New P7 sedan features scissor doors, carbon-look trim, and up to 586 horsepower.
Chrome and purple-wrapped prototypes spotted testing on public Chinese roads.
Full debut scheduled for Guangzhou Auto Show with launch expected in Q3 2025.
China’s booming EV market isn’t short on drama, and with new models launching at breakneck speed, it’s hard to keep up. One of the latest arrivals poised to shake things up is the refreshed Xpeng P7, which looks ready to challenge the wildly popular Xiaomi SU7. Recently uncovered in official photos from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the P7 has now been showcased in new photos and also spotted on the road with two flamboyant wraps.
Xpeng is expected to officially launch the P7 in the third quarter of this year, giving it enough time to iron out any kinks the new car may have. The automaker has left no stone unturned in overhauling the design of the updated P7, so much so that it barely resembles the outgoing model. Whether or not that’s a good thing will be up to the market to decide.
Clearly, Xpeng wants to make a statement with the new car. One prototype recently spotted on the streets by Weibo users features a mirror chrome wrap that extends not only across the bodywork but also to the rear window and wheels. A second prototype snapped on the road has a matte purple wrap and also rocks aerodynamic wheel covers.
While we doubt Xpeng will actually sell the P7 with exterior finishes like this, we wouldn’t put it past the brand. The outgoing P7 ‘Wing Edition’ is offered in a bright shade of green, akin to what you’d expect to find from the color palette of an exotic brand like Lamborghini.
Bright colors aren’t the only exotic car influences of the new P7. It will come equipped with Lamborghini-inspired scissor doors, though it’s not clear yet if these will be offered on all trims or only the flagship model. Additionally, recent photos have shown that the wing mirrors and front air vents can be optioned with a forged carbon fiber design. Whether that’s real carbon or just an aesthetic wrap hasn’t been confirmed, but it does add some extra visual flair to the EV.
The updated P7 isn’t just about show. It brings performance upgrades too. Entry-level models will come with a 363 hp rear-mounted motor, while the dual-motor version adds another 223 hp up front. That gives the all-wheel-drive variant a healthy 586 hp, which should make for some genuinely quick launches.
Buyers won’t have to wait long to see it up close. The P7 is expected to make its official debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 20.
Geely wants to buy Zeekr outright with a $2.2 billion offer for remaining shares.
Investors claim Geely’s proposal undervalues Zeekr compared to EV rivals like Nio.
Zeekr was valued at $13 billion last year before falling to $5.5 billion at IPO.
Electric vehicle startups tend to live fast and fluctuate wildly, but Zeekr’s latest chapter is turning heads for a different reason. Geely is looking to take electric automaker Zeekr private, barely a year after it went public in the United States. However, investors fear that Geely is undervaluing the company, and are demanding more.
Given that Zeekr is viewed as one of Geely’s best automotive assets, it’s perhaps little surprise that the conglomerate wants to take full control of it.
As it stands, Geely already owns about two-thirds of Zeekr, alongside a slew of other electric carmakers that make up the group. In 2023, a fundraising round valued Zeekr at $13 billion, but when it went public in the US twelve months ago, its fully diluted valuation was cut to $5.5 billion, less than half the estimate.
Investors Push Back on Geely’s Bid
In early May, Geely said it offered to pay $2.2 billion to take Zeekr private, for the remaining 34.3% stake. But significant investors in Zeekr, including CATL, Intel Capital, and Boyu Capital, all of whom invested in Zeekr’s original fundraising round, don’t believe Geely’s offer accurately reflects the firm’s fair value. Other investors to express their displeasure include Bilibili and Cathay Fortune Group.
According to Reuters, the five firms sent a letter to Geely arguing that the offer pegs Zeekr’s total value at just $6.5 billion. That’s a steep discount compared to competitors like Xpeng, Nio, and Li Auto, all of which command higher valuations despite similarly rocky roads.
Geely’s offer to acquire the remaining stake in Zeekr valued each share at $25.66, or a 24% premium over the average share price in the four weeks prior. Zeekr’s shares have since jumped to over $26 after news of the potential move first broke.
Control Without Consensus?
The early investors have urged Zeekr’s special committee to review and evaluate Geely’s offer. They also don’t want a deal to proceed until there’s an agreement among the majority of Zeekr’s “independent minority” shareholders.
Unfortunately for these shareholders, they may not have any say in the matter. According to some analysts, Geely’s current 65.7% stake in Zeekr means it may have sufficient votes to carry out the privatization without needing approval from other shareholders.
CATL wants to have 1,000 stations in 31 cities across China by the end of this year.
In just 100 seconds, EV drivers can swap batteries, beating traditional charging times.
Each of the new ‘Choco-SEB’ battery stations can handle up to 822 swaps per day.
Tesla might have been the first automaker to flirt with the concept of battery swapping stations for its EVs, but it’s China’s top car manufacturers that have fully embraced it, running miles ahead of the competition. Nio is currently leading the charge in battery swap tech, with thousands of stations scattered across China and even a few popping up in Europe. Soon, battery-swapping will become even more commonplace in China.
