highway Engine at Guarulhos Plant
  • Brazil Posts Record Heavy Duty Trailers Sales in January 2024  

JAPAN: Toyota and Chiyoda Develop Hydrogen Production System
SOUTH KOREA: Hyundai Motor Shifts EV Plans, Introduces Genesis Hybrid
THAILAND: Japanese Car Share Plummets in Thailand, China Gains Share
CHINA: LGMG and CATAL Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement
INDIA:
India FY25 Budget Is Driving EV Revolution

Hyundai Shifts EV Plans, Introduces Genesis Hybrid

SOUTH KOREA REPORT

Hyundai Motor Company is developing a hybrid vehicle for its Genesis luxury brand. The company had planned to focus on EVs and FCVs for the Genesis, which will be launched after 2025. The recent slowdown in the growth of the EV market has forced the company to change its strategy.

According to industry insiders, Hyundai Motor is developing a hybrid engine and related systems for the Genesis, which is expected to be launched in 2025. Hybrid models will be added to the mainstream GV80 and GV70 models. The company plans to expand its HV lineup under the Hyundai Motor and Kia brands as well, having decided to introduce HVs under its luxury car brands due to the risk of slumping sales if it continues to shift more toward EVs. Hyundai Motor’s HV sales in 2023 were up 53% from the previous year to approximately 380,000 units.

Read More»

Toyota and Chiyoda Develop Hydrogen Production System

JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

Toyota Motor Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation have announced the joint development of a hydrogen production system. The two companies plan to begin demonstration tests at Toyota’s main plant in fiscal 2025 and hope to begin marketing the system around fiscal 2027.

The system will produce hydrogen by electrolyzing water. It will have an output of about 5 megawatts and will be able to produce about 100 kilograms of hydrogen per hour. The new plant has a footprint of 6 meters wide by 2.5 meters deep, about half the size of a typical plant. By linking multiple plants, the production volume can be significantly increased.

Read More»

Car OEMs Announce US$ 14.3 Billion Investment in Brazil

BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA REPORT 
Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

In the past three months, the aggregate investments announced by automotive manufacturers in Brazil have reached a total of US$ 14.3 billion. The largest individual investment came from Stellantis, committing US$ 6 billion to the country between 2025 and 2030, marking a record sum among major vehicle manufacturers operating within the nation. A significant portion of this investment will be directed towards the development of flex-hybrid models.

This investment influx began in December, with Renault earmarking US$ 500 million for the production of a new SUV in Paraná, featuring engine variants that blend ethanol, gasoline, and electricity. In January this year, General Motors (GM) unveiled investments totaling US$ 1.4 billion aimed at product rejuvenation.

Read More»

Study Shows Plug-in Hybrids Aren’t as Clean as We Thought

A new report by the European Commission shows that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles create much more emissions than we previously thought – by an average of 3.5 times as much as lab testing indicates.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were thought to bring the best of both worlds – a large enough battery to take care of your daily tasks, paired with a gas engine for longer trips. There are downsides in cost and complexity, but the powertrain choice does provide more options than others.

Read More»