Lexus Halts EV Sedan Project; Tata Leverages Chery Platform for Premium EVs; BYD Deepens Charging Partnership with Sinopec

Lexus has terminated the mass-production development plan for its LF-ZC all-electric concept car. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show and was originally scheduled for launch in 2026, later postponed to mid-2027, before ultimately being canceled. Toyota confirmed the decision as part of a product portfolio adjustment, emphasizing that it does not signal an abandonment of the pure electric vehicle (BEV) segment. The LF-ZC was positioned as Lexus’s flagship premium electric sedan, intended to feature a dedicated BEV architecture, a monocoque die-cast body, a new operating system, and prismatic batteries, with a targeted range of 1,000 kilometers. India’s Tata Motors will utilize the Freelander platform—developed under the China-based joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover—to produce the first model of its premium EV brand Avinya at a newly built plant in Tamil Nadu, southern India. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with initial assembly using knock-down kits shipped from China. Tata had previously planned to use Jaguar Land Rover’s EMA platform, but that plan was shelved after JLR abandoned its India production strategy. Tata also plans to launch a second EV in 2029 and continue developing two additional models. Chery stated it will participate as a platform and component supplier, with each project governed by separate agreements. BYD and Sinopec signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement on June 3, focusing on building an intelligent energy ecosystem under the initiative “Ten Thousand Stations, Instant Charging.” The two companies will collaborate in three key areas: interoperable charging networks, user ecosystem development, and industrial chain synergy. This includes co-building ultra-fast charging stations, developing integrated services combining solar power, energy storage, charging, and battery diagnostics, and enhancing supply chain collaboration on battery materials and refined oil products. BYD has already built over 6,100 ultra-fast charging stations and aims to reach 20,000 by year-end; Sinopec operates more than 30,000 comprehensive energy stations and 14,000 charging and battery-swap stations. The partnership between Voyah and Stellantis Group has entered the implementation phase. On June 2, Olivier François, CEO of Stellantis China and Asia Pacific, visited Voyah’s smart factory and user center, commending its manufacturing capabilities and product competitiveness, and expressing strong interest in accelerating Voyah’s entry into the European market. The two parties had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding in May to establish a joint venture in Europe responsible for Voyah sales. This high-level site visit marks the transition from a strategic framework to concrete execution. Shenzhen’s Financial Regulatory Bureau, together with multiple government departments, has issued the “Shenzhen Ten Measures” to promote high-quality development of new energy vehicle (NEV) insurance, driving product innovation and industry integration. Key policy initiatives include developing comprehensive insurance products for intelligent driving and modular policies combining “basic + variable” coverage, with premiums dynamically adjusted based on mileage and usage scenarios. A dedicated task force has been formed locally to coordinate pilot programs with automakers and battery manufacturers. In Q1 2026, Shenzhen recorded an 18.63% year-on-year increase in commercial NEV insurance policies, accounting for 30.91% of the city’s total commercial auto insurance volume—the highest nationwide.