Just this week, Changan Automobile rolled out the first 1,000 units of its Oshan 520 sedan. Built with local taxi services in mind, these cars are significant for one reason: they’re the first to use CATL’s new Choco-SEB swappable battery packs.
What really steals the show here is the speed—these batteries can be swapped out in just 100 seconds at specialized stations that are about to become a common sight across China. Chongqing already boasts 34 Choco-SEB swap stations, and by 2025, CATL plans to have 1,000 of these stations spread across 31 cities.
CATL, which just so happens to be the world’s largest EV battery supplier, has inked deals with GAC, Chery, Nio, SAIC, FAW, BAIC, and others to build EVs with these new battery packs. This means vehicles from all those brands will be able to use CATL’s swap stations, which can handle 822 swaps each day each.
As for the Oshan 520, it’s got a modest 56 kWh battery, offering a respectable range of up to 515 km (320 miles). At a starting price of 166,890 yuan (around $23,100 at current exchange rates), it’s relatively affordable for the average Chinese driver.
The real benefit, though, lies in the battery swap tech. Taxi drivers, for example, can skip the agonizing wait at a high-speed charger and swap batteries in just 100 second. That’s faster than it would take to fuel up a traditional gas-powered car. In a world where time equals money, this is a huge win.
A slew of other Chinese EVs have already been confirmed to support the Choco-SEB battery system. These include the new GAC Aion S, Hongqi E-QM5, SAIC Roewe D7, BAIC C66, Wuling Bingo, Wuling Starlight, SAIC Rising R7, SAIC Maxus Mifa 9, and the SAIC Maxus Dana. So, it looks like swapping batteries is going to be the norm, at least for China’s EVs, in the very near future.
Self-driving system navigates narrow mountain trail deep in rural China.
At one point, the Model Y accelerated to 28 km/h on the dirt cliffside road
Tesla likely never envisioned Full Self-Driving being used on trails like this.
Even with regulatory hurdles slowing things down, Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (Supervised) system continues to garner attention, especially when it’s doing things most people wouldn’t expect from an EV. While the company’s rollout in China hit a temporary pause in late March, a few new videos are making the rounds online, showing just how far Tesla’s driver assistance tech can stretch when given a tough challenge.
Two clips in particular stand out. In them, a Model Y is seen navigating a narrow, winding mountain trail, exactly the kind of terrain you’d normally reserve for a rugged 4×4, not a tech-heavy crossover on road tires. Yet here it is, confidently, or at least convincingly, working its way along dirt paths where it arguably has no business being.
Originally posted to Chinese social media platform Douyin, the footage has since made its way to other platforms, giving a clearer look at how FSD (Supervised) handles unpaved, unpredictable conditions. The video includes both interior shots and wide angles from a 360-degree camera mounted at the back of the vehicle.
Tight Trails, Nervous Hands
With the FSD system enabled, the Tesla can be seen navigating its way along the dirt path with surprising accuracy. The central touchscreen shows that the camera-based system is able to see where the trail goes and keeps the Model Y well-positioned on the path, avoiding falling down the cliff or hitting any of the nearby trees. Admittedly, it seems like a very stressful experience for the guy behind the wheel, who can be seen positioning his hands just above the yoke, ready to take over at a moment’s notice.
The second clip from the same video is a little more precarious. As the Model Y continues to work its way up the dirt road, the FSD system fights to keep the car centered, hitting the brakes at random times. At one stage, it begins to quickly accelerate, hitting 28 km/h (17.3 mph) on the tiny path, jumping over bumps in the road, but, remarkably, not crashing spectacularly.
Several other Tesla owners in China have also put FSD through its paces in recent months. In early March, the owner of a white Model X tested out the system along several narrow mountain roads before heading onto city streets and large highways.
To be clear, this isn’t what FSD is built for. Tesla didn’t design the system to go off-roading, and it was never advertised as capable of handling terrain like this. Yet that hasn’t stopped owners from putting it to the test, and for now, the software seems to be holding up. That said, it does raise some obvious questions about liability, overconfidence, and what happens when things don’t go quite as smoothly.
This is by far the craziest FSD footage I’ve seen in China, including narrow and steep mountain roads, city streets so tight only one car can pass, highway toll booths, and rural areas. How amazing FSD does.
Dongfeng’s Nano 06 is a new Chinese EV that borrows design cues from another model.
This compact SUV closely resembles the Kia EV3 but comes at a significantly lower price.
Key features include a roomy cabin with sofa-bed seating and a functional split tailgate.
Just when it looked like Chinese automakers had finally retired their industrial-strength photocopiers, along comes a new release to remind us that old habits die hard. The Dongfeng Nano 06 is a compact electric SUV with angular styling that looks suspiciously familiar.
And by familiar, we mean it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Kia EV3, a small electric crossover slated to launch in the US next year. While Kia is still mulling over whether to bring the EV3 to China, Dongfeng went ahead and jumped the line for them.
