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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]  
Basis of presentation
(a)
Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). As an Australian public limited company, the Company is subject to the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”), which requires financial statements be prepared and audited in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards (“AAS”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The consolidated financial statements are not financial statements for the purposes of the Corporations Act and are considered “non-IFRS financial information” under the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s Regulatory guide 230: ‘Disclosing non-IFRS financial information.’ Such non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled information presented by other entities and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial information prepared in accordance with AAS or IFRS.

All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and combination.
Use of estimates
(b)
Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company continually evaluates these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, historical experience and various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, estimates and judgments applied in determination of provision for doubtful accounts, lower of cost and net realizable value of inventories, impairment losses for long-lived assets and investments, goodwill, valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and fair value measurement for share-based compensation expense, convertible promissory notes and warrants. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair value measurement
(c)
Fair value measurement

ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. These tiers include:

Level 1—defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2—defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

Level 3—defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s financial instruments not reported at fair value primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, prepayments and other current assets, amount due from and due to related parties, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, prepayment, goodwill and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities and amount due from and due to related party, current were approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items. The estimated fair values of loan from third party, and amount due from related party, non-current were not materially different from their carrying value as presented due to the brief maturities and because the interest rates on these borrowings approximate those that would have been available for loans of similar remaining maturities and risk profiles.

Available-for-sale investments and currency-cross swap were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they were valued using quoted prices in active markets. Our debt security investments are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As the Issuer is not yet listed and there are no similar companies in the market at the same stage of development for comparison, the Issuer is difficult to value, and the valuation is not considered reliable. Therefore, the Company develop own assumption by future cash flow forecast, which contains principle paid and interests accrued.

The fair value option provides an election that allows a company to irrevocably elect to record certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition. The Company has elected to apply the fair value option to: i) convertible promissory notes payable due to the complexity of the various conversion and settlement options available to notes holders; ii) convertible loan receivable, which was recognized as debt security in long-term investments, and iii) cross-currency swap, which was recognized as short-term investments.

The convertible promissory notes payable accounted for under the fair value option election are each a debt host financial instrument containing embedded features that would otherwise be required to be bifurcated from the debt-host and recognized as separate derivative liabilities subject to initial and subsequent periodic estimated fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding, when the fair value option election is applied to financial liabilities, bifurcation of an embedded derivative is not required, and the financial liability is initially measured at its issue-date estimated fair value and then subsequently remeasured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis as of each reporting period date.

The portion of the change in fair value attributed to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and the remaining amount of the fair value adjustment is recognized as changes in fair value of convertible promissory notes and derivative liabilities in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The estimated fair value adjustment is presented in a respective single line item within other expense in the consolidated statement of operations because the change in fair value of the convertible notes was not attributable to instrument-specific credit risk.


In connection with the issuances of convertible promissory notes, the Company issued investor warrants and placement agent warrants to purchase ordinary shares of the Company. The Company utilizes a Binomial model to estimate the fair value of the warrants and are considered a Level 3 fair value measurement. The warrants are measured at each reporting period, with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of operations.

As a practical expedient, the Company uses Net Asset Value (“NAV”) or its equivalent to measure the fair value of its certain fund investment. The Company’s investments valued at NAV as a practical expedient are: i) private equity funds, which represent the investment in equity securities on the consolidated balance sheet; ii) wealth management products purchased from banks, which represents the available-for-sale investments in short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheet.
Business combination
(d)
Business combination


The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations.” The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the assets transferred to the sellers, liabilities incurred by the Company and equity instruments issued by the Company. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured separately at their fair values as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition, fair value of the noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill.
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
(e)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

The Company considers highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted cash consists of cash restricted as to withdrawal or use. Such restricted cash relates to certain credit card and lease guarantees.
Accounts receivable and provision for doubtful accounts
(f)
Accounts receivable and provision for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable are recognized and carried at net realizable value.

