Global EV & Tech News: Kia Hybrid, Guozi Robotics, EU ZEV, Nvidia Chips, GAC EVs

TL;DR

• Uber launches QR-based metro ticketing in Bengaluru via ONDC, integrating public transit with ride-hailing app
• Kia unveils second-generation Seltos with hybrid powertrain, V2L charging, and 12.3-inch dual screens for global rollout starting 2026
• Hithium’s Texas plant achieves mass production of battery packs using Guozi Robotics’ automated logistics system, boosting EV supply chain efficiency
• Waymo expands robotaxi testing to Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Diego as safety incidents in San Francisco prompt federal scrutiny and voluntary software recall
• EU automakers urge Brussels to uphold 2035 zero-emission target amid proposed flexibility in CO₂ regulations, threatening competitiveness with China
• GAC Motor launches AION V and HYPTEC HT electric models in Philippines, addressing EV charging infrastructure gaps with home charger incentives

Kia Seltos Gen-2 Launches Hybrid Powertrain and V2L Tech Amid Global EV Shift

What does the second-generation Kia Seltos offer in terms of electrification?

Kia introduced a 1.6L turbo hybrid powertrain paired with a 104kW electric motor, delivering 180hp and over 50mpg combined fuel economy. The hybrid variant includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, providing up to 3.6kW of external power for devices or EV charging.

How is the interior technology upgraded?

The vehicle features dual 12.3-inch high-resolution displays—an instrument cluster and central infotainment screen—with wireless smartphone connectivity, dual USB-C ports, and a 21-feature ADAS suite including adaptive cruise control and surround-view monitoring.

What are the dimensional and structural improvements?

Wheelbase increased by 1.8–3.0 inches; overall length grew by 2 inches. Boot capacity rose from 477L to 536L (+12%). High-strength steel usage increased by 12%, enhancing crash safety without raising curb weight.

What is the global rollout plan?

Market entry began in India (Oct–Dec 2025), with bookings opened on 11 Dec 2025 at a ₹25,000 deposit. Pricing announced on 2 Jan 2026. Rollout continues through 2026 in South Korea, North America, Europe, and China.

What is the pricing and sales target?

Base gasoline model starts at $25,000; hybrid AWD variant begins near $30,000. Kia targets 430,000 global sales across 2026–2027, with approximately 60% of European compact-SUV sales expected to come from the Seltos.

How does this model position against competitors?

Kia positions the Seltos as a benchmark against the Toyota RAV4, VW T-Roc, and Kia Sportage, integrating hybrid powertrain, V2L, and digital cockpit features at a competitive price point.

What broader industry trend does this reflect?

The integration of hybrid propulsion, V2L, and dual-screen digital interfaces signals accelerated adoption of electrified mobility and connected interiors in the global compact-SUV segment, aligning with consumer demand for utility and technology without premium pricing.

Hithium's Texas Plant Achieves 10 GWh Annual Battery Production Using Automated Logistics

How does Guozi Robotics’ system improve EV battery production efficiency?

Guozi Robotics deployed an integrated automated logistics system at Hithium’s 480,000 sq ft Texas facility, enabling mass production of battery packs at 10 GWh annually. The system includes reach-truck AGVs with 1.2 t load capacity and heavy-duty transport robots handling 60 t loads, both achieving ±10 mm docking accuracy. This precision reduces cell-handling latency by approximately 12 seconds per pallet.

What capital investment supported this deployment?

Guozi Robotics invested $200 million to fund the full automation suite, including hardware, software, and UL certification for all robotic systems. The solution was delivered as a pre-tested, plug-and-play package, eliminating site-specific customization delays.

How does this impact EV supply chain timelines?

The implementation cycle was completed 30% faster than comparable overseas projects. This acceleration reduces lead times for downstream OEMs, potentially lowering battery inventory costs by 5–7%. The plant now supplies enough battery packs for approximately 200,000 EVs annually.

What are the scalability and regulatory advantages?

The modular robot architecture allows capacity expansion to 15 GWh by 2027 without major civil works. All systems are UL-certified, ensuring compliance with North American safety standards and reducing regulatory barriers.

How does this affect regional competitiveness?

The Texas facility now matches throughput levels of major Asian and European gigafactories while providing a domestic supply source. This reduces reliance on cross-border logistics and mitigates geopolitical supply risks.

What industry benchmark has been set?

The 30% reduction in implementation time establishes a new standard for large-scale battery logistics automation. Competitors are likely to adopt similar integrated robotics models to remain competitive.

