battery industry

Toyota is reported to be developing a fully electric version of the Corolla, the world's best-selling car. The move would mark a significant shift for the Japanese automaker, which has long favoured hybrids over battery-electric vehicles. Commenters are debating what an electric Corolla could mean for the mass-market EV segment and whether Toyota is finally committing more fully to battery power.

BYD says its solid-state electric vehicle battery technology is almost ready for real-world use. The Chinese automaker is among several manufacturers racing to commercialize solid-state batteries, which promise greater range, faster charging and improved safety over today's lithium-ion cells. Any movement toward production from a company of BYD's scale is being closely watched across the auto industry, as a breakthrough could reshape competition in the fast-growing electric vehicle market.

Li Auto has launched the i9, a new electric SUV offering a claimed range of 705 km and dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 400 kW. The model extends the Chinese automaker's battery-electric lineup and signals its push beyond range-extender vehicles. Industry watchers are weighing the i9's specifications against rival premium electric SUVs from Nio, Tesla and other Chinese brands.

An electric truck driver known as the Elektrotrucker has set off on an attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, the German manufacturer's long-haul electric truck. The expedition aims to demonstrate that battery-electric heavy trucks can handle long-distance, cross-continental journeys, testing charging infrastructure and range in real-world conditions far beyond normal freight routes.

Industry analysis argues that humanoid robots, rather than electric vehicles, will be the first real-world testing ground for solid-state batteries. Robots' smaller energy needs and higher tolerance for premium pricing let early solid-state cells enter use sooner, while carmakers' stricter cost, volume and safety requirements keep them waiting for the technology to mature.