Mixed view of Tesla as competition intensifies in China’s EV market
Market sentiment around Tesla is split. The Cybertruck showed signs of success as its price strategy in the 80 million won range gained traction and it effectively sold out about a year’s supply in a week. Policy controversy also continued as buyer complaints grew after changes to rules on transferring FSD.
In Canada, there was a move to shift Model 3 inventory to prepare for imports made in China. An environmental impact assessment named Tesla the most eco-friendly brand among EV makers. Even though Model Y was tallied as the top-selling global EV model in the first quarter of 2026, the market reaction was not as bright as expected, highlighting both achievements and concerns.
• Cybertruck bet on the 80 million won range worked; effectively sold out about a year’s supply in a week
• Tesla shifts Model 3 inventory in Canada; moves to prepare for China-made imports
• EVs: who makes them the cleanest? Tesla tops eco-friendly ranking; who is last?
• Tesla Model Y takes the EV crown in 2026 Q1; why the long face anyway?
• Tesla changes FSD transfer rules again; Cybertruck buyers face a bind
Moves by Chinese EV maker BYD also stood out. It is moving to boost EV competitiveness by pitching next-generation battery technology. BYD unveiled Blade Battery 2.0 and showcased an electric sedan promoting a 1,000 km range and 10-minute fast charging, signalling a shift in the EV battery paradigm through ultra-fast charging technology.
The market environment is not easy. First-quarter 2026 sales fell 36 percent from a year earlier, reflecting the impact of intensifying competition in China’s EV market. With technological innovation and market pressure appearing at the same time, attention is focused on BYD’s next strategy.
• BYD unveils electric sedan that can run 1,000 km on one charge; fitted with Blade Battery 2.0
• China’s BYD unveils Blade Battery 2.0; 1,000 km range and 10-minute fast charging
• BYD ultra-fast charging was not just a technology; signals a battery revolution
• BYD first-quarter 2026 sales fall 36 percent; China’s EV market competition intensifies
The bicycle market is rapidly diversifying as it reflects electrification and lifestyle trends. Heybike unveiled the lightweight electric bicycle Venus, targeting both performance and portability. Kuwahara introduced the retro-style BMX bicycle Grasshopper1, inspired by the bicycle in the film E.T..
Orbea unveiled the urban electric bicycle Carpe, stressing practicality. Quilk Cycle launched a steel road and gravel bike focused on long-distance riding. New products targeting diverse demand, from electrification and retro sensibility to urban mobility and long-distance riding, are continuing to compete.
• Light but with speed and performance intact; Heybike unveils lightweight electric bicycle Venus
• Bicycle from the film E.T. comes to life; Kuwahara launches retro-style BMX Grasshopper1
• Orbea unveils urban electric bicycle Carpe; applies a folding stem
• Optimised for long-distance riding; Quilk Cycle launches steel road and gravel bike
In the U.S. auto market, policy is emerging as a new variable. With Donald Trump’s policy stance and remarks having an unexpected impact on the EV market, some are even calling him the “best EV salesman”. Some automakers are showing moves to try to bypass regulation by using plug-in hybrid vehicles. As the shift to electrification accelerates, policy and regulatory response strategies are emerging as a new competitive variable in the auto industry.
• Trump, America’s best EV salesman?
• Plug-in hybrid “workaround”; can the U.S. auto industry dodge regulation?
Concerns are also rising over automotive software technology. As software-defined vehicles (SDVs) spread rapidly and the role of in-vehicle artificial intelligence (AI) grows, a recent accident in China has again drawn attention to the risks of a structure in which AI controls core vehicle functions.
• Tragedy caused by AI malfunction; are in-car voice commands a safety device or a threat?
• BMW’s electric SUV iX4 set for launch; sleeker than the iX3
• BMW to unveil new electric car i3 on March 18; signals Neue Klasse innovation
BMW is speeding up the expansion of its next-generation EV lineup. With the launch of the coupe-style electric SUV BMW iX4 approaching, a sleeker design than the existing BMW iX3 has been signalled.
The new BMW i3, set to be unveiled on March 18, is drawing attention as an innovative model based on the next-generation EV platform Neue Klasse. BMW is moving to full-scale design and technology changes aimed at a new era of EVs.
