Lucas Herrera
Clean Energy & EV Reporter

Solar, wind, batteries, and the EV supply chain. Grew up in Chile's lithium triangle — understands the resource side of the energy transition firsthand.

Latest

Tesla increased the prices of its Model Y Premium and Performance trims by up to $1,000 in the U.S., marking the first price hike for the popular electric vehicle in two years.

Tesla Model Y price increases by up to $1,000 in US

**Key Takeaways:** * Tesla raised Model Y prices in the U.S. for the first time in two years, with increases of up to $1,000 on premium trims. * The price hike affects the Premium RWD, Premium AWD, and Performance AWD models, while base trims remain unchanged. * The move comes as delivery centers report being "swamped" with orders, suggesting the increase is a response to strong demand, potentially fueled by rising gas prices.

Xiaomi Auto announced that its new model, the Xiaomi SU7 GT, will be officially launched at 19:00 on May 21, intensifying competition in the EV market.

Xiaomi to Launch SU7 GT on May 21, Escalating EV Race With Tesla

**Key Takeaways** * Xiaomi will launch its high-performance SU7 GT electric vehicle on May 21, intensifying competition in China's premium EV market. * The launch comes as competitor Tesla's China EV market share slipped to 4% in April and rival BYD deploys 5-minute flash charging. * Xiaomi's EV division reported 223.8% revenue growth last year, but the parent company faces pressure on profit margins ahead of its May 26 earnings.

ELEKTROS Inc. (ELEK) stock jumped 33.33% after the company announced it issued a cease-and-desist notice to a major automaker for alleged infringement of its EV fast-charging patent and is exploring strategic alternatives for the IP.

ELEK stock surges 33% on EV patent action and lithium plans

**Key Takeaways** * ELEKTROS Inc. shares jumped 33.33% Friday after detailing its EV patent and lithium strategy. * The company issued a cease-and-desist notice to a major automaker over its fast-charging patent. * ELEK is exploring a sale or licensing of its EV charging technology portfolio.

At the 2026 Yangwang Business School conference, BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu stated that the company's battery production capacity is currently tight due to the production ramp-up of its Dynasty, Ocean, Denza, and Yangwang vehicle lines, but anticipates monthly sales will increase as battery capacity expands.

BYD Battery Shortage Crimps Output as 4 EV Lines Ramp Up

* BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu confirms the company is facing tight battery production capacity, affecting multiple vehicle lines. * The constraint comes as four major BYD vehicle series—Dynasty, Ocean, Denza, and Yangwang—are in a critical production growth phase. * BYD anticipates monthly sales will climb as new battery production capacity comes online, but near-term output may be limited.

Wall Street Journal columnist Christopher Mims will host a live Q&A to address public questions regarding the ownership of electric vehicles.

WSJ Columnist to Host Live Q&A on EV Ownership Amid 47% Buyer Hesitancy

**The Wall Street Journal is opening the floor for public questions on electric vehicle ownership, tapping its veteran technology columnist to address the joys and struggles of going electric.**

An influx of nearly 300,000 off-lease electric vehicles is entering the U.S. market in 2026, coinciding with high oil prices, which has increased used EV sales by 28% year-over-year as of March 2026.

Used EV market surges 28% as 300,000 cars come off lease

**Key Takeaways:** * A flood of nearly 300,000 off-lease electric vehicles is entering the U.S. market in 2026, increasing the supply of affordable used EVs. * U.S. sales of used EVs jumped 28% year-over-year as of March, driven by the combination of increased supply and high gasoline prices. * The total cost of ownership for many used EVs is now lower than for comparable gasoline cars, according to recent university analysis, accelerating mainstream adoption.

Li Auto Inc. on May 15, 2026, launched its all-new Li L9, a premium family SUV, with deliveries starting May 17.

Li Auto Launches L9 Flagship SUV Starting at $63,400 to Challenge Rivals

**Key Takeaways:** * Li Auto launched its all-new Li L9 flagship family SUV, with deliveries beginning May 17, just two days after its official launch. * The L9 is priced from RMB459,800 (approximately $63,400) for the Ultra trim to RMB509,800 ($70,300) for the Livis trim, targeting the premium market. * The launch intensifies competition in China's premium EV sector, positioning the L9 against rivals like the AITO M9 and NIO ES8.

Toyota Motor has filed for approval to invest approximately $2 billion in a new vehicle assembly line at its existing manufacturing complex in Texas.

Toyota to Build $2 Billion Texas Assembly Line, Boosting US Push

- Toyota files for a $2 billion vehicle assembly line in San Antonio. - Project to create 2,000 jobs, with production starting in 2030. - Investment deepens Toyota's manufacturing footprint in the North American market.

Law firm DLA Piper advised Spanish multinational Grupo Cox on the closing of its US$4.2 billion acquisition of Iberdrola's Mexico assets, which was finalized on May 14, 2026, based on an agreement signed in July 2025.

Grupo Cox Seals $4.2 Billion Iberdrola Mexico Asset Buyout

**Key Takeaways:** * Grupo Cox closes its US$4.2 billion acquisition of Iberdrola's Mexico assets, a landmark transaction for the region's energy sector. * The deal includes 2,600 MW of operating capacity and a 12,000 MW renewable project pipeline, making Cox a major player in Mexico. * Financing was secured through a US$2.65 billion syndicated loan and contributions from institutional investors.

HK & CHINA GAS and EnerVenue launched a pilot project in Jiangsu, China, for a new aqueous metal battery with 5 times the lifespan of lithium-ion.

