As the world’s automotive players continue to ramp up electric vehicle (EV) production, Africa is ideally placed to take profit from it. EV manufacturers are scrambling to access rich deposits of lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum, all essential to the development of zero-emission cars. China, the world’s top EV manufacturer, remains relatively unchallenged in…
Chinese automobile giant, BYD, is launching a luxury car brand in 2023 and is starting with the Yangwang SUV. Intending to compete with fellow luxury off-roaders like the Mercedes Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender, prices for the all-electric and plug-in hybrid SUV will begin at roughly $110 000, making it BYD’s most expensive vehicle…
In a windfall for the South African mining sector, the demand for the country’s vast platinum reserves will rise sharply as China ramps up its production of fuel cell energy vehicles (FCEVs). The precious metal is vital to the manufacturing process of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells. Platinum is a dense, unreactive, precious metal found in…
After several years and multiple missions, China has finally completed its self-developed space station and is the only space-going nation that has sole control of a crewed orbital craft. The country’s national space agency announced it had successfully docked the third and final module of its space station, Tiangong, in late October. Blasted into space…
A supertanker has grabbed news headlines over a design feature not seen on commercial vessels for almost a century: sails. The Chinese Merchant Energy Shipping Company (CMES) took delivery of the mega-ship in late September, with early reports indicating the cargo vessel uses nearly 10% less fuel, thanks to its four massive 40-metre (130-feet) sails.…
A group of Chinese roboticists has developed a compact and dexterous robot hand, capable of a broad range of actions but also robust enough to withstand significant impact forces. Their creation will continue to function, even in some of the most unpredictable and unstructured environments, say researchers from the Harbin University of Technology. Engineering robots…
Continuing its focus on new green infrastructure, Chinese officials have unveiled their latest megaproject, a record-breaking 43.3 gigawatt wind farm in Chaozhou, Guangdong province. The ambitious undertaking forms part of the government’s five-year plan for the region and is expected to generate enough clean energy to power up to 15 million homes. Chinese president, Xi…
Chinese researchers claim to have created silk up to 70% stronger than that produced by spiders and other silkworms. According to the team of scientists, their “artificial super silk” is not only resilient but also safe for use in many industries, including textiles and medicine. Silk has been cultivated in China since the Neolithic era,…
Car rental firm, Sixt, is discussing the purchase of 100 000 electric vehicles (EVs) from Chinese car firm BYD. The news comes off the heels of BYD’s European expansion. Sixt joins a slew of car hire companies looking to electrify their fleets by the end of the decade. Sixt, a German-based mobility service provider which…
Chinese imports of South African agricultural products are proving increasingly valuable, as local and global economies continue to stutter. Citrus and apples grown in the country’s favourable conditions are also growing in demand amongst Asian customers. South African exporters have worked diligently to open new international destinations for produce since 1994. The country has steadily…