What is the strategic outlook?

Short-term focus will be on validating throughput and defect rates over the first 12 months. Mid-term plans include expanding capacity to serve over 300,000 EVs annually. Long-term, the facility may evolve into a regional hub for parts-in-out logistics and battery recycling integration.

EU Automakers Warn Delaying 2035 EV Target Risks Investment, Competitiveness, and Climate Goals

Should the EU Maintain Its 2035 Zero-Emission Vehicle Target?

An open letter signed by approximately 200 automotive stakeholders, including Polestar and Volvo Cars, urges the European Commission to uphold the legally binding 2035 zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) target. The Commission’s proposed December 16 automotive package introduces flexibility that could extend internal combustion engine (ICE) sales until 2040 and relax fleet-average CO₂ limits.

What Are the Economic Consequences of Delaying the Target?

• Investment risk: 78% of signatories state a 2040 phase-out would defer an average of €1.2 billion in EV-line capital spending per manufacturer, threatening the €150 billion EU EV investment pipeline.
• Competitiveness loss: China held 55% of global EV sales in 2024; the EU held 14%. Modeling projects a 3-point annual EU market-share decline through 2030 if the 2035 target is weakened.
• Supply-chain costs: The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) imposes €400–€600 per vehicle in tariffs on high-carbon components. A delayed ZEV target could raise per-vehicle costs by over €1,000 due to combined CBAM and prolonged ICE dependency.

How Does This Affect Climate Compliance?

The EU Climate Law mandates a 90% greenhouse gas reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. Upholding the 2035 ZEV target is critical to meeting the 85% domestic emissions reduction benchmark required under this pathway. Delaying the target risks breaching the benchmark, potentially forcing higher purchases of international carbon credits—limited to 5% of compliance under current law.

What Policy Misalignments Exist?

The proposed flexibility clause contradicts the EU Climate Law’s binding trajectory. Any amendment to the 2035 ZEV target triggers the law’s biennial review, creating regulatory uncertainty. CBAM cost pressures on ICE supply chains are amplified if EV transition slows, creating a double penalty: higher costs without emissions reduction.

What Actions Are Recommended?

• Codify the 2035 ZEV target without discretionary extensions to ensure regulatory certainty.
• Align the biennial climate law review cycle with automotive policy assessments to prevent internal contradictions.
• Implement transitional subsidies or tax credits for EU EV manufacturers during the 2026–2028 CBAM rollout to offset cost disadvantages.

The EU’s ability to compete globally and meet its climate obligations hinges on maintaining a clear, enforceable timeline for electrification.

GAC Motor Launches EVs in Philippines with Home Charger Incentives to Overcome Charging Infrastructure Gaps

How is GAC Motor addressing EV adoption barriers in the Philippines?

GAC Motor launched the AION V and HYPTEC HT electric vehicles at the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit on December 10, 2025. The AION V is priced at $25,600 with a 300-mile range, targeting price-sensitive urban commuters in a market with modest average vehicle income.

What role do home charger incentives play in this strategy?

GAC Motor bundles a Level-2 home charger with each vehicle purchase. The charger costs approximately $1,200 upfront but delivers annual savings of $300–$500 compared to public charging subscriptions. Qmerit provides free installation estimates to reduce adoption friction.

How does this compare to global EV market trends?

In Europe, Tesla registrations fell 58% in France and 59% in Sweden in December 2025, highlighting how inadequate public charging infrastructure suppresses demand. In contrast, OEMs including Ford-Renault, Peterbilt, BYD, and Xpeng have successfully paired vehicle launches with home-charging support in emerging markets.

What is the strategic impact of this approach?

By shifting part of the charging infrastructure investment from public to private actors, GAC reduces the total cost of ownership without waiting for government-led public charging expansion. This mirrors successful tactics in China and the U.S., where bundled home-charging solutions accelerate adoption in regions with sparse public networks.

What are the projected outcomes?

If 60% of new buyers utilize the home charger incentive, public charging demand could decline sufficiently to justify accelerated government investment in public infrastructure. Short-term, the launch is expected to increase Philippine EV registrations by 10–15% in Q1 2026.

What does this signal for the broader EV ecosystem?

Bundling home chargers with vehicle sales is becoming a standardized approach in emerging economies. GAC’s strategy demonstrates that OEMs can drive adoption by directly mitigating infrastructure gaps, reducing reliance on public sector action and creating a more scalable path to electrification.