The Beijing Auto Show, also known as Auto China, has opened as the world's largest auto show, according to multiple media reports. The event spans two venues covering 380,000 square feet, equivalent to 50 football pitches, major media reported. More than 1,400 vehicles are on display, with some sources citing over 1,450, a minor discrepancy that does not affect the overall scale. The show features 181 global debuts and runs until May 3, according to major media.
Among the debuts, the Zeekr 8X is a large, long-range plug-in hybrid SUV priced around £40,000, major media reported. It includes a parking feature that allows the car to drive itself out of a tight space when the owner waves at it. Additionally, the Zeekr 8X tilts upwards up to 80mm before a side collision to protect passengers, according to major media. The Zeekr 8X is expected to compete with other large SUVs in the Chinese market, though its production timeline and availability outside China remain unknown.
When you’re driving on the highway, you fall asleep, or if you feel unwell and can no longer control the vehicle, the system can detect the situation, pull over automatically and alert emergency services. Many people who have tried it say it’s amazing.
The Denza Z production model boasts over 1,000bhp and a 0-62mph time of less than two seconds, major media reported. It will debut in Europe first before going to China, a strategic move to target the high-performance EV market. The exact price of the Denza Z has not been disclosed, but it is expected to be a premium offering.
XPeng showcased its GX model, a six-seater SUV with third-row seats that can lie completely flat, according to major media. The Yijing X9, a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Corp. and Huawei, is a flagship six-seat SUV also on display. He Xiaopeng, founder and CEO of XPeng, said at a press conference: "When you're driving on the highway, you fall asleep, or if you feel unwell and can no longer control the vehicle, the system can detect the situation, pull over automatically and alert emergency services. Many people who have tried it say it's amazing." The expected price range for the XPeng GX and its target markets have not been disclosed.
We survive and are successful without the US market today.
BYD showcased a new generation of its fast-charging 'blade' EV battery that can achieve near full charge in nine minutes, major media reported. The company overtook Tesla as the world's largest seller of electric vehicles last year and is expanding aggressively overseas, facing high demand exceeding supply. According to BBC News - Business, Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, described the company as "not just a car company" but an ecosystem producing one-third of global smartphone components, battery storage, solar panels, buses, and trucks. She also noted that BYD survives and is successful without the US market, and that consumers feel daily savings from EVs. BYD's flash charging technology can add hundreds of kilometres of range in minutes, according to major media. How BYD's flash charging technology compares to competitors in real-world conditions is unclear.
CATL unveiled a new version of its 'Shenxing' battery that can charge from 10% to 98% in about six-and-a-half minutes, major media reported. This rapid charging capability positions CATL as a key competitor in the battery technology race.
Consumers feel the daily savings when oil prices increase. EVs help them save money every day.
Chinese EV-makers face tariffs and regulatory scrutiny in the US, according to major media. The specific tariffs or hurdles have not been detailed, but the challenges highlight geopolitical tensions affecting the automotive industry.
X-Peng plans to begin manufacturing flying cars in 2027, major media reported. This ambitious project signals the company's diversification beyond traditional EVs.
Actually, we are now suffering [insufficient] capacity. Our demand is much higher than what we can supply.
The SAIC/HIMA Z7 electric car is priced at around a quarter of a Porsche Taycan, major media reported. The entry version, Z7 Max, costs 219,800 yuan (approx. 296,422 SEK), with a 360 hp rear motor, 81 kWh battery, and 730 km range (CLTC). A wagon version called Z7T, copying the Taycan Cross Turismo design, is also available, with prices starting at 229,800 yuan and going up to 309,800 yuan, according to major media. The Z7T offers a more practical body style while maintaining the same electric powertrain options.
Production timelines for the Zeekr 8X and its availability outside China remain unknown. The expected price range for the XPeng GX and its target markets have not been disclosed. How BYD's flash charging technology compares to competitors in real-world conditions is also unclear.
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.