The Nano 06 was first shown in April and has just hit the order books in China. To be fair, it’s not a carbon copy of the Kia, but the similarities are far from subtle either. The proportions, the shape of the greenhouse, the LED headlights, and even the plastic wheel arch cladding all echo the EV3’s design. Toss in the 17-inch alloy wheels that seem pulled straight from Kia’s sketchpad, and it becomes pretty clear this wasn’t just a coincidence.
To sidestep any legal drama, Dongfeng has given the Nano 06 a few distinguishing features. There are different bumpers, sculpted taillights, and a more conventional surface treatment along the sides. One genuinely original touch is the split tailgate, with the lower section doubling as a makeshift table or seat once parked.
Inside, the Nano 06 promises a fairly roomy five-seat cabin that can transform into a sofa-bed under the panoramic sunroof. The trunk features a three-layer setup with a total of 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet) of space, plus another 70 liters (2.5 cubic feet) tucked into the frunk.
The dashboard layout will feel familiar to anyone who’s peeked inside a modern Chinese EVs. It’s anchored by a 12.8-inch free-standing infotainment screen and an 8.8-inch digital cluster mounted behind a chunky two-spoke steering wheel.
Dimensions That Go Head-to-Head
The Nano 06 measures 4,306 mm (169.5 inches) in length with a wheelbase of 2,715 mm (106.9 inches), making it just 6 mm longer than the Kia EV3 and giving it a slight edge with 35 mm more space between the axles. Despite its compact size, the Nano is being positioned as a family-oriented, adventure-friendly option, at least according to its lifestyle-heavy promotional shots.
Underpinning the Nano 06 is Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture No. 3 platform. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque. Buyers get two battery sizes to choose from: 44.94 kWh and 51.87 kWh. Those deliver an optimistic CLTC-rated range of 401 km (249 miles) and 471 km (293 miles) respectively. Fast-charging is no afterthought either, with the Nano able to grab 100 km (62 miles) of range in just 5 minutes if plugged into the right charger.
Pricing Is the Real Plot Twist
But the real attention-getter here is the price. The Dongfeng Nano 06 is listed between ¥79,900 ($11,100) and ¥109,900 ($15,300) in China. That’s more than three times cheaper than the Kia EV3, which starts at €35,990 ($40,700) in Germany.
Of course, the two aren’t competing in the same market, at least not yet, and if Kia does bring the EV3 to China, past pricing trends suggest it would land much lower. For context, the larger EV5 starts at just ¥149,000 ($20,700) in China.
The YU7’s massive aluminum clamshell hood spans nearly 34 square feet in total.
Xiaomi has confirmed three versions of the SUV, with single- and dual-motor options.
Pricing for the all-electric model that rivals Tesla’s Model Y will be revealed in July.
Xiaomi clearly decided that making one of the fastest and most powerful EVs on the market wasn’t enough. Earlier this month, the company launched the long-awaited YU7, its second model and first-ever SUV, following the SU7. While it shares many design elements with the sedan, the YU7 is larger and packed with its own unique features. And, just to top it off, it also boasts the largest clamshell hood on any production car currently on the market.
New details from China reveal that the YU7’s massive clamshell hood spans a hefty 3.11 square meters (33.5 square feet or 4,820 square inches). That’s a solid jump over the Genesis G90’s impressive 2.6 square meters (28 square feet or 4,030 square inches). Just what the EV world was missing, a full-blown hood-measuring contest.
Normally, a hood as big as the YU7’s should weigh a lot. But, instead of steel, Xiaomi has made it out from aluminum and, thus, reduced its weight by half. Despite its lightweight construction, though, it still needs to be supported by a pair of massive struts just to keep it from collapsing like a flimsy lawn chair.
Beneath all that metal, the YU7 houses a 141-liter (4.9 cubic-foot) storage compartment, or “frunk” if you want to get technical. It’s not the biggest frunk in the EV world, but it’s decent enough. However, there’s a little mystery here, as it’s unclear if this is the frunk for the single, rear-wheel drive model, or if it’s also present in the two dual-motor, all-wheel drive versions.
Xiaomi / Autohome
One of the most interesting features of the YU7 is the narrow, 43.3-inch HyperVision Panoramic display that’s positioned at the base of the windshield. It includes all important car information and a multi-media screen in front of the passenger. BMW is also working on a similar panoramic display, but its solution has yet to grace a production model.
Entry-level versions of the YU7 use a 96.3 kWh battery pack. The base model pairs this battery with a 316 hp and 389 lb-ft (528 Nm) motor that drives the rear wheels, while the mid-level YU7 gets all-wheel drive thanks to its two motors producing a combined 489 hp and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm). Meanwhile, the flagship YU7 Max uses a 101.7 kWh battery and two motors with a total of 681 hp and 639 lb-ft (866 Nm). There’s no word on whether the YU7 will also get a 1,526 hp Ultra version like its sedan sibling.
The YU7 is set to launch in China this July, with Xiaomi promising to share more details at that time, including pricing and any plans for availability outside its home market.
