Daily Tech Roundup: EV Battery Startups Spearhead Race for Solid-State, TikTok Parent Seeks to Fast-Track Suit Against U.S.

The Daily Tech Roundup summarizes the top technology news in China and Asia.

**EV battery startups take the driver’s seat in the race for solid-state**

China’s battery industry is progressing toward solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs) at varying speeds. Startups like QingTao (KunShan) Energy Development Co. Ltd. and Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology Co. Ltd. are aggressively moving into the market [para. 2][para. 3]. These startups aim to capitalize on solid-state technology, which could potentially resolve many technical and safety issues associated with current EV batteries [para. 2][para. 3]. On the other hand, established battery manufacturers like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) and BYD Co. Ltd. are adopting a more gradual approach. They plan to introduce solid-state batteries but prefer to maximize profits from existing technologies before transitioning to the new tech once it becomes more cost-effective and reliable [para. 4].

**GAC’s EV brand teams up with CATL on battery-swapping business**

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd.’s (GAC) EV brand, Aion, is collaborating with battery giant CATL to venture into the battery-swapping sector [para. 5][para. 6]. Given a decline in sales, the partnership is a strategic move to innovate and attract more customers. The cooperation will involve the development of EV models with swappable batteries by Aion, while CATL will provide the necessary battery packs [para. 6]. Additionally, CATL’s subsidiary, Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology Ltd., will be in charge of battery sales, rental, and swapping services [para. 6].

**Canada is looking at EV tariff policy after Biden’s move against China**

Canada is considering raising tariffs on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles in response to significant new tariffs imposed by the United States [para. 7]. Trade Minister Mary Ng confirmed this review in a Bloomberg interview, highlighting ongoing discussions with American counterparts [para. 7]. The Biden administration has announced substantial new tariffs against China, including a 102.5% tariff on Chinese-made EVs, a drastic increase from the previous 27.5% [para. 8].

**TikTok parent seeks to fast-track suit over U.S. divest-or-ban law**

ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of TikTok, has requested an expedited lawsuit to challenge a U.S. law that mandates the sale of the TikTok app or risk a ban [para. 9]. According to ByteDance's legal team, quick action is necessary to prevent irreparable damage [para. 9]. The urgency of the matter is underscored by the January 19 deadline, beyond which ByteDance must divest itself of TikTok to avoid the ban [para. 10]. The request is supported by eight TikTok creators who have also filed lawsuits to block the law [para. 10].

**Hong Kong officially launches digital yuan payments pilot**

Hong Kong has initiated a pilot program for digital yuan payments, representing the first implementation of China’s digital currency project outside the mainland [para. 11]. Residents can establish digital yuan wallets with major Chinese banks such as Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Construction Bank, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China to make payments directly to merchants in mainland China [para. 12][para. 13]. Users need a Hong Kong mobile number to set up these wallets, which can be used within the Greater Bay Area and other designated pilot regions [para. 13]. The wallets can be topped up using the local instant payment system, FPS [para. 13].

This summary provides an overview of the main headlines, highlighting significant developments in the EV battery industry, strategic business partnerships, international trade policy adjustments, legal challenges related to tech companies, and advancements in digital currency adoption.