CONNECT WITH US
Tuesday 10 December 2024
RiTdisplay gains success in energy business while fostering new opportunities in biotech sector
PMOLED panel manufacturer RiTdisplay has been aggressively expanding into the energy storage and battery sectors in recent years. After successfully upgrading its energy business to another level, the company is now incubating a biotech venture, focusing on medical plasma wound treatment devices.
Monday 9 December 2024
LGES acquires GM battery plant after Trump's election
In light of the sluggish electric vehicle (EV) market and uncertainties following Donald Trump's re-election, LG Energy Solution (LGES) will acquire all shares of the battery plant jointly constructed with General Motors (GM) in Michigan. However, both parties will continue their collaboration on battery technology, focusing on the development of prismatic batteries.
Tuesday 3 December 2024
European auto layoffs ripple across supply chains as Chinese EV makers face setbacks
The European automotive supply chain faces deepening turmoil, with industry giants like Bosch, Valeo, and Ford announcing extensive layoffs. These developments underscore the ongoing slump in market conditions and the mounting pressure on supply chain sustainability across the region.
Monday 2 December 2024
Rohm, Valeo team up for next-gen power electronics
Rohm Semiconductor and Valeo have jointly announced a collaboration to design and develop the next generation of power modules for electric motor inverters, combining their expertise in power electronics control. In the initial phase, Rohm will provide Valeo with a 2-in-1 SiC molded module TRCDRIVE pack for future powertrain applications.
Friday 29 November 2024
Push for cobalt-free batteries gains momentum amid geopolitical risks
Lithium-ion batteries, a cornerstone of modern technology, traditionally rely on cobalt for their stability and energy density. However, cobalt's high cost, environmental concerns, and its concentration in geopolitically unstable regions have raised alarms about supply chain vulnerabilities.
Thursday 28 November 2024
2025 EV price war looms as SAIC joins supply chain cost-cutting push
On November 26, BYD announced a directive requiring its suppliers to implement a 10% cost reduction starting January 1, 2025. Following this, SAIC Maxus has reportedly launched a similar initiative, also targeting a 10% cost cut across its upstream supply chain, further intensifying market-wide cost optimization efforts.
Thursday 28 November 2024
Tesla falters in TÜV safety rankings, Honda Jazz leads the pack
Tesla's Model 3 has hit a roadblock in Germany's prestigious TÜV safety rankings, while Honda's Jazz demonstrates exceptional reliability in the latest assessment. The 2025 TÜV report, analyzing over 10.2 million vehicle inspections across 228 models between mid-2023 and mid-2024, reveals significant challenges for the American EV maker.
Wednesday 27 November 2024
Honda to begin all-solid-state battery trials in 2025, targets cost cuts to rival Chinese EVs
Honda plans to start trial production of all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) in January 2025, aiming to double EV driving range and reduce battery costs by 25% compared to conventional lithium-ion solutions.
Friday 22 November 2024
Japan halts funding for all-polymer battery firm APB amid company crisis
Japanese authorities have officially terminated subsidies for APB Corp, a pioneer in next-generation all-polymer battery technology, amid severe financial difficulties and leadership turmoil.
Wednesday 20 November 2024
Foxconn invests NT$15.9 billion to establish flagship headquarters in southern Taiwan
On November 19, Foxconn announced that it had successfully obtained the qualification as the best applicant for the Kaohsiung Metro Y15 Station land development project. The company aims to continue local maritime culture and build a world-class landmark on the site, where Foxconn's flagship headquarters in southern Taiwan will be located.
Tuesday 19 November 2024
Chinese automotive giants dazzle with smart driving innovations, steering China's 2025 market trends
Auto Guangzhou 2024, opening on November 15, stands as China's final flagship auto event of the year. It previews key trends that will shape the 2025 automotive market. With 1,171 new models showcased, including 512 electric vehicles (EVs), the event highlights the surging dominance of China's local EV brands.
Monday 18 November 2024
LG Energy Solution becomes SpaceX's first long-term battery supplier in strategic aerospace shift
LG Energy Solution (LGES) is set to become SpaceX's first long-term external battery supplier, marking a strategic shift from SpaceX's traditional reliance on in-house battery production. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and reliability as SpaceX accelerates its launch frequencies and pursues ambitious goals, including Mars exploration.
Friday 15 November 2024
Trump's return may reshape Tesla's China battery strategy for mass-market EVs
The anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House could prove pivotal for Tesla's strategy in energy and advanced self-driving technology, as the integration of AI into advanced autonomous driving is expected to significantly enhance the affordable battery electric vehicles (BEVs) market.
