Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 64：New Energy Vehicles

While Jiang Fan and his team of Xu Guangyuan, Xia Xiaoyu, and Niu Xu were diligently immersed in their research on lithium iron phosphate batteries, a major announcement took place from the world's leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, Tesla.

At a press conference, Tesla revealed that it had successfully developed the Model 4, a new electric vehicle with a 30% improvement in battery performance over its previous models. The Model 4 boasts a range of 425 kilometers and can be charged in as little as three hours. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just six seconds, offering powerful performance. The vehicle is priced at 299,800 yuan.

The news immediately sparked widespread attention from around the globe.

As China is the world's largest market for new energy vehicles, Tesla's conference ended with the company's decision to hold a Model 4 car exhibition in Shanghai, the heart of China's automotive industry.

Many Chinese consumers, interested in electric vehicles, were quick to discuss the impressive performance of Tesla's Model 4 battery on various online platforms.

Netizen 1: "The Tesla Model 4's 30% improvement in battery performance is excellent, and the sleek design is stunning. I'm definitely considering buying one!"

Netizen 2: "A 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 6 seconds? That's incredible! Who knew electric vehicles could feel so powerful!"

Netizen 3: "For me, the most important factor in an electric vehicle is its range. With 425 kilometers, the Tesla Model 4 is definitely appealing."

Netizen 4: "Only 85 yuan to charge for a full range of 425 kilometers? That's 20 cents per kilometer—far more economical than gasoline cars! It's definitely worth buying!"

Netizen 5: "I refuse to buy Tesla! It's an American brand. If I buy a car, it'll be from BYD. We should support domestic brands!"

Netizen 6: "Yes, we must support domestic brands!"

Netizen 7: "I want to support domestic brands too, but the fact is, BYD's battery performance is not impressive. Even though Tesla is a bit more expensive, I would still choose it over BYD."

Netizen 8: "Since China joined the WTO, there's no distinction between foreign and domestic brands. I'll buy whatever is the best!"

Netizen 9: "The people claiming to support domestic brands are just poor fools! Why defend BYD, which still can't compete? It's ridiculous!"

Amid this heated online debate, BYD's headquarters convened an emergency high-level meeting.

In the meeting room, President Wang of BYD listened with a furrowed brow as the head of the data analysis department presented the report.

"We conducted an analysis based on big data from over one million car owners. 67% of respondents favored Tesla's Model 4, and 31% said they would buy it..."

"Our market share in China's electric vehicle sector is currently at 26.8%..."

"Tesla's Model 4 will have a significant impact on our overall sales, and we estimate that our market share will fall to..."

At this point, the department head hesitated, glancing at President Wang's darkened expression, unsure whether to continue.

President Wang shot him a look and firmly ordered, "Continue!"

The department head, visibly anxious, continued reluctantly, "Our market share will drop to 9%!"

"Bang!"

President Wang slammed his hand on the table, his face flushed with fury.

"9%?!" he shouted. "Our current share of 26.8% is barely enough to survive! If it drops to 9%, we'll lose 3 billion yuan annually, and it will lead to bankruptcy!"

Two minutes of tense silence passed before President Wang regained his composure. He sat down slowly and turned to Manager Gao from the R&D department.

"Manager Gao, what progress has been made in the R&D department?"

At this point, Wang had pinned all his hopes on the R&D team. Only by developing a more advanced battery could they address the root issue.

Manager Gao, sounding defeated, replied, "We haven't made any progress yet."

Wang already suspected this answer. Improving battery performance wasn't something that could happen overnight. Before Tesla made its breakthrough, there was still room for competition. But now, with a 30% improvement, Tesla had created a huge gap, leaving BYD with no competitive edge.

Looking at the senior executives around the table, President Wang spoke resolutely:

"Let's discuss how BYD will face this competition moving forward."

After a brief moment of thought, the marketing manager spoke up.

"President Wang, we believe that if we reduce our market price by 10%, we might be able to reclaim some market share."

Upon hearing this, the budget manager stood up immediately and countered, "A 10% price reduction would decrease our profit margins by 33%. Currently, we are just breaking even. If we lower the price, we'll be in the red, which is effectively a slow suicide..."

"A slow death is better than losing market share," Wang responded. "At least we'll survive a little longer. Once our R&D department develops a new type of battery, we'll be back on track."

"I disagree with lowering the price," said another executive. "Doing so would make consumers think that BYD only produces inferior vehicles, and it will severely damage our reputation."

"..."

Wang's brow furrowed deeply. While a price cut could offer a temporary reprieve, it was not a long-term solution. As the debate on price reduction raged on, the R&D manager timidly spoke up.

"President Wang, the new energy vehicle industry is heavily supported by the government, and BYD is the largest new energy vehicle company in China. Do you think we could request help from the government?"

The room immediately fell silent. Everyone looked at one another, realizing the possibility.

Yes, they had the government backing them!

At that moment, President Wang thought of an old high school friend who was now conducting material research at Longke University. Perhaps he knew some professors or experts in battery research.

With a firm decision, Wang spoke to the group.

"Manager of the External Relations Department, get in touch with the relevant government departments and report the issue..."

"Don't adjust the market price for now."

"R&D Department, increase funding to develop a new type of battery as quickly as possible."

"All other departments, continue with your regular work."

"I believe BYD can weather this crisis. After all, we have the support of our great nation."

Wang's speech immediately lifted the spirits of everyone present.

Once the meeting adjourned, Wang took out his phone and contacted his high school friend at Longke University.

...

Meanwhile, in Longke University's laboratory, Jiang Fan and his team were steadily progressing with their experiment. It was already the eighth day of their research.

After Xia Xiaoyu added the final batch of lithium iron phosphate materials into the container, she stretched wearily and sighed.

"Ah! Finally, we've completed the initial phase!"

4o mini

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