What were the biggest headlines in the EV market this week?Dongfeng Motor’s next-gen solid-state battery to enter mass production in H2Dongfeng Motor confirmed to Gasgoo that its self-developed next-generation solid-state battery will begin mass installation in vehicles during the second half of this year.Seen as a critical frontier in EV battery technology, the cells use highly thermally stable solid electrolytes. This approach is designed to mitigate thermal runaway risks at the source while boosting energy density within the same footprint.Image Source: Dongfeng MotorDongfeng’s pilot workshop is already running a fully automated line, handling over 20 processes from material feeding to welding. The automaker established a dedicated team back in 2018 to focus on an oxide-polymer composite route, refining formulations and processes ever since. Today, the company claims full control over core tech, spanning electrode materials and solid electrolytes to full pack integration.To tackle production hurdles like wide electrode gaps and high internal resistance caused by the hardness of solid electrolytes, the team looked to real-world driving scenarios. By optimizing internal contact surfaces to cut energy loss and deploying proprietary tech—such as directional pressure relief, thermal-electric separation, and novel materials—they’ve managed to clear the path for mass production.Gasgoo Takeaway: This marks a tangible step for state-owned enterprises in solid-state battery industrialization, though initial scale and cost efficiency remain to be proven.Leapmotor repeats as Italy’s EV sales leader in May, share climbs to 34.5%New data from Dataforce obtained by Gasgoo on June 11 shows Leapmotor maintained its lead in Italy’s EV market in May 2026. Registrations hit 4,765 units—a 1,278% surge from a year earlier—while market share climbed to a record 34.5%. In the private channel, its share reached 48%, securing the top spot.Image Source: LeapmotorThe T03 held its ground as Italy’s best-selling EV, ranking third overall and second in private sales. Meanwhile, the B10 defended its title as the leader in the electric C-segment SUV category.After rising to the top of Italy’s EV sales charts in March, Leapmotor has sustained that momentum. The first quarter saw 11,637 registrations, capturing a 33.5% share of the local market. In April, registrations hit 4,496 units—up 1,300% year-on-year—securing a 33.5% market share and a commanding 51.1% share in the private EV sector.Gasgoo Takeaway: Leapmotor is establishing a firm foothold in mainstream Europe, serving as a prime example of Chinese EV brands exporting a “tech-plus-manufacturing-plus-localization” model.Saidou’s new brand is set: Seres factories, ByteDance models, and DeepRoute.ai driving techOn the evening of June 9, Saidou Technology took the stage in Beijing to unveil AIVA, a new AI-driven automotive brand. The name stands for “Artificial Intelligence Voyage Ahead,” signaling a vision where AI accompanies the driver. The AIVA Origin Concept debuted alongside the announcement, with the first production model—the AIVA ME7—slated for launch later this year.Formerly known as Seres’ Landi Technology, Saidou completed a 6.671 billion yuan capital increase in late May, bringing in several new shareholders ahead of this debut. The AIVA launch represents Seres’ bid to build a second growth engine beyond its AITO partnership with Huawei, signaling a move to explore parallel technology paths.AIVA President Li Bo outlined the brand’s core philosophy: “AI defines the car; first comes AI, then the vehicle.” He argued that while traditional development relies on surveys and human intuition, the AI era allows for needs to be identified actively and at scale.Gasgoo Takeaway: Beyond AITO, Seres is laying the groundwork for a second growth engine. The “AI-defined car” positioning aims to break from traditional automotive logic, but true technical differentiation will depend on the product’s market performance upon mass production.NIO’s new ES8 sales hit 11,472 units in May, clinching the large SUV title for a sixth straight monthNIO announced on June 9 that retail sales of the new ES8 reached 11,472 units in May. The model has secured the top spot in the large SUV segment and the 400,000 yuan-plus price bracket for six consecutive months.Retail sales have topped 10,000 units for seven months running since November 2025. In May, it remained the only model in the large SUV and 400,000 yuan-plus categories to breach that threshold. This performance cements the new ES8’s leadership in the high-end electric SUV sector.Riding this sales wave, NIO has rolled out limited-time purchase incentives. From now through July 31, 2026, customers who lock in an order for the new ES8 will receive a complimentary pilot zero-gravity seat for the driver, five years of free access to NOP+ assisted driving, and a premium aviation-style five-piece interior set.Buyers can also opt for a 60-month financing plan through NIO’s partners, requiring zero down payment. The plan offers a 0% annualized rate for the first three years and 3% for the final two years.Gasgoo Takeaway: These numbers validate the potential of the high-end electric SUV market and highlight NIO’s rising brand premium and product strength.Richard Yu unveils Zunjie V800, positioned as an “ultra-luxury MPV”On June 8, Richard Yu, Executive Director of Huawei and Chairman of the Consumer Business Group, shared a promotional video for the Zunjie V800. “Class-leading space, luxury travel—exploring a new experience in ultra-luxury MPVs,” he wrote.The V800 is the first MPV under the Zunjie brand, part of the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), and marks the brand’s second production model following the S800.Image Source: ZunjieThe V800 was previously filed with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Positioned as a large, seven-seater extended-range MPV, it falls into the D-class category.The full release of official images and specs suggests the new model is inching closer to its launch in the second half of 2026.Design-wise, the V800 carries forward the Zunjie family’s classic luxury language while refining details for its MPV role. It features a long hood paired with a closed front fascia, anchored by a large central logo that emphasizes its commanding, luxurious presence.Gasgoo Takeaway: This marks HIMA’s latest expansion into the ultra-luxury segment following the S800. Whether the V800 can achieve success in the high-end MPV space will directly influence the alliance’s standing in the luxury market.
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