Going from strength to strength with new dealerships
Stephan Venter is making waves. Most recently with Changan Pretoria.
- Dealer News
- 24 October 2025
Various international motoring news outlets have reported that Ford will henceforth offer two different battery chemistries on its electric vehicles (EV).
This comes as the company introduces a lower-cost, shorter-range alternative to the battery pack currently used.
Ford made it clear though, that customers, of whom many were new to EVs, would not be burdened with having to make difficult decisions as to which type would be more suitable for their needs as the options will be woven into already-established configurations based on battery range.
Currently, Ford is using batteries in its EVs that contain nickel cobalt manganese chemistry but come spring, they will offer the less expensive lithium iron phosphate chemistry on its Mustang Mach-E. In 2024, it will also be introduced into the company’s F-150 Lightning.
Not only are these batteries low cost, but they are more durable and recharge faster, which is ideal for vehicles that are used for short trips, as opposed to nickel cobalt manganese batteries, which offer a longer range and are more energy dense. The latter are more suitable for customers who need to make long trips, tow or haul.
Customers would, however, continue to only have to make the simple choice between a standard-range or extended-range battery. Standard range will automatically get the lithium iron phosphate version, while extended range will get the nickel cobalt manganese version.
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is rapidly expanding its footprint in South Africa with a series of major investments aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to electric mobility.
Japan has lodged formal objections to Vietnam's ambitious plan to phase out petrol-powered motorbikes in Hanoi, arguing the accelerated timeline threatens to bankrupt suppliers and eliminate thousands of jobs in a market worth R85.7 billion annually, according to confidential documents obtained by Reuters.
The uptake of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) continues to gain momentum in South Africa, spurred on by the introduction of more affordable models into the local market.