New Energy News Roundup

Published: Mar 18, 2021 14:13
After visiting a number of first-tier lithium companies, SMM found that compared with the third quarter of last year, the current lithium prices almost doubled.

SHANGHAI, Mar 18 (SMM) — This is a roundup of news in the new energy industry for today.

Prices of lithium carbonate rose sharply and still had upward space

It was found that compared with the third quarter of last year, the current lithium prices almost doubled after visiting a number of first-tier lithium companies. The latest report also showed that as of March 12, the average domestic market prices of battery-grade lithium carbonate stood at 83,500 yuan/mt, up 6,000 yuan/mt in one week, and the spot prices doubled in four months. Some professionals estimated that compared with the current price, lithium prices still had a 50% increase. In fact, this is also the rise of lithium prices again after 2016.

Guotai Junan: The shortage of automotive chips caused by the imbalance between supply and demand is expected to gradually return to normal in the third quarter of 2021

Guotai Junan pointed out that the recovery of the global automotive industry exceeded expectations, and short-term pressure on chip supply brought about a shortage of automotive chips, which will have an impact on global automotive production and sales in the first half of 2021, with the second quarter having a greater impact. However, the supply side will gradually improve due to price increases and the game of giants. It is expected that short-term automotive chip problems will be gradually eliminated in the third quarter, and the global automotive industry will continue to recover in H2. OEMs and suppliers that have the ability to supply automotive chips will benefit in the near term. The target BYD is recommended, and the target Star Semiconductor will be benefited.

Top 10 self-driving car startups with high growth potential

Start-ups with high growth potential in the autonomous automobile industry will become world-renowned leaders in the autonomous automobile field. Start-up companies are selected based on the evaluation of their market size, good performance on several parameters, well-known investors and future growth prospects.

Out-of-control accidents of pure electric buses occurred in many places, Guangdong Transportation Department: investigations one by one across the province

The Guangdong Provincial Department of Transportation issued the "Warning Notice on Further Enhancing the Safety of Bus Operation" that day, stating that since 2021, there have been many accidents in which pure electric buses have lost control and caused casualties or hidden accidents in many places across the country. There have been many accidents involving the safety of urban bus operations.

Volvo: Production of Chinese and American auto plants will be suspended or adjusted in March due to the shortage of chip supply

According to a media report on March 18, Volvo Cars said on Wednesday that due to the shortage of global semiconductor chip supply, the company will suspend or adjust production in China and the US in March. "We expect the situation to become severe in the second quarter, so we decided to take measures to minimize the impact on production, while improving the situation through daily work," Volvo said in an e-mailed statement. "Volvo Cars will temporarily suspend or adjust the production of some car plants (in the US and China) in March," the statement said.

SAIC Infineon: expected to sell 2 million new energy vehicles this year

A relevant person from SAIC Infineon stated at the SEMICON CHINA forum that the sales of new energy vehicles in 2020 will exceed 1.3 million units, a record high. At the same time, according to the forecast of the Automobile Association, the sales growth rate in 2021 will be about 40%, which means that sales this year are expected to be around 40%. 2 million new energy vehicles were released.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
In January, national passenger car producers' new energy wholesale estimates reached 900,000 units, up 1% YoY.
19 hours ago
In January, national passenger car producers' new energy wholesale estimates reached 900,000 units, up 1% YoY.
Read More
In January, national passenger car producers' new energy wholesale estimates reached 900,000 units, up 1% YoY.
In January, national passenger car producers' new energy wholesale estimates reached 900,000 units, up 1% YoY.
According to the latest data from the Passenger Car Association, in December 2025, producers with new energy wholesale sales exceeding 10,000 units accounted for 93% of the total wholesale sales of passenger NEVs that month. Based on preliminary January data, these producers achieved sales of 830,000 units in January. As most producers have already locked in their major sales figures, by applying the structural proportion from the previous month to the current month's data, the estimated wholesale sales of passenger NEVs nationwide in January were 900,000 units. According to comprehensive preliminary monthly association data: the estimated wholesale sales of NEVs by national passenger car producers in January 2026 were 900,000 units, up 1% YoY.
19 hours ago
CAAM: In 2025, 476,000 complete vehicles were imported, down 32.4% YoY.
19 hours ago
CAAM: In 2025, 476,000 complete vehicles were imported, down 32.4% YoY.
Read More
CAAM: In 2025, 476,000 complete vehicles were imported, down 32.4% YoY.
CAAM: In 2025, 476,000 complete vehicles were imported, down 32.4% YoY.
据中国汽车工业协会整理的海关总署数据显示,2025年12月,汽车整车进口3.0万辆,环比下降30.4%,同比下降56.1%;进口金额14.7亿美元,环比下降23.6%,同比下降52.5%。2025年,汽车整车进口47.6万辆,同比下降32.4%;进口金额236.4亿美元,同比下降39.7%。
19 hours ago
Canada Announces New EV Strategy, to Collaborate with China
19 hours ago
Canada Announces New EV Strategy, to Collaborate with China
Read More
Canada Announces New EV Strategy, to Collaborate with China
Canada Announces New EV Strategy, to Collaborate with China
According to CCTV News, on February 5, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new electric vehicle strategy, including the reinstatement of car purchase subsidies, and stated that Canada will cooperate with China to promote the local production and export of EVs in Canada. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office of Canada, the country will make full use of existing and newly established trade agreements, including a recently reached EV cooperation agreement with China, to facilitate large-scale investment in this sector, diversify Canada’s automotive export markets, and position Canada as one of the global leaders in the electric vehicle industry.
19 hours ago