The new P7 will be offered with LFP and NMC battery packs in China.
Buyers will get to choose between 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels.
High-performance models get orange Brembo brake calipers.
New details have emerged about the next-generation Xpeng P7 sedan, and contrary to earlier reports, it’s more powerful than its predecessor. With a fresh design that channels Lamborghini vibes, the 2025 P7 is not just a visual upgrade; it also promises improved performance. Unfortunately, it’s a China-exclusive, meaning the US won’t get to experience it firsthand.
The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has revealed that several powertrains will be offered for the new P7. Hidden beneath the sultry bodywork of the standard model will be a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 363 hp. It’ll receive its juice from an EVE Energy-sourced lithium iron phosphate battery, although its capacity remains unknown.
For those who want more range, there’s a single-motor, long-range version. It also packs 363 hp but is equipped with a larger NMC battery from CALB.
Chinese customers looking for the ultimate in performance can opt for the new dual-motor model. It retains the 363 hp rear motor, but adds a 223 hp unit to the front axle, resulting in a combined output of 586 hp. It also gets an NMC battery from CALB and comes standard with beefed-up brakes that include orange Brembo calipers.
New data also reveals Xpeng will sell the new model with 20- and 21-inch wheels with 245 mm front and 275 mm rear Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires. Three different wheel designs have also been previewed, all of which are quite striking. We can also see that the P7 will be available with several forged carbon fiber elements, including the wing mirrors and small panels behind the front wheels.
The new P7 measures 5017 mm (197.5 inches) in length, 1970 mm (77.5 inches) in width, and stands 1427 mm (56.2 inches) tall. The wheelbase stretches to 3008 mm (118.4 inches), which should translate to plenty of interior space. Its curb weight comes in at 2090 kg (4600 lbs).
Xpeng is expected to unveil the new P7 at the Guangzhou Auto Show in the third quarter of the year. Unfortunately, unless you’re in China, don’t expect to see it in your market anytime soon.
The all-electric Mazda EZ-60 will have a Li-Po battery and 255 hp.
The EV is slated to have a range of 373 miles per the CLTC standard.
It seems to be a hit in China, with Mazda receiving 18,000+ pre-orders.
Mazda introduced the EZ-60 crossover at the Shanghai Auto Show last month. While the initial focus was on the range-extended variant that will be sold in Europe as the CX-6e, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has now revealed a number of details about the fully electric model.
On the styling front, the design isn’t much of a surprise as it looks virtually identical to the range-extended crossover. As such, it features split lighting units and a fully enclosed grille, as well as digital side mirrors, flush-mounted door handles, and plenty of plastic body cladding.
That much we were already aware of – the real news is the release of performance specifications. According to the Chinese ministry the EZ-60 will have a 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS) electric motor that enables the crossover to hit a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h), a lithium iron phosphate battery, and a curb weight of up to 4,806 lbs (2,180 kg).
Many details are still unknown, but Mazda has previously said customers can expect a CLTC range of around 373 miles (600 km). For comparison, the rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model Y delivers 368 miles (593 km), while the all-wheel-drive version manages 447 miles (719 km) under the same, highly optimistic Chinese driving cycle. Mazda also revealed the BEV variant of its crossover will have a 47:53 front/rear weight distribution as opposed to the 50:50 setup found in the range-extended model.
That’s not a lot to go on, but Mazda recently revealed they have received more than 18,000 pre-orders since the EZ-60 debuted last month. Bear in mind, though, that those numbers never translate into actual sales – they are just an indication of the public’s interest. Moreover, anyone could place a pre-order by paying a deposit that started at just ¥10 ($1.39), or practically pocket change.
Regardless, the EV should feature a classy cabin with a 3D heads-up display and a 26.45-inch screen. We can also expect an AI assistant, a 23-speaker audio system, and zero-gravity front seats with eight massage modes.
The U8 L has an 127.9-inch wheelbase and will be sold exclusively in 2+2+2 configuration.
The luxury SUV uses the standard model’s quad-motor, turbo-four range-extender unit.
All up, the U8 delivers 1,180 hp and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm) of torque and can even do tank turns.
There’s no shortage of over-the-top SUVs these days, but the Yangwang U8 manages to stand out in a sea of excess, and not just for its wild features. It recently even caught the attention of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who seemed suitably impressed.
Apparently, though, BYD’s high-end sub-brand decided the original U8 wasn’t quite lavish enough, because now there’s an even longer and more luxurious version named the Yangwang U8 L.
According to new details out of China, the U8 L rides on a massive 3,250 mm (127.9-inch) wheelbase, which is 200 mm (7.8 inches) longer than the base model. This extra length makes room for a custom 2+2+2 seating configuration, bringing a touch of private-jet layout to your daily school run or mountain retreat. Unfortunately, Yangwang hasn’t shared interior photos yet, so we’ll have to imagine how those second-row thrones might look once you slide in.