The Company adopted ASC 326 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses using the modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit from January 1, 2023 and interim periods therein. Management used an expected credit loss model for the impairment of accounts receivable as of period ends. Management believes the aging of accounts receivable is a reasonable parameter to estimate expected credit loss, and determines expected credit losses for accounts receivables using an aging schedule as of period ends. The expected credit loss rates under each aging schedule were developed on basis of the average historical loss rates from previous years, and adjusted to reflect the effects of those differences in current conditions and forecasted changes. Management measured the expected credit losses of accounts receivable on a collective basis. When an accounts receivable does not share risk characteristics with other accounts receivables, management will evaluate such accounts receivable for expected credit loss on an individual basis. Doubtful accounts balances are written off and deducted from allowance, when receivables are deemed uncollectible, after all collection efforts have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
Inventories
(g)
Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of raw materials is determined on the basis of weighted average. The cost of finished goods is determined on the basis of weighted average and comprises direct materials, direct labor cost and an appropriate proportion of overhead.

Net realizable value is based on estimated selling prices less selling expenses and any further costs of completion. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to net realizable value are made, if required, for estimated excess, obsolescence, or impaired balances. Write-downs are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Available-for-sale investments and Debt security investments
(h)
Available-for-sale investments and Debt Security investments

The Company’s available-for-sale investment consist of wealth management products purchased from banks and convertible loans. The Company’s short-term available-for-sale investment are classified as short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets based on the contractual maturity date which is less than one year. The wealth management products purchased from banks are stated at the net asset value

The Company’s debt security investments consist of convertible loan. At any time on or after the maturity date, the convertible loan will convert into shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the outstanding principal balance and unpaid accrued interest of the convertible loan as of the date of such conversion by the applicable conversion price. The convertible loans are stated at fair value.

The Company reviews its investments for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) based on the specific identification method. The Company considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds the investment’s fair value, the Company considers, among other factors, general market conditions, expected future performance of the investees, the duration and the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than the cost, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment. OTTI is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations. There is no OTTI recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Cross-currency swap
(i)
Cross-currency swap

The Company used cross-currency swap contracts to manage its exposures to movements in foreign exchange rates primarily related to the RMB or Renminbi. The use of these cross-currency swap modifies the Company’s exposure to these risks with the goal of reducing the risk or cost to the Company. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged derivative contracts.

Depending on the nature of the underlying risk being hedged, these cross-currency swap are accounted for either as cash flow, net investment or mark to market hedges against changes in the value of the hedged item. Derivatives are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The fair value is based upon either market quotes for actively traded instruments or independent bids for nonexchange traded instruments. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the instrument has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. The Company determines whether a derivative instrument meets the criteria for cash flow or net investment hedge accounting treatment on the date the derivative is executed. Derivatives accounted for as mark to market hedges are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.

Economic Hedges

A derivative instrument whose change in fair value is used to hedge against changes in the value of a hedged item, but which is not designated as a hedge under ASC815 “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, is accounted for as an economic hedge. These derivatives are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when the hedged item is recorded as an asset or liability and then are revalued each accounting period. Changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as economic hedges are reported in the “Gain from cross-currency swaps” lines under “Other expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as hedges are classified as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For the year ended December 31, 2023, all of the cross-currency swap contracts were accounted for as economic hedges.
Investment in equity securities
(j)
Investment in equity securities

For investments in equity securities with a variable interest rate indexed to the performance of underlying assets, the Company elected the fair value method at the date of initial recognition and carried these investments subsequently at fair value. Changes in fair values are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each balance sheet date. The private equity funds are measured at fair value with gains and losses recognized in earnings. As a practical expedient, the Company uses Net Asset Value (“NAV”) or its equivalent to measure the fair value of the Fund.


The Company evaluates whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired based on the specific facts and circumstances. Factors that are considered in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include the market value of the security in relation to its cost basis, the financial condition of the investee, and the intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery in the market value of the investment.
Property, plant and equipment, net
(k)
Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment. Depreciation is calculated over the asset’s estimated useful life, using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings
 20 years
Machinery and equipment
5-10 years
Office equipment
5 years
Motor vehicles
3-5 years
Leasehold improvement
3-10 years
Others
3 years

The Company reassesses the reasonableness of the estimates of useful lives and residual values of long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the useful lives and residual values of a major asset or a major category of assets may not be reasonable. Factors that the Company considers in deciding when to perform an analysis of useful lives and residual values of long-lived assets include, but are not limited to, significant variance of a business or product line in relation to expectations, significant deviation from industry or economic trends, and significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets. The analysis will be performed at the asset or asset category with the reference to the assets’ conditions, current technologies, market, and future plan of usage and the useful lives of major competitors.

The costs and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise retired are eliminated from the Company’s accounts and any gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The cost of maintenance and repair is charged to expenses as incurred, whereas significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.

