Author: Linda Ma

Li Auto has significantly slowed its overseas expansion efforts, shifting its focus back to the domestic market, as reported by local media outlet LatePost. The Chinese automaker had initially planned a more aggressive push into international markets but now believes that more thorough preparations are needed before entering foreign markets. This decision reflects the company’s strategic reassessment of its priorities and resources. Li Auto’s management has highlighted the need for overseas models to be designed specifically for local consumers rather than simply adapting domestic vehicles. According to a source familiar with the matter, the company will differentiate its vehicles for…

BYD plans to implement its in-house developed smart driving algorithms in some of its vehicles beginning next month, marking a significant milestone in the company’s shift from relying solely on third-party suppliers. According to a report from HiEV, BYD’s new smart driving technology is expected to enter mass production as early as November. The company has branded its smart driving platform as DiPilot, which is segmented by computing power. The system featuring 100 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) or less is called DiPilot 100, using Nvidia’s Drive Orin N chip and Horizon Robotics’ Journey 5 chip. For higher performance,…

Chinese luxury automaker Hongqi showcased its latest electric vehicles, the EH7 sedan and the EHS7 SUV, at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. These all-electric models are now available for open orders in Europe, signaling a significant step in Hongqi’s strategy to expand into the European market. Both vehicles feature a 22,500 RPM electric motor, allowing for impressive top speeds of 200 km/h. The EHS7 SUV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, while the EH7 sedan accomplishes the same in 3.5 seconds, delivering supercar-level performance. Equipped with rear-wheel steering and an advanced braking system, which boasts a braking distance of…

SAIC-MG has introduced a new electric SUV, the MG ES5, in China, which is set to replace the outgoing ZS EV in key export markets, including Europe, the UK, and Australia. Built on the same EV-dedicated platform as the MG4 hatchback, the MG ES5 features a larger footprint and a more streamlined design than its predecessor. The MG ZS recently received a hybrid-only update for 2025, leaving behind the fully electric option. Instead of following a similar design route for the electric variant, SAIC-MG opted for the all-new ES5 model, which benefits from the latest in the company’s EV technology.…

Xpeng  announced today that the first production vehicles of its latest electric sedan, the P7+, have rolled off the assembly line at its Guangzhou manufacturing facility. The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker expects to begin deliveries of the model next month, according to a statement by Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng on Weibo. The P7+ has generated significant interest, with strong pre-sale orders reported since its introduction, according to Mr. He. “The Xpeng P7+ has seen strong orders since it began pre-sales,” he noted, adding that the company is in the final stages of ramping up mass production. The new…

Chery announced on October 18 that it plans to launch an all-solid state battery in 2026 during the Chery Global Innovation Conference. The company also introduced its new Kunpeng battery brand, which will feature three battery series, all capable of 6C charging, enabling EVs to gain 400 km of range in just five minutes. The solid-state battery technology is projected to achieve an energy density of 400 Wh/kg by the end of this year, increasing to 600 Wh/kg by 2025, with the first vehicle application anticipated in 2026. Chery aims for its solid-state batteries to provide electric vehicles (EVs) with…

Li Auto announced today that it has achieved a significant milestone by reaching one million vehicle deliveries, just three days after its one millionth vehicle rolled off the assembly line. This accomplishment positions Li Auto as the first among new Chinese automotive brands to reach this delivery mark, according to the company’s announcement on Weibo. It took Li Auto 58 months to reach this milestone, having delivered a record 53,709 vehicles in September, which brought its cumulative deliveries to 975,176 vehicles. So far in October, the company has delivered 24,824 vehicles. Founded in July 2015, Li Auto has established itself…

Apple and Chinese automaker BYD collaborated in secret to develop long-range electric vehicle (EV) batteries before Apple abandoned its car project earlier this year, according to a Bloomberg report. The two companies began working together around 2017, focusing on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, a safer and more durable battery technology than the standard EV batteries of the time. While Apple does not own any of the technology currently used in BYD’s blade batteries, the collaboration showcased the tech giant’s efforts to create its own vehicle. “The concept for the Blade battery originated with BYD engineers, who independently developed this…

BYD has filed for regulatory approval of its Xia multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) following the commencement of pre-orders in late September. The model has been included in the latest catalog released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), allowing for public comments from October 16 to 22. This catalog entry represents the final major regulatory step before the vehicle can be sold in China. The BYD Xia MPV features two variants, designated as BYD6510MT6HEV1 and BYD6510MT6HEV, both classified as plug-in hybrids. According to the filing, the vehicle measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,805 mm…

Denza, the premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand under BYD, has taken a crucial step toward the launch of its new Denza N9 SUV. The model has been included in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) latest catalog of models available for public comment, a final regulatory hurdle before official sales approval. Public feedback on the vehicle can be submitted from October 16 to 22. The Denza N9 is a six-seat plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) boasting a substantial size, with a length of 5,258 mm, width of 2,030 mm, height of 1,830 mm, and a wheelbase of…

Tesla has announced the reopening of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) transfers for customers in China, marking the second time this year the offer has been available. Previously, Tesla China allowed FSD transfers between February and March, and now the option is open again, but with several conditions attached. The FSD transfers apply to customers who purchase or take delivery of a new Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, or Model Y by December 31, 2024. To qualify, customers must have previously owned a Tesla with FSD, and the old vehicle must remain in their possession at the time of…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto marked a significant milestone today, with its 1 millionth vehicle rolling off the assembly line. The milestone comes just 58 months after the company’s first vehicle was produced in November 2019. Li Auto announced the achievement on social media, highlighting that the 1 millionth vehicle was built at its main production site in Changzhou, Jiangsu province. The company also operates a newer plant in Beijing, where it is headquartered. The ceremony at the Changzhou plant was attended by company executives and officials from Jiangsu province. Founded in July 2015, Li Auto has emerged as…