Longer, Flashier, Shinier
However, some obvious changes have been made to the exterior of the new flagship U8. For starters, the Yangwang badge on the front grille can be finished in 24-karat gold, as can the emblem at the rear. The automaker’s designers have also crafted new 23-inch forged wheels for the U8 L that have floating center caps, just like a Rolls-Royce. These new wheels are wrapped in wider rubber than the standard model.
Around back, Yangwang has cleaned up the design by removing the spare wheel carrier. The result is a sleeker, more upmarket profile that dials down the rugged SUV cues and turns up the executive limo vibe.
Same Power, Same Party Tricks
Underneath, the U8 L doesn’t mess with the formula. China’s Autohome reports that the U8 L shares the same drivetrain as the standard U8: four electric motors, a 2.0-liter turbocharged range-extender, and a 49.05 kWh battery pack. The numbers are hefty at 1,180 hp (880 kW) and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm) of torque, and the party tricks remain intact. That includes the ability to float in water and execute tank turns, thanks to each wheel getting its own motor.
Yangwang provided the world a glimpse at the U8 L at the recent Shanghai Auto Show, with production scheduled to kick off later this year. Prices could start at around 1.5 million yuan, or the equivalent of around $205,000 at current exchange rates. That’s a lot for a Chinese-built SUV, but it’s a relative bargain compared to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan that starts at over $400,000 in America.
That’s no small sum for Chinese-built SUV, but compared to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which starts at over $400,000 in the U.S., it almost feels like a deal, especially if your idea of a bargain includes gold trim and amphibious capabilities.
Last year, CATL received more government subsidies than any other company.
Other brands receiving significant subsidies include BYD, SAIC, and GWM.
As electric vehicles continue their steady march toward becoming a dominant force on global roads, one country has pulled far ahead of the rest- and it didn’t happen by accident.
By now, it’s widely understood that Chinese automakers have taken a commanding lead in the EV race, while many Western legacy brands are still scrambling to catch up. It’s also well known that Chinese battery companies are driving much of this momentum, leading with rapid innovation and serious scale. But how did they manage to surge ahead so dramatically in such a short time? The answer is fairly straightforward: money. More precisely, billions in government subsidies every single year.
Fresh data from Nikkei Asia shows just how significant this financial support has been. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., better known as CATL, the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer, has been raking in the kind of government funding that would likely make Elon Musk reconsider his next big tax tweet.
While CATL has not reveal full-year details of the government help it received in 2024, it has disclosed that in the first half it got 3.84 billion yuan ($532 million) in state subsidies. This made it one of the largest beneficiaries of the Chinese government’s policy, only behind state-owned oil company Sinopec, which received 4.06 billion yuan ($563 million). Importantly, however, that’s how much Sinopec received for the full 2024 calendar year, whereas CATL’s figure is only for the first six months of 2024 – thus, it total, the latter’s figure far exceeded Sinopec’s.
The subsidies CATL has received appear to have jumped in the second half of 2024. As noted by Nikkei Asia, in 2023, it disclosed its subsidies under ‘other income’ in its financial reports. In 2023, ‘other income’ totaled 6.26 billion yuan (~$868 million), and of this, 5.72 billion yuan (~$793 million) were subsidies. In 2024, its full-year report revealed 9.96 billion yuan (~$1.3 billion) in ‘other income,’ but didn’t specify how much of this was subsidies.
Of course, it’s not just CATL that is benefiting from this practice Full-year data from 2024 reveals that BYD received almost 3.8 billion yuan (~$527 million) in subsidies last year, no doubt playing a significant role in the firm’s ability to release so many new models so frequently.
Great Wall Motor was the fourth-largest recipient of subsidies, earning a touch under 3 billion yuan (~$416 million). SAIC Motor closely trailed GWM, receiving more than 2 billion yuan (~$277 million) in subsidies for the year.
All this answers the questions we posed at the beginning. There’s no secret sauce at play here; the Chinese managed to leapfrog the competition and undercut their rivals at the same time simply due to immense state help. No wonder, then, that the US and the EU are seething as they watch their own brands trying to compete in an uneven playing field.
Xiaomi has launched their first crossover in China and it’s called the YU7.
It features a stylish design as well as a high-tech cabin with a panoramic display.
The model offers three powertrains including a dual-motor AWD system with 681 hp.
The electric SUV game just got a little more interesting. Xiaomi gave us our first look at the stylish YU7 last year, and now the crossover has officially been launched in China. It’s big news as the YU7 is the company’s second model and their first SUV, following the SU7. That sedan has been a runaway success in its home market, racking up 258,000 sales in just 14 months, including 28,000 deliveries in April alone.
The crossover follows in the footsteps of the SU7 and is a high-performance luxury SUV with an impressive design. It features a shark nose front end that is flanked by “waterdrop” headlights, which have channels that direct air out through the hood. Speaking of which, the crossover has the largest clamshell aluminum hood among mass-produced vehicles.
Aerodynamics played a huge role in the YU7’s development and the production model has “10 through-flow air channels and 19 optimized vents to manage airflow precisely.” They’re joined by aerodynamically optimized wheels and an active grille shutter system. Thanks to all this attention, the model has a drag coefficient of 0.245.