The Company constructs certain of its property including recodifications and improvement of its office buildings and plant. Depreciation is recorded at the time assets are ready for the intended use.
Intangible assets, net
(l)
Intangible assets, net

Intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and any recorded impairment. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line approach over the estimated economic useful lives of the assets as follows:

Category
Estimated useful life
Land use rights
 45.75-50 years
Software
3 years
Technology
5 years
Trademark
5 years
Impairment of long-lived assets
(m)
Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets or asset group with determinable useful lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset or a group of assets’ carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company measures the carrying amount of long-lived asset against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets or asset group and their eventual disposition. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable when the sum of the undiscounted expected future net cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset being evaluated. Impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. Fair value is generally determined by discounting the cash flows expected to be generated by the assets or asset group, when the market prices are not readily available. The adjusted carrying amount of the assets become new cost basis and are depreciated over the assets’ remaining useful lives. Long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The impairment test is performed at the asset group level. Impairment loss for long-lived assets of $431,319 and $3,917,537 were recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Goodwill
(n)
Goodwill

Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently when events and circumstances occur indicating that the recorded goodwill may be impaired. The Company performs impairment analysis on goodwill as of December 31 every year either beginning with a qualitative assessment, or starting with the quantitative assessment instead. The quantitative goodwill impairment test compares the fair values of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. A reporting unit constitutes a business for which discrete profit and loss financial information is available. The fair value of each reporting unit is established using a combination of expected present value of future cash flows. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

In applying the goodwill impairment assessment, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance of the reporting unit. If after assessing these qualitative factors, the Company determines it is “more-likely-than not” that the fair value is less than the carrying value, a quantitative assessment of goodwill is required.

The quantitative impairment test requires significant management judgments, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. The judgment in estimating the fair value of reporting units includes estimating future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates and making other assumptions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit.

Impairment loss for goodwill of $nil and $11,111,886 were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Long-term investment
(o)
Long-term investment

Equity method investments

Investee companies over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling interest through investment in common shares or in substance common shares are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Company has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%, and other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are also considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate.

Under the equity method, the Company initially records its investment at cost and subsequently recognizes the Company’s proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment into the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and accordingly adjusts the carrying amount of the investment. When the Company’s share of losses in the equity investee equals or exceeds its interest in the equity investee, the Company does not recognize further losses, unless the Company has incurred obligations or made payments or guarantees on behalf of the equity investee.

Equity investments without readily determinable fair values

For investments in an investee over which the Company does not have significant influence, the Company carries the investment at cost and recognizes income as any dividends declared from distribution of investee’s earnings. The Company reviews the equity investments without readily determinable fair values for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may no longer be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the investment’s carrying amount and its fair value at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which the assessment is made. All equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those resulting in the consolidation of the investee, be accounted for at fair value with all fair value changes recognized in income. For equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values the Company measures the equity investment at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the Company.

Impairment for long-term investment

The Company reviews its long-term investments for impairment whenever an event or circumstance indicates that other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. The Company considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its long-term investments. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary. The adjusted carrying amount of the assets become new cost basis.
Revenue recognition
(p)
Revenue recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In determining when and how revenue is recognized from contracts with customers, the Company performs the following five-step analysis: (i) identification of a contract with the customer; (ii) determination of performance obligations; (iii) measurement of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.

The Company generates revenue primarily through sales of light-duty ECVs, sales of ECV parts, and sales of off-road electric vehicles. Revenue is recognized at a point in time once the Company has determined that the customer has obtained control over the product. Revenue is recognized net of return allowance and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Significant judgement is required to estimate return allowances. The Company reasonably estimate the possibility of return based on the historical experience, changes in judgments on these assumptions and estimates could materially impact the amount of net revenues recognized.

Shipping and handling costs for product shipments occur prior to the customer obtaining control of the goods are accounted for as fulfilment costs rather than separate performance obligations and recorded as sales and marketing expenses.

The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenues by product line for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
Vehicles sales
 
$
20,344,889
 
 
$
8,235,053
 
Spare-parts sales
 
 
1,554,311
 
 
 
304,506
 
Other service income
 
 
180,705
 
 
 
402,276
 
Net revenues
 
$
22,079,905
 
 
$
8,941,835
 

The Company’s revenues are primarily derived from Europe, America and Asia. The following table sets forth disaggregation of revenue by customer location.

