The Beijing Auto Show, the world's largest auto show, opened on April 25, 2025, showcasing China's dominance in electric vehicles. More than 1,400 vehicles are on display, including 181 global debuts, across a sprawling 380,000-square-foot venue.
Chinese automakers unveiled cutting-edge EVs and battery technology at the show, highlighting rapid advancements. Zeekr introduced the 8X, a large plug-in hybrid SUV with a starting price around £40,000, featuring a side collision prevention system that lifts the vehicle up to 80mm before impact and can park itself when the owner waves. Denza presented the Z, a four-seater electric supercar GT with over 1000bhp and 0-62mph in under 2 seconds, which will debut in Europe before China. XPeng showcased its GX six-seater SUV with third-row seats that lie completely flat. According to XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng, the GX can detect if the driver falls asleep and automatically pull over and alert emergency services.
We survive and are successful without the US market today.
Battery technology took center stage. BYD showcased a new generation of its fast-charging 'blade' EV battery that can achieve near full charge in nine minutes, adding hundreds of kilometres of range in minutes. CATL unveiled a new version of its 'Shenxing' battery that can charge from 10% to 98% in about six-and-a-half minutes. These innovations underscore China's lead in EV powertrain development.
BYD and SAIC/HIMA launched competitive models emphasizing price and performance. BYD executive vice president Stella Li, according to BBC News - Business, described the company's ability to survive and succeed without the US market. She also said BYD is suffering from insufficient capacity due to high demand, which exceeds supply. BYD overtook Tesla as the world's largest seller of electric vehicles last year. SAIC and HIMA, a Huawei subsidiary, launched the Z7 electric car, a copy of the Porsche Taycan, at a price around a quarter of a Taycan. The Z7 Max starts at 219,800 yuan (approx. 296,422 SEK), with a 360 hp motor and 81 kWh battery, offering a range of 73 miles (CLTC). A wagon version Z7T, copying the Taycan Cross Turismo, is priced from 229,800 to 309,800 yuan.
Consumers feel the daily savings when oil prices increase. EVs help them save money every day.
China's auto industry is setting the global pace for EV and battery technology, eclipsing foreign brands. The country has become the world's biggest car exporter. The show runs until May 3, 2025.
Actually, we are now suffering [insufficient] capacity. Our demand is much higher than what we can supply.
We are not just a car company. We produce one-third of global smartphone components, we are a leading player in battery storage, solar panels, buses, and trucks. So BYD is an ecosystem.