Car news, 01 April ’25: Chinese automakers battle for title of fastest EV-charger, Mahindra announces new SUV for Australia
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday, April 1st 2025. Notably in car news today: Chinese automakers battle for title of fastest EV-charger, Mahindra’s new model set to shake up the compact SUV market.
Battle of the rapid-chargers: more manufacturers promising 1MW+ charging
Huawei and Zeekr have become the latest brands to take on the likes of BYD in developing ultra-high-voltage EV chargers, promising systems capable of well over one-megawatt charging. It’s claimed these high-voltage and load-intensive infrastructures are capable of charging 1000-volt EVs from seven to 50 percent in just 4.5 minutes under the right conditions.
Zeekr plans to take on BYD directly, with 1.2MW liquid-cooled charging stations, focusing on high-voltage passenger vehicles. According to Zeekr, the company expects to have 10,000 chargers operating in China by 2026.
Zeekr delivery center at Xinhuihu Building, Suzhou
Meanwhile, Huawei, the company best known for mobile phones, will soon have the highest wattage charger to date, though its 1.5MW 2400A charger will not be available for private use. The infrastructure, which claims charging of 20kWh per minute and a full charge in 15 minutes, is focused on heavy-duty EV trucks.
It is highly unlikely Australia will receive any variation of Megawatt charger in the coming years. The slow take-up on EVs coupled with a lack of infrastructure support critically limits the technology’s reach within the nation.
Mahindra’s new model set to shake up the compact SUV market
Mahindra Australia will officially unveil its new XUV 3XO compact SUV to the public at the Melbourne Motor Show on the 5th of April 2025.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO will likely start at around $25,000, to rival the most competitively priced SUVs on the market, including the $22,500 (MSRP) Hyundai Venue, $35,490 Suzuki Vitara and $34,060 Mazda CX-30.
In India, the petrol XUV 3XO uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine which develops 82kW/200Nm or 96kW/230Nm with an intercooler. It is offered with either a six-speed automatic or manual, and is exclusively front-wheel drive.
Additionally, the diesel XUV 3XO uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel developing 85kW/300Nm. It is exclusively front-wheel drive, and uses either an ‘AutoSHIFT+’ six-speed automated manual, or a conventional manual transmission. Australian-spec powertrains and pricing are not yet confirmed.
New CEO for Honda Australia promises electrification and innovation
Honda Australia has appointed Jay Joseph as new Presidentand CEO of the Japan-based company. Joseph has an extensive background with Honda, and boats over 27 years in the company.
Working as Vice President of Sustainability & Business Development for Honda America, its claimed that Jay Joseph has an in-depth knowledge of the brand’s electrification and new energy solutions. He has promised to “ lead the business into the future of electrification”
The president and CEO position of Honda Australia is a unique, multi-faceted role as it focuses not only on passenger and commercial vehicles, but also entails motorcycles, power equipment and marine divisions.
Outgoing Honda Australia President and CEO Yoshitaka Okamoto will remain as part of the Honda brand, moving to a motorsport-focused leadership role in Japan.
Volkswagen take charge on new EV sales
Volkswagen Australia will spearhead a unique offer to the first 500 buyers of either the new ID.4 Pro orID.5 GTX: free standard installation of a 7kW home EV charger will be offered at no extra charge after purchasing one of the new full-electric models.
The 7kW home-charging infrastructure and installation has a claimed combined value of $1899, according to Volkswagen. The offer includes 20m of cabling, safety switch, circuit breaker and the cost of a certified installer.
The home-charger offer is packaged with Volkswagen’s new-to-Australia ID4 Pro and ID5 GTX, which were originally promised to launch back in 2023. Both models are closely related and competitively priced – $72,990 (MSRP) for the coupe styled, performance oriented ID5 GTX, and $59,990 for the traditional SUV styled family-oriented ID4 Pro.
Volkswagen claims the limited offer free home-charger installation will “bring peace of mind to the EV ownership experience”. Whether or not Volkswagen’s new EV offensive, which includes discounted charging through Ampol, the ‘On EV’ future value program, and 24 month service intervals, will increase buyership is yet to be proven.
