XPENG Set to Enter the Philippines with the Globalized Mona

cleantechnica.com Aug 8, 2026

XPENG Set to Enter the Philippines with the Globalized Mona

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 8, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Chinese EV maker XPeng announced it will launch operations in the Philippines in the third quarter of 2026, introducing two “Smart EV” models. The lineup is expected to include the L03 SUV‑coupe, marketed as Mona in China, and the premium X9 MPV, both built on the company’s AI‑driven, software‑defined platform. Unlike prior China‑centric exports, the L03 was engineered as a global vehicle and unveiled simultaneously in 65 markets at Munich’s L03 show. XPeng will establish a wholly‑owned subsidiary, permissible under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, which allows 100 % foreign equity in EV distribution. The firm already operates in more than 60 countries with over 380 stores, but pricing, specifications and local charging partners remain undisclosed for the upcoming launch.

💡 Why It Matters

· XPeng’s direct foothold brings an AI‑centric, globally engineered EV to Filipino drivers, fast‑tracking the transition from niche imports to everyday electric mobility.

Capsules Transport

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Volvo EX30 Review: Small Volvo, Big Ambitions, and 272 Electric Horses

Volvo’s EX30, the brand’s smallest electric crossover, measures 4.2 m and delivers 272 hp, reaching 100 km/h in 5.3 s—performance usually reserved for sports cars. Launched in 2023, the 2025 first‑generation model is sold in India only as a rear‑wheel‑drive Ultra trim at ₹41 lakh, positioning it as a premium EV. Built on Geely’s SEA2 platform, the EX30 combines Volvo’s safety, sustainability, and minimalist Scandinavian design with recycled materials (25 % aluminium, 70 % polyester, 17 % steel, 17 % plastic). It has earned multiple awards, including the 2024 World Urban Car and Red Dot Best of the Best.

💡 The EX30 shows how a premium brand can pack high performance and sustainability into a compact footprint, redefining the small‑SUV segment.

interestingengineering.com · Aug 8

Photos: Production-spec McMurtry Spéirling PURE gets 100kWh battery upgrade, 95% new parts

The McMurtry Spéirling PURE, a production‑spec hypercar, will be unveiled on 14 August at The Quail during Monterey Car Week and driven on the Laguna Seca track the following day for the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Co‑founder Thomas Yates will attend both events. The PURE version incorporates 95 percent new components versus earlier prototypes, reflecting input from early depositors. Its battery capacity has been raised from 60 kWh to 100 kWh using Molicel P50B cells, extending track run time, while a modular design allows future upgrades. New Helix drive motors, an upgraded gearbox and 200 kW regenerative braking boost performance. The cabin now offers more elbow and leg room, a wider door opening, and a boot for a helmet and HANS device. Power‑train cooling has been moved to the front, the wheelbase lengthened to 2.2 m, and a carbon‑fiber monocoque meets global motorsport safety standards.

💡 The upgrade transforms a prototype into a road‑legal, track‑ready hypercar, giving owners genuine circuit access without extensive modifications.

independent.co.uk · Aug 8

I drove the Lucid Gravity electric SUV 1,100 miles across America –…

Over ten days and 1,100 miles, a journalist tested the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring from Los Angeles through Las Vegas, Palm Springs and San Diego, carrying three adults and substantial luggage in desert heat that topped 115 °F (46 °C). The SUV performed flawlessly, delivering strong acceleration, comfortable long‑distance cruising, and a spacious, refined cabin that impressed both driver and passengers. Climate control struggled in extreme temperatures, but no mechanical failures, warning lights, or software glitches appeared. The vehicle’s sleek, low‑profile design masked its 5,035 mm length, offering seven‑seat‑class space without a bulky appearance. Valet staff repeatedly praised the car, and the Gravity earned the 2026 World Luxury Car award, reinforcing Lucid’s reputation for efficient powertrains and luxury EVs.

💡 The road‑test proves Lucid can combine high‑temperature durability with premium comfort, a rare combination that could sway luxury buyers toward electric SUVs over traditional gasoline models.

jalopnik.com · Aug 7

Why Do Some People Get Carsick In Teslas (And Even EVs In…

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💡 The discomfort highlights a practical barrier to broader EV adoption, prompting manufacturers and rideshare platforms to reconsider driver training and cabin design to improve passenger comfort.

autonews.gasgoo.com · Aug 7

Axera Semiconductor and QNX Jointly Launch Intelligent Driving Platform, Securing Design Wins…

Axera Semiconductor and BlackBerry’s QNX unit unveiled a production-ready intelligent driving platform on August 6, 2026. The joint solution, built on Axera’s M57 series chips and the QNX operating system, combines safety-certified software with high-performance AI inference hardware. It addresses the industry’s shift toward software-defined vehicles by balancing cost control, functional safety, performance, and scalability. The platform powers core functions such as object detection and collision avoidance, requiring deterministic behavior and real-time latency. The partnership has already secured design wins from several domestic automakers, with commercialization and mass production scheduled to begin later this year. Axera is a key Chinese semiconductor supplier for Level 2 assisted driving, while QNX technology underpins safety systems for most global OEMs. QNX plans to release a tailored version of its SDP 8.0 platform for Axera’s flagship SoC, laying the groundwork for advanced driving and cockpit-driving integration solutions through coordinated software and chip development.

💡 This alliance bridges the gap between Chinese hardware innovation and established global safety standards, accelerating the deployment of reliable autonomous features. By integrating QNX’s proven operating system with Axera’s cost-effective chips, automakers gain a viable path to scalable, software-defined mobility without compromising on critical safety certifications.

cleantechnica.com · Aug 7

China Unveils Safety Standards for Autonomous Driving Systems

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💡 By codifying rigorous testing and driver‑monitoring requirements, China sets a benchmark that could pressure global OEMs to accelerate safety validation, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for autonomous technology.