CHINA: BYD and Geely Fight Over Mexico Plant, China Cuts Tariffs and Solid State Battery Standards | 17 Feb 2026
About this episode
Chinese automakers BYD and Geely are competing to acquire a major manufacturing plant in Mexico, signaling China's expanding influence in Latin America's EV market amid complex trade and tariff dynamics. China has also reduced tariffs on EU dairy imports after a long dispute, easing tensions. BYD has secured a high-profile partnership with Manchester City football club, boosting its brand visibility. Meanwhile, China is set to introduce its first solid-state battery standards this year, aiming to clarify technology definitions and support mass production. Lithium carbonate prices surged sharply in January due to policy shifts and supply-demand changes. Additionally, Poland has banned Chinese-made vehicles from military bases, highlighting geopolitical concerns.
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BYD AND GEELY BATTLER OVER MEXICO COMPAS PLANT https://evne.ws/3OfTLdp
CHINA CUTS EU DAIRY TARIFFS AFTER EV DISPUTE https://evne.ws/4tKGg5B
BYD SIGNS MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH MANCHESTER CITY https://evne.ws/3ZLRpFt
CHINA SETS FIRST SOLID-STATE BATTERY STANDARD https://evne.ws/4as1M6e
LITHIUM CARBONATE PRICES JUMP AS POLICY SHIFTS https://evne.ws/4bWH0OD
POLAND BARS CHINESE CARS FROM MILITARY SITES https://evne.ws/4cBFilZ
BYD
"Today, BYD and Julie fight over a factory."
BYD is a big car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries, which are important for the future of cars.
BYD is a major Chinese automotive brand specializing in electric vehicles and batteries, playing a significant role in the global EV market.
tariffs
"China cuts tariffs and solid-state batteries,"
Tariffs are extra taxes that countries put on cars coming from other countries, making them more expensive.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can affect the price and competitiveness of vehicles in different markets.
solid-state batteries
"China cuts tariffs and solid-state batteries,"
Solid-state batteries are a new kind of battery that can store more power and are safer than regular batteries in electric cars.
Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, offering higher energy density, improved safety, and longer life compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
military base vehicle restrictions
"I'll tell you why Poland has banned Chinese-made vehicles from entering military bases."
Sometimes, military places don't allow certain cars inside because they want to keep things safe and secure.
Some countries restrict certain vehicles from entering military bases for security or safety reasons, such as concerns over foreign-made vehicles.
EV market
"Welcome to EV News, China, the podcast dedicated to the world's biggest EV market."
The EV market is where people buy and sell electric cars, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gas.
The EV market refers to the industry and sales of electric vehicles, which is rapidly growing worldwide, especially in China.
Nissan
"Nissan and Mercedes have decided to sell up their joint venture factory in Agua Calientes, Mexico."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many types of cars, including electric ones.
Nissan is a Japanese automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles including electric models like the Nissan Leaf.
joint venture
"Nissan and Mercedes have decided to sell up their joint venture factory in Agua Calientes, Mexico."
A joint venture is when two companies work together and share a factory or project to make cars.
A joint venture in the automotive industry is a partnership where two or more companies share ownership and operation of a manufacturing facility or project.
manufacturing plant
"It's known as the Compass Plant, the cooperative manufacturing plant Agua Calientes."
A manufacturing plant is a big building where cars are made or put together.
A manufacturing plant is a factory where vehicles or vehicle components are assembled or produced.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
"...hicles a year. They built it to make the Mercedes GLB and Nissan's an Infinity QX-50 and the QX-55."
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a small, fancy SUV that can fit more people than most cars its size because it has extra seats in the back. It's a good choice if you want a comfortable and nice-looking car that can carry your family or friends.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a compact luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and versatile seating options, including an available third row. It stands out in the Mercedes lineup for combining practicality with premium features, making it a popular choice for families seeking a smaller yet upscale SUV.
Infiniti QX55
"They built it to make the Mercedes GLB and Nissan's an Infinity QX-50 and the QX-55."
The Infiniti QX55 is a sportier, stylish version of the QX50 SUV, with a sleeker look but the same kind of power.
The Infiniti QX55 is a coupe-style luxury crossover SUV based on the QX50 platform, offering a sportier design with similar performance and features.
Infiniti QX50
"They built it to make the Mercedes GLB and Nissan's an Infinity QX-50 and the QX-55."
The Infiniti QX50 is a fancy small SUV that uses smart engine technology to give good power and save gas.
The Infiniti QX50 is a luxury compact crossover SUV featuring advanced technology and a variable compression turbocharged engine for improved performance and efficiency.
model year refresh
"Mercedes pulled the GLB, Nissan's not announced a model year refresh for those cars."
A model year refresh means the car gets some updates like new looks or features partway through its time being sold to keep it fresh.
A model year refresh is a mid-cycle update to a vehicle that may include cosmetic changes, new features, or minor mechanical improvements to keep the model competitive.
plant shutdown
"Its plant, which produced the Versa, is shutting down."
A plant shutdown means a factory where cars are made is closing down and will stop making cars there.
A plant shutdown refers to the closing of a manufacturing facility, often due to changes in production strategy, demand, or company restructuring.
Great Wall Motor
"Reuters reported that Great Wall Motor, Cherry, and Vinfast are also interested."
Great Wall Motor is a big car company from China that makes SUVs and electric cars and is trying to sell more cars in places like Mexico.
Great Wall Motor is a major Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing SUVs, trucks, and electric vehicles, expanding its presence globally including markets like Mexico.
