Author: Michael Zhang

Michael Zhang follows China’s electric vehicle market with a focus on emerging manufacturers, new model launches, and industry data. His reporting highlights how domestic automakers and technology suppliers are adapting to a rapidly evolving competitive landscape.

Li Auto has moved a step closer to launching its new all-electric i9 sport utility vehicle after the model appeared in the latest vehicle filing published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The filing includes two dual-motor variants of the Li i9, which is scheduled to officially go on sale in September. Li Auto founder, chairman and chief executive officer Li Xiang previously said the model would become the newest member of the company’s flagship 9-series SUV family. Flagship Electric SUV Offers Six-Seat Layout According to the regulatory documents, the Li i9 measures 5,225 millimeters in length,…

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BYD has taken another step toward introducing its Shark plug-in hybrid pickup truck in China after the model appeared in the latest regulatory filings released by the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The filing marks the first regulatory submission for the pickup in BYD’s domestic market following its earlier launch overseas. The vehicle is listed as a plug-in hybrid multipurpose freight vehicle and will be produced at one of BYD’s manufacturing facilities in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Pickup Retains Overseas Specifications According to the regulatory documents, the Shark measures 5,457 millimeters in length, 1,971 mm in width and…

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BYD remained China’s largest exporter of passenger new energy vehicles (NEVs) in June, extending its lead over domestic rivals as overseas shipments continued to grow, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The automaker exported 170,897 passenger NEVs during the month, an increase of 98.8% from a year earlier and 9.6% from May. The figure gave BYD a 34.2% share of China’s passenger NEV export market. Chery ranked second with exports of 73,819 NEVs, followed by Geely Auto with 61,550 units. Chery’s exports rose 177.8% year over year, while Geely posted a 713.2% annual increase as…

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Xiaomi has revealed the first full exterior images of the N90, the debut model in its new Sky Nomad vehicle lineup, marking the company’s expansion beyond its existing SU7 and YU7 series. The company described the N90 as a “smart, versatile large-space SUV” and confirmed that Sky Nomad will serve as Xiaomi EV’s second product lineup rather than a standalone sub-brand. The newly released images show a large SUV with a boxy design, roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and Xiaomi branding on the hood, while the Sky Nomad name is displayed prominently at the front of the vehicle. Designed as a Living…

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Mercedes-Benz Group has launched the all-new electric GLC sport utility vehicle (SUV) in China, introducing a key model as the automaker seeks to strengthen its position in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market. The electric GLC is the first Mercedes-Benz model built on the company’s Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture (MB.EA) platform and is available in three variants. The five-seat Liujin Edition is now on sale with a starting price of 338,000 yuan (about $49,700). The five-seat Huiyin Edition and six-seat Xingbo Edition have opened for pre-orders with starting prices of 299,900 yuan and 388,800 yuan, respectively. 800-Volt Platform and Fast…

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Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor has begun accepting pre-orders for updated versions of its B01 sedan and B10 sport utility vehicle (SUV), continuing its strategy of introducing frequent product upgrades across its model lineup. The company announced through its official Weibo account that customers placing a 99 yuan (approximately $15) deposit will receive a limited-time package of incentives. The promotional offer includes 10,000 exclusive energy points, a complimentary new exterior paint color and priority access to preview test drives. Updated Models Feature 800-Volt Platform Leapmotor said both refreshed models will be built on an 800-volt high-voltage architecture, designed to improve…

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Geely Auto has introduced the Galaxy TT, a new all-electric sports sedan aimed at younger buyers, as the company continues expanding its Galaxy new energy vehicle lineup. The model made its global debut at an event in Shanghai and is scheduled to officially launch in China in August. New Electric Sedan Targets Younger Drivers Positioned as a C-segment AI-powered electric sports sedan, the Galaxy TT is built on Geely’s latest vehicle platform and features a fastback exterior design. Customers can choose between the G-ASD H5 and H7 intelligent driver assistance systems, both supported by a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. The vehicle…

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Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand of Geely Auto, delivered a record 35,169 vehicles in June, rising 110.57% from a year earlier, according to figures released on Wednesday. The result also represented a 2.30% increase from May’s 34,377 deliveries, marking the third consecutive month that the company has set a new monthly delivery record. First-Half Deliveries Nearly Double Zeekr delivered 178,370 vehicles during the first six months of 2026, an increase of 96.57% compared with the same period last year. The strong first-half performance highlights the brand’s continued momentum in China’s highly competitive premium EV market. As of June…

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Onvo, the mass-market sub-brand of Nio, has announced that cumulative deliveries of its L60 electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) have surpassed 100,000 units. The company said on Friday that the L60 has ranked among the three best-selling battery electric mid-size SUVs in China’s 200,000-yuan (US$29,400) price segment since customer deliveries began on September 28, 2024. Delivery Milestone The L60 delivered 2,026 units in May, bringing cumulative deliveries to 97,654 vehicles before surpassing the 100,000-unit milestone this week. The model was introduced in September 2024 as the first vehicle under the Onvo brand and competes directly with Tesla’s Model Y in…

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Nio has delivered the 10,000th unit of its flagship ES9 electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), reaching the milestone approximately one month after customer deliveries began. The company announced the achievement on Friday after automotive blogger Wu Ying first shared the milestone on Weibo. Nio founder, chairman and chief executive officer William Li attended the delivery ceremony. The 10,000th ES9 was delivered to Li Ningchuan, founder, chairman and general manager of electric vehicle components manufacturer Zhejiang EV-Tech, who is also an existing Nio owner. Strong Early Demand The milestone indicates that Nio delivered 6,892 ES9 units during the current month, following…

