Author: Jason Zhao

Chinese automaker Geely Auto on Tuesday officially launched the updated Zeekr 009, as its premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr seeks to strengthen its position in China’s increasingly competitive luxury EV market. The revamped Zeekr 009 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is available in three variants, including a seven-seat Ultra version, a seven-seat Ultra+ Family version, and a six-seat Ultra+ Executive version. Deliveries are scheduled to begin on May 20. The model carries limited-time post-entitlement starting prices ranging from 413,800 yuan ($60,850) to 443,800 yuan, lower than the official guide prices of between 439,800 yuan and 469,800 yuan. The updated Zeekr 009 was…

BYD executives have defended the company’s flash charging technology following concerns over battery temperatures during ultra-fast charging tests. Sun Huajun, chief technology officer of BYD’s battery business group, said advances in battery materials, thermal management and electrochemical systems have overcome traditional limitations associated with high-speed charging. In comments published by Chinese media outlet 36Kr following the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, Sun said concerns about battery degradation from ultra-fast charging were based on outdated assumptions. “We cannot simply look at new technologies using our past experiences, habits, and inertial thinking,” Sun said. BYD introduced its second-generation Blade Battery and flash charging…

Chinese LiDAR manufacturer Seyond said on Friday its cumulative LiDAR deliveries surpassed 1 million units, marking a key milestone for the sensor supplier as it expands production and broadens its customer base. The announcement coincided with the debut and pre-sales launch of Nio’s flagship ES9 sport utility vehicle, which is equipped with three Seyond LiDAR sensors. Each ES9 includes one Falcon ultra-long-range LiDAR and two Robin W mid-range wide-angle LiDARs, mounted on the roof and front fenders to provide full-scenario perception coverage, Seyond said. The company said cumulative deliveries of its Falcon platform have reached 750,000 units, while the Robin…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is preparing to launch the first sport utility vehicle under its Mona lineup after a new model, the Mona L03, appeared in a regulatory filing published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The filing, released on Thursday, shows the all-electric L03 SUV featuring a fastback-style design in line with the visual identity of the Mona series. According to the filing, the Mona L03 measures 4,650 mm to 4,672 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm and seating for five passengers. The model…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle brand of Geely, has opened pre-sales for updated versions of its Zeekr 007 and Zeekr 007 GT models, introducing hardware upgrades as part of its ongoing product updates in China. The company said customers can pay 2,000 yuan ($290) during the pre-sales period to receive a 7,000 yuan deduction from the final purchase price. The official launch of the updated models is scheduled for April 10. Both vehicles have been upgraded to a 900-volt high-voltage architecture, replacing the previous 800-volt system. The models are available with 75-kWh and 103-kWh battery packs, offering a maximum driving…

Stelato, a brand jointly created by Huawei and Beijing Automotive Group, has launched updated versions of its S9 sedan and S9T wagon as it seeks to remain competitive in China’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. The updated Stelato S9 and Stelato S9T were unveiled at a spring product event, with both models priced from 319,800 yuan ($46,370). The new versions introduce additional exterior color options aimed at offering greater personalization for consumers. Both vehicles are equipped with a new-generation 896-channel image-grade LiDAR system as standard, enhancing environmental perception capabilities. They also feature Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 4 smart driving system, designed…

Xiaomi has begun deliveries of its new-generation SU7 electric sedan while announcing partnerships with three domestic racing events, underscoring its strategy to position the model around performance and driving dynamics. The company live-streamed the handover of the first batch of vehicles on Monday, following strong initial demand. The upgraded Xiaomi SU7 secured more than 15,000 locked-in orders within 34 minutes of its launch on March 19, according to the company. To shorten delivery times, Xiaomi prepared ready-to-ship inventory in advance, allowing deliveries within one to five weeks after orders are confirmed. “Over the past two years, owners have had major…

Nio has surpassed 550,000 units in cumulative production of its in-house developed automotive chips, marking a milestone in the Chinese electric vehicle maker’s push into semiconductors. Founder, chairman, and CEO William Li disclosed the figure at a semiconductor industry summit in Shanghai on Thursday, underscoring the company’s progress in building internal chip capabilities. The total production volume includes two key chips: the Yangjian LiDAR master control chip and the Shenji NX9031 smart driving processor. Shipments of the Yangjian chip, launched in 2023 and deployed from April 2024, have exceeded 400,000 units. Meanwhile, the Shenji NX9031 chip—built on a 5-nanometre process—has…

SAIC-GM-Wuling has unveiled the fifth-generation Hongguang Mini EV, updating the world’s best-selling micro electric vehicle as competition intensifies in China’s entry-level EV segment. The new version adopts a unified design language for both two-door and four-door variants, featuring retro-style circular headlights and taillights along with a contrasting black floating roof. Three new exterior colours — green, white and grey — have been introduced, according to information released by the company on social media. The model has already appeared in a regulatory catalogue from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, indicating preparations for market launch. Dimensions have been slightly revised…

Nio Inc delivered 20,797 vehicles in February, a 57.6% increase from a year earlier despite a decline from January due to the Lunar New Year holiday, the company said. Deliveries fell 23.49% month on month as the Spring Festival break, which ran from mid- to late February this year, disrupted production and logistics across China’s automotive sector. Last year’s holiday occurred mainly in January, resulting in a different seasonal pattern. The Nio main brand accounted for 15,159 vehicles in February, up 65.80% year on year but down 27.45% from the previous month. Sub-brand Onvo delivered 2,981 vehicles, declining both year…

Xpeng delivered 15,256 vehicles in February, a sharp decline of 49.90% from a year earlier and 23.76% from January, as the Chinese electric vehicle maker faced holiday-related disruptions and softer domestic demand. The company said the Lunar New Year holiday, which ran from Feb. 15 to Feb. 23 this year, affected production and logistics across the industry. In contrast, last year’s holiday occurred mainly in January, reducing its impact on February deliveries. See also: Xpeng Files Flagship GX SUV for Approval, Offering BEV and EREV Variants The slowdown mirrors broader industry trends, with several Chinese automakers reporting weaker monthly results…

Smart #5 Electric SUV Wins Multiple Global Awards In First Year On Market Mid-Size Model Earns Safety, Design And Car-Of-The-Year Honors Across Europe And Asia STUTTGART, Feb 13 — The all-electric smart #5 sport utility vehicle has received multiple international awards during its first year on sale, including Norway’s Car of the Year 2026 and top safety recognition from Euro NCAP, the brand said. The mid-size SUV secured Euro NCAP’s “Best in Class” Large SUV title for 2025 after achieving the highest overall score in its category, alongside a five-star safety rating. The vehicle also earned distinctions in design competitions…