Tesla has filed a lawsuit against Chinese chip designer and auto parts maker, Bingling Intelligent Technology. The lawsuit alleges tech secret infringement and unfair competition disputes, although specific details surrounding the nature of these claims remain undisclosed.
Bingling, based in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, is primarily known for its expertise in circuit chip manufacturing, but also has a notable side venture in producing sensors designed for monitoring battery systems, a crucial component in electric vehicles. Interestingly, the company’s second-largest owner is an investment fund unit of Xiaomi Corp, a prominent Beijing-based tech giant.
The case against Bingling will be heard in the Shanghai intellectual property court on October 10. (via Reuters)
Xiaomi, traditionally recognized for its consumer electronics and smart home appliances, has recently made a significant pivot towards the EV sector, pledging as much as $10 billion in EV investments over the next decade. Their first EV factory, located in Beijing, has successfully completed its initial construction phase and is slated to be fully operational by 2025.
Xiaomi secured the approval of China’s National Development and Reform Commission to manufacture EVs, joining a select group of manufacturers allowed to do so since 2017.
Xiaomi’s ambitious plans include producing approximately 100,000 EVs in the coming year. The SC01, Xiaomi’s debut electric vehicle, is set to hit the market with a price tag of US$42,000, and orders are expected to start in the third quarter of 2023.
