Author: Linda Ma

Tesla said on Friday that its Shanghai Gigafactory completed the production ramp-up for the refreshed Model Y in just six weeks, setting a new internal record for the company’s fastest model production scale-up. In a post on its official Weibo account, Tesla described its factories as “the company’s best products” and emphasized its manufacturing capabilities as a core competitive advantage. The U.S. electric vehicle maker added that its approach to vehicle production—based on first principles and continuous disruption of traditional manufacturing paradigms—will be difficult for others to replicate. Tesla also signaled ambitious plans for future production in North America, stating…

Xiaomi has announced a new partnership with Germany’s Nürburgring race track, as the company expands its efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. As part of the agreement, Xiaomi will become a premium partner at the Nürburgring, the world’s longest permanent race track. The deal includes the naming of the “Xiaomi curve” at turn 12 on the Grand Prix circuit and the installation of a new advertising display on the Nordschleife section of the track, according to a statement from the Nürburgring. Xiaomi’s involvement with the Nürburgring builds on its increasing presence in the automotive market. The company launched its…

Leapmotor has announced the official launch of its facelifted C10 SUV, scheduled for May 15, following a pre-sale campaign that started last month. The launch event will take place at 2:00 pm Beijing time, with the company offering exclusive benefits for customers who pre-order the model. The updated C10, dubbed the 2026 C10, arrives a year after the original five-seat SUV was introduced in March 2024. As with its predecessor, the facelifted model is available in both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants. Pre-sales for the new C10 have begun, with the EREV variants priced from…

Li Auto has launched updated versions of its L-Series extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), retaining their previous pricing while adding several feature enhancements. The refreshed lineup includes four SUV models: the Li L6, L7, L8 and L9. The Li L6 remains available in Pro and Max variants, starting at RMB 249,800 ($34,530) and RMB 279,800, respectively. The Li L7 continues to be offered in three variants — Pro, Max and Ultra — with starting prices of RMB 301,800, RMB 329,800 and RMB 359,800. The Li L8 is also offered in Pro, Max and Ultra versions, priced from RMB 321,800 to RMB…

BYD has unveiled the Sealion 07 DM-i, a mid-to-large-size hybrid SUV and sibling to the all-electric Sealion 07 EV, expanding its Ocean series lineup. The new model is available in three variants priced at RMB 169,800 ($23,460), RMB 179,800, and RMB 205,800. It is built on BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid platform, known as DM 5.0, which was launched in May and promises enhanced fuel efficiency. See also: BYD Targets Doubling Overseas Sales by 2030 as Part of Global Push Measuring 4,880 mm in length with a 2,820 mm wheelbase, the Sealion 07 DM-i is powered by a 1.5T engine producing…

Uber plans to invest an additional $100 million in Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide, according to a report by Chinese media outlet Cailian citing sources familiar with the matter. The funding, expected to close in the coming months, would represent Uber’s largest investment in autonomous vehicle technology to date. WeRide, founded in 2017 and among China’s earliest developers of autonomous driving systems, listed on Nasdaq in October 2024. The company has partnered with Uber since September 2024 to integrate its robotaxi technology with the ride-hailing platform. See also: Pony.ai to Deploy Robotaxis on Uber Platform, Joining Wave of Chinese Autonomy…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is considering an initial public offering (IPO) for its flying car subsidiary Xpeng Aeroht, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter. The company has reportedly invited banks to pitch for roles in the offering, which could take place in either Hong Kong or the United States. However, discussions are ongoing, and a final decision has not been made. Xpeng may opt for a different location or decide against proceeding with an IPO, the sources said. Asked for comment, Xpeng Aeroht told local media that it had “no specific releasable information at…

Tesla sales of China-made vehicles declined in April, underperforming domestic competitors that posted sharp year-on-year gains, data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed on Wednesday. Tesla sold 58,459 vehicles from its Shanghai factory last month, including domestic deliveries and exports. The figure marks a 5.96% drop from the 62,167 units sold a year earlier and a 25.84% decline from the 78,828 vehicles recorded in March. See also: Tesla Expands Zero-Interest Financing for Model Y in China Amid Intensifying EV Competition In the first four months of 2025, Tesla’s China-made vehicle sales totaled 231,213, down 18.31% from 283,043 units…

In April 2025, the Chinese government introduced new mandatory safety standards for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The new regulations, known as GB 38031-2025, are designed to enhance safety by ensuring that EV batteries will not catch fire or explode during thermal runaway events. In addition, the regulation mandates that batteries must not emit harmful smoke that could pose a danger to vehicle occupants. These updated standards also introduce new testing procedures, including an underside impact test to assess battery protection in the event of a collision. This change is particularly relevant as…

Chinese mechanical engineering firm LEAD has secured a significant order from Italian battery manufacturer FAAM for the delivery of an end-of-line (EOL) system at FAAM’s new 8 GWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell factory, Teverola 2, located near Naples. The EOL production step is critical in battery cell manufacturing, where cells are filled with electrolyte, undergo their initial charge, and are subjected to final inspections. FAAM has chosen LEAD’s technology for this phase, which is designed to meet the highest standards in efficiency, safety, and quality. LEAD stated that the system will provide FAAM with a competitive advantage in the…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng  said on Tuesday it will announce its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on May 21, ahead of the opening of U.S. markets. Management will host an earnings call the same day at 8:00 a.m. ET (8:00 p.m. Beijing time). The announcement follows a strong performance in the first quarter, with Xpeng reporting 94,008 vehicle deliveries — a 330.8% increase from 21,821 in the same period last year. The figure surpassed the upper end of the company’s prior guidance range of 91,000 to 93,000 units. See also: Xpeng Marks Production Milestone with…

Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) is restructuring its regional leadership teams as part of an effort to streamline operations and integrate sales channels between its primary Nio brand and newly launched sub-brand Onvo, according to a report from local media outlet Sina Tech. The personnel reshuffle includes the departure of Gu Yue and Gong Dequan, former general managers of Nio’s Tianjin and Dalian regional offices, respectively, who left their roles for personal reasons. Their positions have since been filled by Onvo regional leaders, who will now serve dual roles across both brands. See also: Onvo L90 Unveiled: Nio’s New Flagship SUV…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Seres, a key partner of Huawei, has filed for a Hong Kong stock exchange listing as it seeks to expand its international footprint and strengthen capital operations, according to a preliminary prospectus published on Thursday. The Chongqing-based company did not disclose the size or terms of the offering in its initial filing. The listing is being sponsored by China International Capital Corporation (CICC) and China Galaxy International. See also: SERES Automobiles Opens First Showroom in the Gulf Region in Dubai Seres, formerly known as Chongqing Sokon Industrial Group, said the listing would support its globalization strategy,…

China Car Custom, a Chinese electric vehicle startup backed by smartphone maker Xiaomi (1810.HK), has officially launched its first production model, the SC01 electric sports car, with a starting price of 229,800 yuan ($31,530), the company said. The vehicle’s launch was notably subdued, with no formal event or promotional campaign. Instead, founder Feng Xiaotong announced the release through personal posts on Chinese social media platform Weibo. “No launch event, no PPT, I may prefer to do this briefing in the way we are more accustomed to in the past few years, and I hope I can get your support,” Feng…

Nio’s sub-brand Onvo introduced its flagship SUV, the L90, on the opening day of the 2025 Shanghai auto show, as the Chinese electric vehicle maker looks to broaden its product lineup and compete in the high-end family SUV segment. The L90, a three-row electric SUV, will become Onvo’s second production model and is set to launch in the third quarter of 2025. With a length of 5,145 mm, a wheelbase of 3,110 mm, and class-leading storage features, Onvo is targeting families looking for both space and performance. See also: Regulatory Filing Confirms Onvo L90 SUV With 85-kWh Battery and Six-Seat…

Xpeng reported deliveries of 35,045 vehicles in April, marking its second-highest monthly figure on record, according to data it released today. The result represents a 273% year-on-year increase and a 5.5% rise from March, as momentum continues to build behind its newer electric vehicle models. The April total marks the sixth consecutive month in which the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer has delivered more than 30,000 units. For the January–April period, Xpeng delivered 129,053 vehicles, a 313% increase from the same period last year. As of the end of April, the company’s cumulative deliveries stood at 719,432 units. See also: Xpeng…

Volkswagen unveiled three new electric concept vehicles on the eve of Auto Shanghai as part of its push to expand its product lineup in China, aiming to launch 30 new models by 2027, including 20 New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). The concepts – ID. AURA, ID. ERA and ID. EVO – were developed by the German carmaker’s joint ventures with FAW, SAIC, and Volkswagen Anhui, underscoring its intensified “In China, for China” strategy. The new models, which Volkswagen described as “representative of a new generation of smart electric vehicles,” are designed to meet the evolving technological demands of Chinese consumers. “The…

Nio is preparing to launch the third-generation version of its flagship ES8 SUV and the L80 SUV under its sub-brand Onvo in the fourth quarter of 2025, as part of a broader product strategy unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai auto show. The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer is on track to introduce a new model in each quarter of the year, expanding its lineup to nine models by the end of 2025. The roadmap includes both new entries and facelifts to existing models across its Nio and Onvo brands. See also: Nio Targets 10% Sales Contribution from Firefly Brand Over Time…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has signed an agreement to deliver 200 electric sedans to the Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), as the Emirati firm accelerates efforts to transition to a fully electric fleet by 2040. The vehicles, BYD Seal models, will be deployed across the city as part of DTC’s broader sustainability goals aligned with Dubai’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. The company currently operates over 9,000 vehicles, with approximately 86 percent already categorized as environmentally friendly. See also: BYD Files Sealion 06 SUV for Regulatory Approval in China with BEV and PHEV Variants The BYD Seal is an all-electric sedan…

Yangwang, the ultra-luxury sub-brand of China’s BYD, has reached 10,000 cumulative vehicle deliveries, marking a notable achievement for a high-end domestic electric vehicle marque. The milestone delivery was made to Yu Minhong, founder of Chinese education company New Oriental, who received a U8 SUV from Yangwang’s head of sales. Launched in January 2023, Yangwang targets the premium segment with vehicles priced above RMB 1 million ($137,000). Its first model, the U8 off-road SUV, was introduced in September 2023, followed by the U9 electric supercar in February 2024, and more recently, the U7 sedan in March. The brand’s latest model, the…