Vinfast
"Reuters reported that Great Wall Motor, Cherry, and Vinfast are also interested."
Vinfast is a car company from Vietnam that makes electric cars and is trying to sell them in new countries like Mexico.
Vinfast is a Vietnamese automotive manufacturer focusing on electric vehicles and expanding into international markets, including Mexico.
electrification
"Julie does make some vehicles with engines, but is obviously pushing hard into electrification."
Electrification means making cars that run on electricity instead of gas, like electric cars you charge with a plug.
Electrification refers to the automotive industry's shift from traditional gasoline or diesel engines to electric powertrains, including battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Volkswagen
"Brussels has exempted Volkswagen from tariffs"
Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many kinds of cars, from small ones to fancy ones. Lots of people around the world buy Volkswagen cars.
Volkswagen is a major German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to luxury models. It is one of the largest carmakers in the world.
charging infrastructure
"So possibly BYD will put charging infrastructure into Manchester City and actually provide energy storage"
Charging infrastructure means the places and equipment where electric cars can be plugged in to get more battery power.
Charging infrastructure refers to the network of electric vehicle charging stations and related equipment needed to recharge electric vehicles.
energy storage
"into Manchester City and actually provide energy storage at their football academy on home matchdays."
Energy storage means saving electricity in batteries so it can be used later when needed.
Energy storage in this context refers to systems that store electrical energy, such as batteries, which can be used to supply power when needed.
solid-state battery
"Now, China plans to introduce its first solid-state battery standard this July in 2026,"
A solid-state battery is a new kind of battery that uses solid materials inside instead of liquids. This makes it safer and helps electric cars go farther on a single charge.
A solid-state battery is a type of battery technology that uses solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, offering higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespan compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
watt-hours per kilogram
"Solid-state batteries are exceeding about 300 watt-hours per kilogram at the moment. A Dongfeng-developed battery is 350. They're rolling out in one of their vehicles. The lab work keeps pace. We have seen some semi-solid state hitting higher numbers, 400, 500, 600 watt-hours per kilogram in some cases."
Watt-hours per kilogram tells us how much energy a battery holds for its weight. More means the battery is lighter but still powerful, helping cars go farther.
Watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) is a unit measuring the energy density of a battery, indicating how much energy it can store per unit of weight. Higher Wh/kg values mean lighter batteries with more energy, beneficial for electric vehicle performance.
Geely
"BYD, Geely, Cherry, GAC, Dongfeng, FAW,"
Geely is a big car company from China that makes many types of cars, including electric ones.
Geely is a major Chinese automotive manufacturer that owns several brands and is active in electric vehicle development.
FAW
"BYD, Geely, Cherry, GAC, Dongfeng, FAW,"
FAW is a very old and big car company from China that makes many cars, including electric ones.
FAW (First Automobile Works) is one of China's oldest and largest automotive manufacturers, producing various vehicle types including EVs.
GAC
"BYD, Geely, Cherry, GAC, Dongfeng, FAW,"
GAC is a Chinese car company that makes electric and regular cars.
GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) is a Chinese automaker involved in electric vehicle and battery technology development.
Dongfeng
"BYD, Geely, Cherry, GAC, Dongfeng, FAW,"
Dongfeng is a big car company from China that makes many types of cars, including electric ones.
Dongfeng is a large Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturer producing a wide range of vehicles including electric models.
MG
"MG, owned by SAIC,"
MG is a car brand that used to be British but is now owned by a Chinese company. They make different types of cars, including electric ones.
MG is a British automotive marque now owned by the Chinese company SAIC. It produces a range of vehicles including electric and combustion engine models, and is expanding its presence in global markets.
SAIC
"MG, owned by SAIC,"
SAIC is a big car company from China that owns brands like MG and makes many cars.
SAIC Motor Corporation is one of China's largest automotive manufacturers and owns several car brands including MG. It plays a significant role in expanding Chinese automotive presence internationally.
Cherry
"Cherry and its subsidiaries,"
Cherry is a car brand from China that makes cars people can buy, including electric ones.
Cherry is a Chinese automotive brand known for producing affordable passenger cars and electric vehicles. It is part of a larger group with subsidiaries involved in automotive manufacturing.
NATO
"Poland also sits within NATO"
NATO is a group of countries that work together for defense and security, including Poland.
NATO is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance of Western countries including Poland. Its presence influences geopolitical and economic relations, including trade and automotive markets.
EVs
"It struck a deal with 49,000 Chinese EVs coming in at a much lower reduced tariff rate"
EVs are cars that use electricity to run instead of gas or diesel. They are better for the environment because they don’t produce exhaust fumes.
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars powered entirely or partially by electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines.
connected vehicles
"...to address risks posed by connected vehicles. And has chosen a simpler fix..."
Connected vehicles are cars that can talk to the internet and other devices. This helps with things like maps and checking if the car is working well, but it can also cause safety and privacy problems.
Connected vehicles are cars equipped with internet access and often a wireless local area network, allowing them to share data with other devices both inside and outside the vehicle. This connectivity enables features like navigation, remote diagnostics, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication but also raises cybersecurity and privacy concerns.
blower motor
"...when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat."
The blower motor is a part that blows air inside your car to keep you warm or cool. If it makes strange noises like clanking, it might be broken and need fixing.
A blower motor is an electric motor that powers the fan in a vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, circulating air inside the cabin. When it makes clanking noises, it often indicates wear or damage that might require repair or replacement.
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