Since we’ve already seen the crossover before, we’ll just briefly mention a few highlights including flush-mounted door handles and a standard panoramic glass roof. They’re joined by a distinctive rear end with “halo” taillights and two spoilers. The model is being launched in three eye-catching colors – Emerald Green, Titanium Silver, and Lava Orange – and they contrast with gloss black accents.
In terms of size, the YU7 measures 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) long, 78.6 inches (1,996 mm) wide, and 63 inches (1,600 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 118.1 inches (3,000 mm). That means the crossover is 2.3 inches (58 mm) shorter than the Tesla Model X and has a 1.4-inch (35 mm) longer wheelbase.
Minimalist Interior, Maximalist Screens
While the exterior is stylish and expressive, the cabin is overly minimalist. It’s dominated by a 16.1-inch infotainment system and a HyperVision Panoramic Display, which sits at the base of the windshield.
The latter echoes BMW’s Panoramic iDrive Display and spans 43.3 inches. It’s customizable, but can act as a speedometer, a navigation display, and a front passenger display.
Putting screens aside, the crossover has Nappa leather zero-gravity front seats with one-touch recline and a 10-point massage function. They’re joined by power-adjustable rear seats with backrests that can tilt from 100° to 135°.
Rear seat passengers will also find dedicated climate controls and a dual-screen entertainment system. Other highlights include a wireless smartphone charger, hidden air vents, and soft-touch materials throughout.
The crossover can accommodate 23.9 cubic feet (678 liters) of luggage and that can be expanded to 62.1 cubic feet (1,758 liters) by folding the seats down. There’s also a small frunk, which provides 5 cubic feet (141 liters) of space.
Power, Range, and Charging Speed
Three different configurations are available and the entry-level YU7 has a single electric motor producing 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 389 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). Buyers will also find a 96.3 kWh battery pack that delivers a CLTC range of 519 miles (835 km).
The mid-level YU7 Pro has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 489 hp (365 kW / 496 PS) and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque. This cuts the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) to 4.3 seconds, but the top speed remains unchanged. Unfortunately, the range drops to 472 miles (760 km).
The range-topping YU7 Max has an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 681 hp (508 kW / 690 PS) and 639 lb-ft (866 Nm) of torque. 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) comes in a blistering 3.2 seconds and drivers will eventually hit 157 mph (253 km/h) if they keep their foot planted on the accelerator. The Max is also notable for having a larger 101.7 kWh battery, which delivers 478 miles (770 km) of range.
When the battery is low, owners can go from a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 12 minutes. After 15 minutes, they can get up to 385 miles (620 km) of range.
The YU7 has a double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with air springs. The latter provide five levels of adjustment, meaning the crossover can provide up to 8.7 inches (222 mm) of ground clearance. Other highlights include continuous damper control and a high-performance braking system with four-piston Brembo calipers.
Xiaomi also confirmed the crossover will have advanced driver assistance technology. This is made possible by a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, a 4D millimeter-wave radar, 11 high-definition cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars.
Pricing and Availability
While pricing details haven’t been released yet, Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun dismissed earlier rumors suggesting a starting price around 200,000 yuan ($27,800). “The Model Y starts at 263,500 yuan ($36,600), and based on these (YU7) configurations, this car should cost 60,000 to 70,000 yuan ($8,300 to $9,700) more,” Lei said during the presentation, according to Reuters. “But we’ll talk about the price in July.”
Average EV discounts in China climbed to 16.8 percent last month, continuing upward trend.
Only BYD, Li Auto, and Seres are currently profitable among China’s many EV makers.
Expanding exports has become a key strategy for Chinese EV brands seeking higher margins.
As automakers worldwide scramble to future-proof themselves in the electric era, China has been comfortably in the lead, cranking out next-gen EVs packed with cutting-edge tech and advanced battery systems one after the other at record pace. But behind the buzz and impressive new models, there’s a financial reality dragging at the wheels: most of China’s EV brands are still burning cash, not banking it.
At last count, there were around 50 EV brands competing for space on Chinese roads. Out of those, just three of them are thought to be profitable. These include BYD, Li Auto, and Seres. Despite this, brands continue to offer generous discounts to grow their footprint, forgoing financial security in the pursuit of sales.
Discounts Keep Climbing
According to a JP Morgan study cited in a South China Morning Postreport, industry-wide discounts averaged a record high 16.8% in April, up from an already steep 16.3% in March. The China Passenger Car Association puts the average discount for 2024 at 8.3%. To top it off, average EV prices were trimmed by 10% back in December. That’s not just aggressive, it’s unsustainable.
Last year, the difference between the selling price of an EV and an automaker’s costs, including raw materials, labor, and logistics, known as the vehicle margin, dropped to 10%. This is down from approximately 20% just four years ago. Analysts believe that most of China’s smaller EV manufacturers will be forced out of the market or will be acquired by larger rivals over the next couple of years.