Thursday 14 November 2024
CATL open to US investment if Trump welcomes Chinese capital
CATL's chairman and CEO Robin Zeng has expressed willingness to build a factory in the US if President-Elect Donald Trump is willing to open the door for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) investments. This strategic shift comes as Chinese manufacturers face mounting pressure from Trump's tariffs on EV and lithium battery imports.
Wednesday 13 November 2024
SEIT and Taipower pioneer community EV charging with smart systems
On November 12, SEIT Corporation announced it is the first electric vehicle (EV) energy management system (EMS) provider to connect with Taiwan Power Company's (Taipower) distributed renewable energy advanced management system (DREAMS). Using the Open Smart Charging Protocol (OSCP), SEIT's EMS is now integrated with Taipower's Electricity Load Management Optimizer (ELMO), designed to support community EV charging stations by balancing power demand and maintaining grid stability.
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Trump's second term set to shake up US tech landscape: ripples across AI, semiconductors, EVs, and China ties
During his US presidential campaign trail, President-Elect Donald Trump vowed to overturn key Biden administration policies. Now, with his election victory, the tech sector awaits significant policy shifts that could reshape multiple industries.
Monday 11 November 2024
SK On achieves first-ever profit, powered by 4 key success factors
SK On, SK Innovation's battery manufacturing subsidiary, posted its first quarterly operating profit of KRW24 billion (approx. US$17.19 million) since becoming independent in October 2021, marking a significant break from its long-standing losses.
Friday 8 November 2024
Trump's Mexico tariff threat could reshape global auto supply chain
With Donald Trump set to return to the White House, he's pledging a platform of low taxes, high tariffs, strict immigration policies, and opposition to the Green New Deal, raising concerns about economic disruption. Industry experts warn these moves could trigger global economic volatility, particularly affecting manufacturing sectors.
Thursday 7 November 2024
Chinese lithium battery makers face domestic price wars amid global expansion hurdles
Despite their dominance of over 60% of the global lithium battery market, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly seeking to expand abroad to escape fierce competition and price wars at home. However, regulatory pressures from Europe and the US may soon force some firms to retreat to domestic operations.
Tuesday 5 November 2024
Toyota, Hyundai chiefs signal potential alliance in racing event, fueling EV cooperation speculation
Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung's historic first public meeting in South Korea has sparked speculation about potential collaboration between the world's top automakers. The leaders met at a joint "Hyundai N x Toyota GAZOO Racing" event, where Toyoda, speaking in Korean, referenced their earlier private meeting in Japan and hinted at future partnership opportunities.
Monday 4 November 2024
Will Trump's policies open the door for Chinese EV makers in the US?
The US presidential election outcome is poised to shake up the global auto supply chain. A Trump victory could reshape the industry by repealing the Inflation Reduction Act(IRA) and easing carbon emission rules for fuel vehicles. Thus creating an entry for Chinese manufacturers to build factories and create jobs in the US.
Wednesday 30 October 2024
Chinese EV makers rush EU shipments ahead of 35% tariff initiation
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are accelerating their European shipments ahead of potential anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 35% that could take effect from November 1. While recent EU-China negotiations have made progress on pricing terms, significant uncertainties persist in the evolving trade landscape.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Tesla's ambitious plans face regulatory and supply chain hurdles
Tesla's third-quarter results exceeded market expectations, with gross margins rising to 19.8%. The company attributed the performance to lower per-vehicle costs, but analysts highlighted the significant boost from near-record carbon credit sales and Full Self-Driving (FSD) software revenue.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Electric bus fire highlights the crucial role of materials and swapping systems in battery safety
Battery safety has become a pressing issue following the complete destruction of nine electric buses in central Taiwan due to alleged spontaneous combustion on October 21, and two-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) have also faced ongoing scrutiny. In light of these events, insiders from the battery supply chain have analyzed the situation from both material and systemic perspectives.
Monday 28 October 2024
Battery giants clash: CALB sues CATL, Tesla for patent infringement
The ongoing patent dispute between China's two major battery leaders, CATL and CALB, has escalated. Following a patent lawsuit filed by CATL against CALB in 2021, the latter has recently retaliated with four lawsuits claiming that CATL infringed on its patents, seeking approximately CNY1 billion (approx. US$140 million).
megawin
The Future of AI Chips: Driving Growth and Challenge
Geopolitics may bring dramatic shifts in semiconductor industry
Samsung expands mobile phone production beyond Asian countries, says DIGITIMES Research
SLMs to increase presence in GenAI business opportunities, says DIGITIMES Research
Generative AI market to reach US$1.5 trillion by 2030 with Taiwan holds hardware advantage; software and services to see promising future, says DIGITIMES Research