Chinese auto giant BYD is planning to expand its charging infrastructure across Mexico, introducing ultra-fast chargers capable of delivering 400 kilometers of range in just five minutes.
Mexico is a vital market for BYD, China's largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, yet the company faces barriers to wider EV adoption in the country, including the sparsity of charging stations, which makes long-distance travel between cities a problem for local drivers.
"It's the same sensation as when you are out of your house and you see that your phone has only 10 percent battery, and you know that you're going to lose it. I have that feeling when I'm out of the city," said Daniel Lemus, a driver in Mexico City.
Lemus bought his first EV -- a model by BYD -- a year ago, which qualified him to drive for a premium ride service in Mexico City. Yet, the charging infrastructure in his country remains a daily concern. Analysts have a term for this.
"'Range anxiety' is a psychological effect that has come about with the arrival of electric vehicles. It's the fear of running out of battery, and it's very common," said Filiberto Tamez, electric mobility analyst.
Tamez believes education and infrastructure are key to overcoming this obstacle to widespread EV adoption.
"This is a new technology and we have to learn to manage it. But today, charging points are available in airports, homes, banks, supermarkets. The infrastructure has grown a lot," he said.
BYD also hopes to expand its manufacturing operations within Mexico.
"Mexico is always the largest auto manufacturer in the whole American region. The industry and the supply chain is more mature, and labor -- the talent -- is more mature. I hope we are leading the way just like we are doing in China," said Li Ke, BYD executive vice president.
Chinese auto maker BYD to expand charging facilities across Mexico
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about Iran seeking a ceasefire as "false and baseless," according to state-run Press TV.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei pushed back against Trump's remarks on social media platform Truth Social that the Iranian president "has just asked the United States of America for a ceasefire."
Trump added, "We will consider when the Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!"
Trump has repeatedly claimed in recent days that Iran is seeking negotiations to end the war.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that messages have been exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries over the past few days, but stressed that no negotiations have taken place.
On the same day, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's President, released a letter addressed to the American people, saying the Iranian people harbor no enmity toward American people, accusing the U.S. administration of fighting Iran as a "proxy for Israel."
"The Iranian people harbor no enmity toward other nations, including the people of America, Europe, or neighboring countries," Pezeshkian said, adding, "Even in the face of repeated foreign interventions and pressures throughout their proud history, Iranians have consistently drawn a clear distinction between governments and the peoples they govern."
In response to Trump's threats of conducting large-scale strikes on Iranian energy facilities, he said attacking the country's vital infrastructure directly targets the Iranian people, stressing that such actions constitute "war crimes" and involve consequences extending beyond Iran's borders.
Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities on Feb. 28, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes against Israel and U.S. assets in the Middle East, while tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz by restricting passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States.
Wednesday's report by The Telegraph quoted Trump as saying he was strongly considering pulling the United States out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the alliance failed to join the attacks on Iran.
Trump expressed dissatisfaction with NATO for "not being there," saying it was "actually hard to believe."
Responding to the U.S. president's remarks, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a press conference at 10 Downing that Street Britain would act in its national interest and would not change its position on the Iran war.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that France is not taking part in the U.S.-Israel military action. The Elysee Palace also reaffirmed that France's position remains unchanged.
Iran rejects Trump's ceasefire claim as "false and baseless"
