The Beijing Auto Show, also known as Auto China, is currently taking place in Beijing and is recognized as the world's largest auto show, according to multiple reports. The exhibition covers 380,000 square feet, equivalent to 50 football pitches, with more than 1,400 vehicles on display. Some reports indicate that over 1,450 vehicles are present, including 181 global debuts, though the exact number varies slightly due to different counting methods. This scale underscores China's central role in the global automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle sector.
BYD, which overtook Tesla as the world's largest seller of electric vehicles in 2023, dominates the show with new battery technology and market leadership. The company showcased a new generation of its 'blade' EV battery that can achieve a near full charge in nine minutes. BYD's flash charging technology can add hundreds of kilometres of range in minutes, addressing a key consumer concern about charging time. The company's prominence reflects its rapid ascent in the global EV market.
We survive and are successful without the US market today.
According to BBC News - Business, BYD executive vice president Stella Li described the company's position in the US market, stating that BYD can survive and succeed without the US market. She also noted that BYD is experiencing higher demand than it can supply, suffering from insufficient capacity. Li described BYD as not just a car company but an ecosystem that produces one-third of global smartphone components and is a leading player in battery storage, solar panels, buses, and trucks. These comments highlight the company's diversified business model and its strategic focus on markets outside the US.
CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, unveiled a new version of its 'Shenxing' battery that can be charged from 10% to 98% in about six-and-a-half minutes. This ultra-fast charging capability could significantly reduce range anxiety and accelerate EV adoption. The battery's performance rivals that of BYD's new blade battery, intensifying competition in the battery technology space.
Consumers feel the daily savings when oil prices increase. EVs help them save money every day.
Zeekr, a premium EV brand under Geely, introduced the Zeekr 8X, a large, long-range plug-in hybrid SUV. According to major media reports, the vehicle features a side collision prevention system that lifts the vehicle up to 80mm before impact to protect passengers. It also has a parking feature that allows the car to drive itself out of a tight space when the owner waves at it. The exact price of the Zeekr 8X has not been disclosed, but it is expected to compete with other high-end plug-in hybrids.
Denza, a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, showcased the Denza Z, an electric GT with over 1,000bhp and a 0-62mph time of less than two seconds. According to major media reports, the Denza Z will debut in Europe before going to China, signaling a strategic push into the European luxury EV market. The exact price of the Denza Z has not been announced, but it is expected to be positioned as a high-performance competitor to models like the Porsche Taycan.
Actually, we are now suffering [insufficient] capacity. Our demand is much higher than what we can supply.
XPeng showcased its GX model, a six-seater SUV with third-row seats that can lie completely flat. The company also announced plans to begin manufacturing flying cars in 2027. At a press conference, XPeng founder and CEO He Xiaopeng described a safety feature: when driving on the highway, if the driver falls asleep or feels unwell and can no longer control the vehicle, the system can detect the situation, pull over automatically, and alert emergency services. He noted that many people who have tried it say it's amazing. This feature underscores the growing integration of autonomous driving and safety technologies in Chinese EVs.
SAIC, in collaboration with Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solution (HIMA), presented the Z7 electric car, which major media reports describe as a copy of the Porsche Taycan but costing about a quarter of a Taycan's price. The Z7 is available in Max, Max+, and Ultra versions with prices ranging from 219,800 yuan to 299,800 yuan (approximately $30,000 to $41,000). The production timeline for the Z7 and a potential Z7T variant has not been disclosed. This model exemplifies the trend of Chinese automakers offering affordable alternatives to established luxury EVs.
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.
The Beijing Auto Show continues to demonstrate China's automotive ambitions, with domestic brands leading in innovation and scale. The show features a wide array of vehicles, from ultra-fast charging batteries to flying cars, reflecting the industry's rapid evolution. While exact prices and production timelines for some models remain unknown, the overall direction is clear: Chinese automakers are aggressively expanding their global footprint, particularly in the EV segment.