
Chery’s Lepas moves into premium SUV segment
Chery’s latest international brand, LEPAS, has reached a major milestone as its first model – the L8 – officially rolls off the production line.
- Industry News
- 25 April 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.
Widespread rains over large parts of South Africa recently led to rivers breaking their banks and, in some cases, flooding streets and homes. The volume of water has raised concerns among agricultural economists over possible damage to crops.
22 April marks Earth Day 2025, a global movement dedicated to educating and empowering businesses and individuals to make more sustainable choices, particularly in renewable energy.
In 2025, Chery will introduce 19 hybrid models across the HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and REEV (range-extender electric vehicle) categories.