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CATL has deployed a humanoid robot on one of its battery production lines following a strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese robotics company Galbot, as the battery manufacturer expands the use of automation in its manufacturing operations. The companies said the partnership will focus on upgrading intelligent production lines and supporting the broader deployment of embodied-intelligence robots in industrial applications. Humanoid Robot Enters Production The collaboration centers on the Galbot S1 humanoid robot, which CATL said is powered by one of the company’s battery systems. The robot has a dual-arm payload capacity of 50 kilograms and is equipped with vision-based positioning…

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BYD has launched the Denza N8L Flash-Charging Edition in China, expanding its premium vehicle lineup with a large six-seat plug-in hybrid SUV equipped with the company’s latest charging, battery and intelligent driving technologies. The model, introduced under BYD’s premium Denza brand, is available in two variants priced from RMB 319,800 ($47,120) and RMB 349,800. The launch price is lower than the pre-sale pricing announced in April, which started at RMB 350,000. Customer deliveries began on June 24. Large Family-Oriented SUV The Denza N8L Flash-Charging Edition replaces the standard N8L version that debuted in October 2025. The SUV measures 5,200 mm…

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BYD is preparing to make most of its automotive brands responsible for their own profit and loss performance, marking a significant shift away from the highly centralized operating model that helped drive the company’s rapid growth over the past decade, according to a report by Chinese media outlet LatePost. The restructuring would require individual brands to independently account for costs associated with research and development, manufacturing, and procurement, effectively moving toward a self-funding model within the broader BYD organization. Yangwang, BYD’s ultra-premium brand, is reportedly excluded from the changes for now. Brands to Bear Their Own Costs Under the proposed…

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Volvo Cars is recalling 2,501 EX30 electric SUVs in China due to a potential battery defect that could increase the risk of thermal runaway, according to a notice issued by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The recall, filed by Zhejiang Haoqing Automobile Manufacturing Co., takes effect immediately and covers vehicles produced between April 12 and December 27, 2024. Battery Defect May Cause Internal Short Circuit According to the recall notice, a production deviation may lead to lithium growth inside battery cells, potentially causing an internal short circuit. Affected vehicles may display warnings indicating that the high-voltage battery is…

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Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor said its cumulative global deliveries have exceeded 1.5 million units, highlighting the company’s rapid growth as it expands both domestically and internationally. The milestone comes just eight months after the automaker surpassed 1 million cumulative deliveries in October 2025, reflecting an accelerating pace of vehicle sales. Delivery Growth Continues to Accelerate Leapmotor delivered its first vehicle in June 2019. According to the company, it took 64 months to reach 500,000 cumulative deliveries. The next 500,000 units were achieved in just 12 months, while the increase from 1 million to 1.5 million vehicles took only eight…

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Arcfox, the electric vehicle brand under Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group), has officially launched the upgraded Beta T1 compact electric vehicle in China, aiming to strengthen its position in the highly competitive affordable EV segment. The new model, unveiled on June 16, succeeds the Arcfox T1 introduced in September 2025 and arrives with improved driving range, additional technology features and a lower ownership cost package designed to attract budget-conscious consumers. Three variants priced below 80,000 yuan The Arcfox Beta T1 is available in three variants with limited-time subsidized pricing ranging from 62,800 yuan ($9,290) to 78,800 yuan. The entry-level Beta…

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Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Chairman Eric Li, also known as Li Shufu, said the company will continue consolidating its operations through closures, mergers, suspensions and restructuring initiatives as it seeks to strengthen its core automotive business and improve operational efficiency. Li outlined the strategy during a video address at the 2026 China Auto Chongqing Summit, reaffirming Geely’s commitment to the strategic framework known as the “Taizhou Declaration.” Geely to streamline corporate structure According to Li, Geely plans to further simplify the relationship between Geely Automobile Group Co. and its Hong Kong-listed vehicle manufacturing arm, Geely Auto. The company intends to…

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BYD remained China’s largest new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer in May, while Tesla returned to the country’s top 10 NEV sales rankings following a sharp recovery in retail demand, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). BYD recorded retail sales of 207,372 passenger NEVs in China during May, giving the company a market share of 21.8% and allowing it to maintain its position as the country’s leading NEV brand. The automaker’s sales increased 13.9% from April, although they were 29.2% lower than the same month a year earlier. Geely Holds Second Place Geely Auto remained the…

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Leapmotor founder and chairman Zhu Jiangming has increased his stake in the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer once again, purchasing nearly HK$490 million ($62.5 million) worth of shares alongside a concerted party, underscoring management’s confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects. According to a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Zhu and concerted party Fu Liquan recently acquired a combined 11.62 million H shares of Leapmotor in open-market transactions at an average price of approximately HK$41.99 per share. Stake Increase Lifts Ownership to Nearly 25% Following the latest purchase, the shareholder group led by Zhu now controls approximately 24.71% of…

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Avatr delivered 7,336 vehicles in May as the premium electric vehicle brand continued to expand its intelligent driving capabilities through its partnership with Huawei. The company is preparing to introduce the Avatr 07L, which recently appeared in filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). According to Avatr, the model will be among the first vehicles equipped with Huawei’s next-generation Qiankun Smart Driving ADS 5 system. Avatr 07L to Debut ADS 5 Technology The upcoming Avatr 07L represents the latest step in the company’s strategy to differentiate itself through advanced intelligent driving technologies. Huawei’s Qiankun ADS platform has…

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