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
Primary geographical markets
 
 
 
 
Europe
 
$
16,218,398
   
$
7,052,452
 
Asia
   
4,805,312
     
1,191,931
 
America     1,056,195       697,452  
Total
 
$
22,079,905
 
 
$
8,941,835
 

Contract Balances

Timing of revenue recognition was once the Company has determined that the customer has obtained control over the product. Accounts receivable represent revenue recognized for the amounts invoiced and/or prior to invoicing when the Company has satisfied its performance obligation and has an unconditional right to the payment.

Contractual liabilities primarily represent the Company’s obligation to transfer additional goods or services to a customer for which the Company has received consideration. The consideration received remains a contractual liability until goods or services have been provided to the customer. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $464,636 and $1,105,076 revenue that was included in contractual liabilities as of January 1, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The following table provides information about receivables and contractual liabilities from contracts with customers:

   
December 31,
2023
   
December 31,
2022
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
6,530,801
   
$
565,398
 
Contractual liabilities
 
$
3,394,044
   
$
2,388,480
 
Cost of goods sold
(q)
Cost of goods sold

Cost of goods sold mainly consists of production related costs including costs of raw materials, consumables, direct labor, overhead costs, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, manufacturing waste treatment processing fees and inventory write-downs.
Government grants
(r)
Government grants

The Company’s PRC based subsidiaries received government subsidies from certain local governments. The Company’s government subsidies consist of specific subsidies and other subsidies. Specific subsidies are subsidies that the local government has provided for a specific purpose, such as land fulfillment costs. Other subsidies are the subsidies that the local government has not specified its purpose for and are not tied to future trends or performance of the Company, receipt of such subsidy income is not contingent upon any further actions or performance of the Company and the amounts do not have to be refunded under any circumstances.

Specific subsidies relating to land use rights are accounted for as an income with the subsidy benefit reflected over the related asset useful life. Other subsidies are recognized as other income upon receipt as further performance by the Company is not required.
Income taxes
(s)
Income taxes

The Company accounts for income tax using an asset and liability approach, which allows for the recognition of deferred tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The accounting for deferred tax calculation represents management’s best estimate of the most likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns and related future anticipation. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized after considering all available evidence, both positive and negative.

Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. As part of the process of preparing financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Net operating losses are carried forward and credited by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years when the reported amounts of the asset or liability are expected to be recovered or settled, respectively. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually classified as non-current. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position.

As required by applicable tax law, interest on non-payment of income taxes and penalties associated with tax positions when a tax position does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid payment of penalties recognized, if any, will be classified as a component of the provisions for income taxes. The tax returns of the Company and its Germany, Hong Kong and PRC subsidiaries are subject to examination by the relevant local tax authorities. The standard period in which Australian Taxation Office can amend an assessment is four years and there is no statute of limitation in the case of fraud or evasion. The statutory limitation period in Germany for the issue or correction of assessments is four years from the end of the year in which the return was filed. In the case of fraud and willful evasion, the investigation is extended to cover ten years of assessment. According to the Departmental Interpretation and Practice Notes No.11 (Revised) of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance (the “HK tax laws”), an investigation normally covers the six years of the assessment prior to the year of the assessment in which the investigation commences. In the case of fraud and willful evasion, the investigation is extended to cover ten years of assessment. According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three years if the underpayment of taxes is due to computational errors made by the taxpayer or the withholding agent. The statute of limitations is extended to five years under special circumstances, where the underpayment of taxes is more than RMB100,000. In the case of transfer pricing issues, the statute of limitation is ten years. There is no statute of limitation in the case of tax evasion. U.S. federal tax matters are open to examination for years 2015 through 2023. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have any material interest or penalties associated with tax positions. The Company did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2023 or 2022. The Company does not expect that its assessment regarding unrecognized tax positions will materially change over the next 12 months.
Foreign currency translation and transaction
(t)
Foreign currency translation and transaction
 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“USD” or “$”). The functional currency of certain of CEGL’s PRC subsidiaries is the Renminbi (“RMB”). The functional currency of CAE, CEGE and Antric Gmbh is the EUR, and CEGL and its other subsidiaries in US is the USD. The functional currency of Cenntro Electric CICS, SRL was DOP. The functional currency of Cenntro Automotive S.A.S. and Cenntro Electric Colombia S.A.S. was COP. The functional currency of Cenntro Elektromobilite Araçlar A.Ş was TRY.

Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates as of balance sheet date. Income and expenditures are translated at the average exchange rate of the reporting period. Capital accounts of the consolidated financial statements are translated into USD from RMB, EUR, DOP, COP and TRY at their historical exchange rates when the capital transactions occurred. Translation adjustments are reported as cumulative translation adjustments and are shown as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the balance sheets. The rates are obtained from H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board.

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
Period end USD: RMB exchange rate
 
 
7.0999
 
 
 
6.8972
 
Average USD: RMB exchange rate
 
 
7.0809
 
 
 
6.7290
 
Period end USD: EUR exchange rate
    1.1062       0.9348  
Average USD: EUR exchange rate
    1.0817       0.9493  

Foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are re-measured at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from re-measurement at year-end are recognized in foreign currency exchange gain/loss, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
Comprehensive loss
(u)
Comprehensive loss

Comprehensive loss includes all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Among other disclosures, all items that are required to be recognized under current accounting standards as components of comprehensive loss are required to be reported in a financial statement that is presented with the same prominence as other financial statements. For the years presented, comprehensive loss includes net loss and the foreign currency translation changes.
Segments
(v)
Segments

In accordance with ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting, the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), identified as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, relies upon the consolidated results of operations as a whole when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing the performance of the Company. As a result of the assessment made by CODM, the Company has only one reportable segment. The Company does not distinguish between markets or segments for the purpose of internal reporting.

The Company’s long-lived assets are substantially located in the PRC and United States. The following table presents long-lived assets by geographic segment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Long-lived assets
   
December 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
PRC
 
$
19,900,770
   
$
18,018,954
 
US
   
19,730,650
     
9,125,535
 
Mexico
    4,238,942       -
 
Dominican
    808,346       469,740  
Others
   
2,636,219
     
99,303
 
Total
 
$
47,314,927
   
$
27,713,532
 
Share-based compensation expenses
(w)
Share-based compensation expenses

The Company’s share-based compensation expenses are recorded in accordance with ASC 718 and ASC 710.

Share-based awards to employees are measured based on the grant date fair value of the equity instrument issued and recognized as compensation expense net of a forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis, over the requisite service period, with a corresponding impact reflected in additional paid-in capital.

The estimate of forfeiture rate will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that the actual forfeiture rate differs, or is expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeiture rate will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change.
Convertible promissory notes
(x)
Convertible promissory notes

The Company has elected the fair value option to account for its convertible promissory notes issued during 2022. In accordance with ASC 825, the convertible promissory notes are marked-to-market at each reporting date with changes in fair value recorded as a component of other income (expense), in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. We disclose the nature and terms, the income statement effects, the valuation methods and assumptions of the convertible promissory notes in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements.
Derivative liability
(y)
Derivative liability

Warrants recorded as liabilities at fair value in accordance with ASC 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity”. The liability remeasured every reporting period with any change to fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.
Operating lease
(z)
Operating lease

The Company accounts for its lease under ASC 842 Leases, and identifies lease as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. For all operating leases except for short-term leases, the Company recognizes operating right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are short-term lease and not recognized as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognizes lease expense for short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the lease payments not yet paid, discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate over a similar term of the lease payments at lease commencement. Some of the Company’s lease agreements contain renewal options; however, the Company do not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for renewal periods unless it is determined that the Company is reasonably certain of renewing the lease at inception or when a triggering event occurs. The right-of-use assets consist of the amount of the measurement of the lease liabilities and any prepaid lease payments. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
Non-controlling Interest
(aa)
Non-controlling Interest

A non-controlling interest in subsidiaries represents the portion of the equity (net assets) in the subsidiaries not directly or indirectly attributable to the Company’s shareholders. Non-controlling interests are presented as a separate component of equity on the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive loss are attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests.
Recently issued accounting standards pronouncements
(ab)
Recently issued accounting standards pronouncements

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging - Portfolio Layer Method”. The new accounting rules allow entities to expand the use of the portfolio layer method to all financial assets and designate multiple hedged layers within a single closed portfolio. The new accounting rules also clarify guidance related to hedge basis adjustments and the related disclosures for these adjustments. The new accounting rules were effective for the Company starting January 1, 2023. As the Company does not currently have any fair value hedging programs that leverage the portfolio layer method, the adoption of the new accounting rules did not have any impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.