BYD’s cheapest EV gets self-driving software

• BYD says it will include its “God's Eye” self-driving tech, which enables features such as remote parking and autonomous overtaking, on its entire model lineup, including the Seagull.

• The automaker also said it would integrate home-grown AI models built by Deepseek into its vehicles, joining several of its local rivals in partnering with the Chinese AI phenomenon.

• Our take: Introducing intelligent features such as autonomous driving and AI into the cheapest EV models will increase their appeal to buyers, which could increase demand... Read more (2 min)

Rwanda reintroduces 18% VAT on hybrid vehicles  

• Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) data shows that only 512 of the electric vehicles imported between 2020 and 2024 were BEVs (fully electric), while 6,660 were hybrid. 

• The huge gap between the two caught the government's attention because 43% of the hybrid vehicles were manufactured more than 10 years ago; therefore, they had little impact on the environment despite VAT exemption.

• Our take: Rwanda’s policy shift will impact consumer behaviour while creating an opportunity for companies focused on fully electric mobility solutions… Read more (2 min)

Ethio Telecom unveils ultra-fast charging station

• The station is equipped with 8 ultra-fast chargers, each having a charging capacity of up to 600 kW – the fastest in Africa. It also has 12 super-fast chargers with a capacity of up to 500 kW along with level two smart pole chargers for emergency charging.

• Depending on their capacity, cars can be charged within 15 minutes at the charging station which will operate 24/7.

• Our take: Telecommunications companies like Ethio Telecom can utilize their vast networks of base stations to set up charging stations for EVs… Read more (2 min)

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