New aqueous metal battery has 5 times the life of lithium

**Key Takeaways:** * A 150 kWh aqueous metal battery pilot project is now operational in Jiangsu, China, at an electric bus charging station. * The new battery technology from EnerVenue has a lifespan 5 times longer than lithium-ion and operates from -20°C to 60°C. * The project marks the first global deployment, offering a non-flammable, safer alternative for the growing grid storage market.

On May 14, 2026, China Yuchai International Limited (NYSE: CYD) announced the introduction of its first high-pressure, direct-injection internal combustion engine that operates entirely on ammonia, designed for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

China's Yuchai Bets on Ammonia Engine in Uphill Battle Against Batteries

**Key Takeaways:** * China Yuchai has launched its first heavy-duty truck engine that runs entirely on ammonia, claiming diesel-like efficiency and zero carbon emissions. * The technology enters a market where battery-electric trucks are gaining significant market share, especially in China where 20 percent of 2025 heavy truck sales were electric. * Yuchai’s ammonia strategy faces the same immense infrastructure and fuel cost challenges that have led to a nearly 40 percent failure rate for hydrogen transportation ventures.

More than 10 Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla and BYD, are raising prices in the second quarter of 2026, signaling a potential end to a long-running price war.

China's EV Price War Cools as 10+ Makers Hike Prices

**A brutal two-year price war in China’s electric vehicle market shows signs of ending, as more than 10 manufacturers, including Tesla and BYD, raise prices to protect nascent profitability.**

NV Energy plans to cut electricity for 49,000 residents in the Lake Tahoe area after May 2027 to divert the power supply to AI data centers.

NV Energy to Cut Power for 49,000 Tahoe Residents for AI Data Centers

* NV Energy will terminate its power contract with a Lake Tahoe utility after May 2027, affecting 49,000 residents. * The move redirects 75% of the area's power supply to serve a surge in demand from new AI data centers. * Data centers are projected to consume 35% of Nevada's electricity by 2030, up from 22% in 2024.

BYD launches 2 new 800V SUVs with Huawei ADS tech

**Key Takeaways:** * BYD's Fangchengbao brand has launched the Bao 5 and Bao 8 Flash-Charge editions, featuring an 800V platform and advanced hydraulic suspension. * The flagship Bao 8 is the first BYD-group vehicle to integrate Huawei's top-tier Qiankun advanced driving system, a direct challenge to competitors in the premium smart EV space. * **Limited-Time Launch Pricing:** | Model | Price (RMB) | Price (USD, approx.) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Bao 5 | 299,800 | $43,900 | | Bao 8 | 409,800 | $60,100 |

Chinese EV startup Xpeng is in talks with Volkswagen and other automakers to acquire a factory in Europe, signaling an aggressive push into the continent.

Xpeng Eyes VW Factory to Accelerate 5-Model European Push

**Key Takeaways:** * Xpeng is in active negotiations with Volkswagen to purchase one of its European manufacturing plants, the Financial Times reports. * The move is part of a wider strategy by Chinese EV makers, including BYD and Geely, to establish a production footprint inside the EU. * Acquiring a factory would allow Xpeng to bypass import tariffs and logistical costs, accelerating its competition with European incumbents.

A first-quarter sales crisis in China, with Mercedes-Benz down 27 percent, is forcing foreign luxury automakers to abandon their global strategy and localize product, pricing, and technology to compete with domestic rivals.

Luxury Auto's 30-year China Playbook Flips After 27% Sales Drop

**Key Takeaways:** * Foreign luxury brands face a sales crisis in China, with Mercedes-Benz Q1 sales falling 27 percent and BMW down 10 percent. * The 30-year-old model of selling globalized cars has failed as Chinese consumers now prioritize in-car technology and software over legacy brand prestige. * In response, automakers are localizing development with Chinese tech firms, resetting price structures, and overhauling dealer networks to survive.

German solar inverter maker SMA Solar reports a 27% jump in home and business sales as the Iran war pushes Europeans toward rooftop solar, but a surge in installations is causing negative electricity prices, threatening project profitability.

European solar demand booms 27% but profitability questions loom

**Key Takeaways:** * SMA Solar’s home and business sales jump 27 percent as the Iran war boosts European demand for energy security. * Surging solar installations are leading to oversupply, with the share of solar power generated during negative price hours hitting 46.8 percent in Germany. * The European Central Bank's rate hikes to curb war-led inflation add a challenging financing layer to new clean energy projects.

Stellantis announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with Chinese automaker Leapmotor, enabling Leapmotor to begin producing a vehicle model for the European market in 2028.

Stellantis to build Leapmotor EVs in Europe, targeting 2028 launch

**Stellantis is deepening its ties with Chinese automakers, a move that could reshape the European electric vehicle market.**

Chinese EV giant BYD is in negotiations with Stellantis and other carmakers to acquire idle factories in Europe, a move to expand its manufacturing footprint.

BYD Eyes Stellantis Factories to Accelerate Its 22% European EV Push

**The world's largest EV maker is in talks to buy existing European plants, a move that could sidestep tariffs and rapidly increase its local production capacity.**

Ford Motor Co. launched Ford Energy, a new subsidiary to manufacture and sell 20 GWh of battery energy storage systems annually from its repurposed Kentucky factory.

Ford targets 20 GWh battery output in $2 billion pivot to energy

**Ford is repurposing billions in underutilized electric vehicle battery capacity to directly challenge Tesla in the booming grid-scale energy storage market, a move driven by surging demand from AI data centers.**

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