Los Angeles Auto Show 2024 highlights surge in EVs

The 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, one of the largest car events in the United States, is in full swing, serving as a platform for major automakers to unveil their latest models and concept cars. This year's highlight is the industry's transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Unveiling a new electric vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show is no longer a novelty. Manufacturers are now stepping up by introducing electric SUVs and trucks, reflecting the growing demand for versatile EV options.

"What we're understanding is that some of the biggest purchase decisions are made on range and charging. So, everybody wants to have a long-range battery. So, anything over 300 miles, it seems to be the sweet spot. That is when you start getting people to consider switching from a gas-powered car to an electric car," said Shad Balch, Director of Communications at Chevrolet.

Electric vehicles are the buzzword at this year's show, with automakers showcasing new models that promise better performance, longer ranges, and faster charging capabilities.

However, some experts have raised concerns about market saturation. In developed markets like California, many early adopters have already made the switch to EVs.

Despite the higher costs, government incentives continue to play a crucial role in making EVs more accessible.

"EVs are here to stay. They are the wave of the future. Electric vehicles are better for emissions. And the government is mandating that all manufacturers have to produce EVs," said Claudia Anderson, Product Specialist at Subaru.

California is leading the charge with a mandate requiring all new vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. This corresponds to the growing environmental consciousness among consumers, which experts believe is driving the increasing demand for EVs.

"I'm from California. And remember, growing up when we had "spare the air days" - that the air was too dirty to go play outside. So, California's made big strides in leading the way with environmental policy, and the vehicles are a nice complement to help achieve that solution," said Balch.

According to "Statista Market Insights," the U.S. EV market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of over 10 percent, with total unit sales expected to reach 2.3 million vehicles by 2029.

Los Angeles Auto Show 2024 highlights surge in EVs

China is willing to continue working with Russia within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, maintain timely communication on major issues, and make joint efforts to help de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, safeguard regional peace and stability, and uphold common security for the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should uphold fairness and justice on matters of principle, adopt an objective and balanced approach, and seek greater understanding and support from the international community, Wang said.

Noting that China has consistently advocated the resolution of international and regional hotspot issues through dialogue and negotiation, Wang said that the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, hostilities are still escalating, and the fundamental solution to ensuring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz lies in achieving an early ceasefire and bringing the war to an end.

For his part, Lavrov said Russia is highly concerned about the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Regarding the ongoing conflict and the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, Lavrov said Russia maintains that military operations must be stopped immediately and efforts should return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement to address the root causes of the conflict, and the UN Security Council should play a constructive role in this regard.

Russia stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China and continue to make efforts and speak out in support of a ceasefire and the end of the war, he said.

China willing to cooperate with Russia to de-escalate Mideast situation: FM