Gasgoo Munich- What made headlines in the new energy vehicle market this week?Onvo's Second Anniversary: L80 launches, BaaS version starts from 156,800 yuanGasgoo reported on May 15 that Onvo hosted its "515 Family Joy Week and L80 Launch Event" in Hefei, marking the brand's second anniversary.William Li, founder, chairman, and CEO of NIO, officially unveiled pricing for the Onvo L80 at the event. The full purchase starts at 242,800 yuan, while the BaaS option begins at 156,800 yuan.Image Source: OnvoThe new model offers three trims: Pro, Max+, and Ultra+. Buyers can choose between two intelligent driving solutions: the Orin-X pure vision version or the Shenji chip with LiDAR version.Leveraging NIO's eleven-year legacy in pure-electric technology, the Onvo L80 is a reinvented large five-seat SUV. Positioned as an intelligent flagship, it begins nationwide deliveries on May 16.2026 marks a leap forward in Onvo's intelligent technology. The entire lineup will undergo upgrades, positioning Onvo as the only brand in its class to boast the "new three flagship intelligent tech components." With the staggered rollout of the 2026 Onvo L90 and L80, the brand is reshaping its model matrix.On the charging and swapping front, NIO has constructed 8,865 stations. The automaker plans to add 1,000 battery swap stations this year, pushing its "charging scenic routes" past 100. Meanwhile, Onvo service centers have reached 343 locations, with further expansion planned to meet user demand.Gasgoo Take: The Onvo L80's pricing is clearly competitive. Backed by NIO's battery-swapping network, the model could accelerate the segment's shift to "mass adoption." This marks a turning point as pure-electric large SUVs enter the mainstream.BYD in talks with Stellantis and others to acquire European factoriesGasgoo reported, citing Bloomberg, that BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li revealed the company is negotiating with Stellantis. It is also talking with other European automakers to acquire idle or underutilized plants.The world's largest EV seller is currently discussing potential transactions, with target sites likely located in countries such as Italy.When asked whether BYD had inspected Stellantis's underutilized Cassino plant in central Italy, Li responded that the company has toured "numerous factories" across Europe.Italy has emerged as a key candidate for BYD's European factory site. Over the longer term, countries with lower electricity costs, such as France, also hold appeal.As for negotiation partners, Li revealed: "We are talking not only with Stellantis but also with other companies. We are looking for available factories in Europe because we genuinely want to utilize this idle capacity."On May 14, BYD confirmed the report to the media but declined to provide further details.Gasgoo Take: Negotiating to take over plants from Stellantis and others would revitalize local assets. This demonstrates BYD's cooperative approach to integrating into Europe's industrial ecosystem. The move is likely to accelerate its expansion in overseas markets.Li Xiang says Li Auto won't initiate layoffsOn May 13, Gasgoo learned Li Auto CEO Li Xiang advised companies against hasty layoffs in a recent interview. Talent standards in the AI era have likely shifted, he argued. Using old criteria to cut staff risks mistakenly letting go of top performers.Li also stated that his company will not initiate layoffs.As the company upgrades its AI capabilities, a natural selection process will occur: those who doubt their own fit will leave, as will those who lose faith in the company.Image Source: Li AutoDiscussing AI's impact on individual capability, Li emphasized a distinction. Ordinary users can boost their overall skills with AI tools. However, only true professionals can fully unlock the technology's potential. "Those who master AI will reach unprecedented new heights," he said.Gasgoo Take: Li's comments reflect a management perspective on the shifting definition of talent in the AI era. By letting technology drive a natural selection process, the company avoids the reputational risks of active layoffs. It also aims to retain highly adaptable talent.Qijing Auto completes over 1 billion yuan capital increase; CATL, Bosch enter the frayGasgoo learned that Qijing Auto recently closed a strategic capital increase exceeding 1 billion yuan. The round featured investments from CATL and Bosch's Bosch Capital. It also included CITIC Securities, Shenzhen Investment Holdings, and other state-owned enterprises. The company also established an employee stock ownership platform to advance mixed-ownership reform.This capital injection focuses on bringing in industrial investors. As the global leader in power batteries, CATL offers stable supply and technical support. Meanwhile, Bosch Capital—deeply entrenched in the NEV sector—will help drive technological and industrial synergy. The influx of diverse capital enriches the equity structure. It also signals strong confidence from the capital market in the company's potential.Image Source: Qijing AutoPrior to the funding, Qijing Auto was wholly owned by GAC Group (approx. 71.43%) and GAC Aion (approx. 28.57%). Post-investment, their combined stake diluted to roughly 70%, though they retain controlling interest. The company plans to establish a market-oriented operating mechanism. This will enable autonomous, flexible decision-making and independent commercial operations.Gasgoo Take: As a high-end smart NEV brand jointly developed by GAC and Huawei, Qijing Auto is moving at a brisk pace. This capital injection will provide financial and resource backing. It is needed to accelerate product launches and market expansion.XPENG reportedly in talks to acquire Volkswagen's European factoryGasgoo reported, citing the Financial Times, that Chinese EV startup XPENG is negotiating with Volkswagen and other automakers to acquire a factory in Europe.Previously, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume indicated that the group might introduce models developed in China to the European market and even share capacity at its European plants with Chinese partners.However, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer stated at the Financial Times "Future of the Car Summit" that no automaker has expressed interest. This refers to the German plants slated for closure. Schäfer dismissed the reports as "pure nonsense."Elvis Cheng, XPENG's Managing Director for Northern and Eastern Europe, said the company is in discussions with Volkswagen. They aim to determine "whether it is possible to find a suitable factory site in Europe."The report notes that XPENG is also considering building a new plant in Europe. "We don't believe all existing factories can meet the requirements," Cheng told the Financial Times. He was referring to XPENG's latest or future products. Cheng added that some of Volkswagen's facilities are "a bit older."XPENG declined to comment on the reports.Gasgoo Take: For XPENG, securing a Volkswagen plant in Europe would be a critical move to bypass tariffs and accelerate localization. Building a new factory from scratch would significantly increase cost and time pressures. However, it remains to be seen whether these negotiations will materialize.
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