“Nearly all of them were the victims of price competition,” said Phate Zhang from CnEVPost. “But if any of them chooses to exit the price war, their sales will decline and make it more difficult to post a net income.”
Looking Beyond China’s Borders
One potential lifeline is exports. Chinese carmakers have begun shipping more EVs abroad, where they can command better margins. According to JPMorgan’s Nick Lai, international sales are proving to be more profitable and could provide the breathing room these companies need.
“Price competition has turned fiercer this year. Unfortunately, we have not seen a jump in [EV] demand so far,” Lai noted. The domestic market, while massive, isn’t growing fast enough to offset the steep discounts.
Still, exports are trending upward. In the first four months of 2025, EVs made up roughly 33% of China’s total vehicle exports, up from about 25% over the past two years. It’s not a total solution, but it’s a glimmer of hope for brands looking to survive the increasingly brutal home turf battle.
The kit includes a military-inspired matte green wrap and black steel wheels.
iCar sells single and dual-motor versions of the V23 with up to 211 hp.
A special front grille, black bumpers, and a hood-mounted spotlight are featured.
A small but growing number of automakers are figuring out how to make EVs weird in all the right ways. Among them is Chery’s iCar brand, which has a few unconventional offerings, but none more intriguing than the V23. This chunky SUV looks like someone merged a Land Rover Defender with a Suzuki Jimny in a design studio that really loves straight lines. And now, it’s gotten even more eccentric with a retro-styled body kit.
The standard V23 already plays the retro card well, thanks to its squared-off profile, upright front and rear ends, and pronounced fender flares that give it a solid presence. But the new ‘Retro Emotion Package’ takes it further with a matte green wrap that feels perfectly suited to its aesthetic. It might look slightly out of place in a downtown traffic jam, but out in the wild, it fits right in.
Complementing the special wrap is a unique front grille and a blacked-out front bumper. iCar has then added a large spotlight on the hood. Admittedly, it looks a little cheap, and the brand perhaps would have been better to add a set of more traditional circular spotlights to the front end.
Adding to the visual makeover are black rocker panels, side steps, and a set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. So yes, it’s dressed to look like it could leave the pavement behind, whether or not it ever will.
Apparently, iCar was quite serious about developing an upgrade kit that doesn’t just look the part but serves some purpose. According to a report from China’s Ithome, that the matte green wrap has a special anti-glare treatment to meet military vehicle concealment standards. Additionally, the front grille can be quickly and easily removed and replaced by owners.
Considering how affordable most EVs are in China, it’s no shock that this upgrade kit follows suit. Depending on the configuration, it’s priced between 4,000 and 10,500 yuan, or roughly $550 to $1,450 at current exchange rates. As for the V23 itself, pricing starts at 109,800 yuan (about $15,000) and tops out at 149,800 yuan (around $20,500), which keeps the whole setup firmly planted in the budget EV bracket.
To put that in perspective, the base version costs about the same as a used 2021 Nissan Versa with 65,000 miles on the clock – and considerably less personality, if we’re being honest.
Performance-wise, entry-level models come with a 136-horsepower motor driving the rear axle. Higher trims get a dual-motor setup with a total output of 211 horsepower, both modest numbers, but likely enough to keep this small SUV feeling sprightly on back roads and city streets alike.
The new Xpeng P7 will feature Lamborghini-inspired scissor doors, adding flair to the sedan.
The ‘peng-wing’ doors in China are expected to be available only on the flagship version.
Xpeng’s P7 prototype lacks a visible LiDAR system, suggesting a shift to vision-based tech.
We thought we had seen it all when Xpeng dropped the first photos of the new-generation P7 sedan. But, as it turns out, there’s more hiding under the surface. New spy shots from China have revealed the sports sedan will get Lamborghini-inspired scissor doors, just like the limited edition of its predecessor. While some might argue that scissor doors belong strictly to the world of supercars, they certainly give the P7 a distinct edge, helping it stand out in the crowded electric sedan market.
In China, the P7s with these doors are called ‘peng-wing’ models, and they’ll probably be reserved for the top-tier version of the new car. The latest photos from China’s Autohomeshow that, much like the previous model, the doors open at an angle instead of shooting straight up. This design ensures there’s enough room between the door and the front quarter panel.
It’s not just the doors of the new model that have taken inspiration from one of Italy’s most famous brands. Recent shots of the P7’s front end show it will have sideways Y-shaped daytime running lights not dissimilar to those used by the Lamborghini Revuelto.
The prototype featured in these shots also rocks a set of bright orange Brembo brake calipers and sits on sticky Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, measuring 245/40 R21 at the front and 275/35 R21 at the rear. We don’t yet have dimensions for the new model, but it looks longer than a Tesla Model 3 and may also be slightly longer than the Xiaomi SU7.
This prototype, as well as the car recently showcased by Xpeng, also lacks any visible LiDAR system, which Xpeng currently uses for its driver assistance systems. This suggests the new P7 may follow in the footsteps of Tesla with a vision-based system that will be cheaper. Whether or not it will be as effective remains to be seen.
