Samsung SDI is simultaneously expanding its lower-cost LFP supply chain and advancing its next-generation all-solid-state battery roadmap, signing separate agreements with POSCO Future M and EcoPro BM as it broadens its battery chemistry portfolio.
Honda Motor said on October 5, 2026, that it had developed core technology for a magnetic-coupling wireless power supply road system with Taisei and other partners, setting up on-road testing on Japanese expressways as early as fiscal 2027. The work reflects continued research into battery electric vehicle technologies even as some automakers scale back parts of their 2020s electrification plans.
SpaceX launched its Starship super heavy-lift rocket on September 28, successfully reaching orbit for the first time and deploying 26 Starlink V3 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Each Starship mission can carry up to approximately 60 Starlink V3 satellites. Although neither stage was recovered, both splashed down at sea and the satellite deployment was successful.
As Chinese battery makers accelerate their push into sodium-ion batteries, South Korea's three major battery manufacturers are moving quickly into the emerging technology, seeking to avoid repeating their late entry into lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Formosa Automobile, a member of Taiwan's Formosa Plastics Group, unveiled the new-generation DAF XF long-haul tractor on October 6, introducing 35-ton and 43-ton models for heavy-haul and container transport as it targets a 20% share of Taiwan's heavy-tractor market. The company plans to begin fleet trials of electric trucks in 2027, with a commercial launch targeted as early as late 2028.
Formosa Automobile held a launch event on October 6 for the new-generation DAF XF semi-truck, officially bringing to Taiwan the new DAF series developed by Dutch manufacturer DAF Trucks in line with the European Union's (EU) latest regulations. The 43-ton variants are assembled locally in Taiwan, while the 35-ton variant is imported.
The complexity of vehicle economics surrounding surging battery costs has long put the EV industry in a difficult position, caught between power-delivery constraints and energy-efficiency demands.
Optical lens maker Calin Technology is seeing its new business ventures bear fruit. Revenue from its drone camera module segment has surpassed 10% of total sales in 2026 and is targeting over 15%, making it the company's fastest-growing product line this year. Meanwhile, automotive lens revenue is projected to remain flat in 2026 before returning to growth in 2027, driven by a new design-in project with a US automaker.
China's National Day holidays have driven a massive surge in long-distance electric vehicle (EV) travel. According to data from China's National Energy Administration cited by The Paper, the 62,700 monitored highway charging facilities across the country completed 2.97 million EV charging sessions from October 1 to 3, a 48.41% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Total electricity delivered reached 71.62 million kWh, up roughly 49.39% year-over-year.
Taiwan's motorcycle market emerged from the seasonal lull in September 2026, with total registrations rising to 70,189, up 16.78% month-over-month. Electric scooter sales also rebounded, with 3,482 units sold in the month, up 32.9%.
Hotai Motor said Taiwan's auto market should remain stable in the fourth quarter, after September sales came in better than expected and the company kept its full-year 2026 forecast at 430,000 vehicles. The distributor also said sales of Toyota, Lexus, and Hino models will still target 165,000 units in 2026.
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