The rear end of the refreshed P7 looks a lot nicer than the old car. It retains a similar fastback-style shape but has fewer curves and soft edges, instead relying on more aggressive lines and sharp angles. Xpeng’s designers have also crafted new LED taillights and a light bar, similar in shape to the DRLs up front.
Xpeng has not announced powertrain details for the new model, but local media reports that it will be offered with the same options as the outgoing model. These could include a rear-wheel drive version with 272 hp and 436 miles (702 km) of range, as well as a dual-motor 466 hp model that is good for 379 miles (610 km). The new P7 could be unveiled in the third quarter of the year during the Guangzhou Auto Show.
Xiaomi claims a criminal gang ran a smear campaign using 10,000 fake accounts.
The gang allegedly used automated software to fabricate content and stir opposition.
After the SU7 Ultra sports sedan, the company will launch the new YU7 SUV this week.
The drama at Xiaomi’s automotive division doesn’t seem to be winding down anytime soon. Just days after the company was forced to apologize to owners of the SU7 who spent $6,000 on an aero hood only to find out the vents were little more than cosmetic, and not long after a software update nearly reduced the Ultra’s 1,526hp to a mere 888hp, Xiaomi now claims it’s uncovered what it calls a smear campaign against the brand.
The news comes just days before Xiaomi is set to reveal the YU7 electric SUV and the Xring 01, its first in-house developed smartphone chipset. In a posting on their social media page, Xiaomi’s legal team posted an update saying they had uncovered a coordinated effort to defame the company across nearly 10,000 social media accounts. Several suspects are now under investigation by Chinese authorities.
As reported by several local media including Car News China, the criminal gang was allegedly active since December 2024. The company claims that the bad actors used automatic copywriting software to fabricate false information about Xiaomi, and manipulated nearly 10,000 social media accounts to maliciously spread rumors and false statements. The group reportedly engaged in tactics such as stirring up online opposition and pitting rival brands against each other, all in an effort to damage Xiaomi’s reputation.
In a statement, Xiaomi described the situation as a new form of online “water army” crime, where a criminal gang uses automated software to generate fake content on a massive scale. “The distribution chain is complex, and the scale of the operation is enormous,” the company said. “This has had a severely negative impact on both the online environment and our corporate reputation.”
Who’s Behind It?
Even though no names were named, any number of rivals could be at play here. Cars are nowadays more tech-defined than ever and are bound to become even more so in the near future, as the chipset and automotive industries become more intertwined. Thus, when a disruptor comes along and threatens to change the status quo, apparently all gloves are off since there are billions of dollars at stake.
In the epic Iliad, Helen of Troy’s beauty sparked a war that would go down in history. Now, nearly three millennia later, Xiaomi has found itself in the strange position of being the brand that launched 10,000 social media accounts, each working to smear it in the months leading up to its first electric crossover. If anything, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and if rival companies are going to such lengths to bring down Xiaomi, it’s clear they fear what’s coming next.
The Toyota bZ5 is a new electric crossover produced by FAW for the Chinese market.
It’s equipped with BYD batteries, delivering up to 630 km (392 miles) of CLTC range.
Pre-sales have already begun in China, with prices starting at just 130,000 rmb ($18,000).
If you thought Toyota couldn’t produce an affordable EV, think again. Well, at least if it’s made in China and relies on BYD for its batteries. Toyota is slowly catching up with the EV game, and its latest effort is the bZ5, a new electric crossover fastback developed in China. Manufactured by the FAW-Toyota joint venture, it features BYD-sourced battery packs to power its electric drive.
The bZ5 is essentially a rebranded version of last year’s bZ3C, which itself evolved from the bZ Sport Crossover Concept introduced back in 2023. By adopting the bZ5 name, Toyota seems to be aiming to position this new EV above the entry-level bZ3 sedan, but just below the upcoming bZ7 flagship.
Design That’s Familiar, But Still Fresh
The exterior design sticks with what Toyota’s been rolling out lately. That includes the usual hammerhead front end, subtle cladding around the wheel arches, a sloping roofline, and full-width taillights. The bZ5 mixes sedan, fastback, and crossover elements, all riding on 21-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, there is a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster mounted close to the windshield, and a floating center console. The front seats can transform into a bed, which comes in handy in combination with the nap mode of the infotainment system.
Other perks include a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker JBL audio system, a fragrance dispenser (yes, really), nine airbags, and a full suite of Level 2 ADAS for urban autonomy.
Powertrain and Platform
Measuring 4,780 mm (188.2 inches) long with a wheelbase of 2,880 mm (113.4 inches), the bZ5 shares similar dimensions with many electric crossovers in China, including the Tesla Model Y. The model is built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, which underpins the entire bZ lineup.
But unlike its siblings, the bZ5 comes with BYD’s Blade LFP battery packs, offering options with capacities of 65.28 kWh and 73.98 kWh. According to Toyota, range estimates for the CLTC cycle are 550 km (342 miles) and 630 km (392 miles) respectively. Need a quick boost? A 30-80% charge can be completed in just 27 minutes.
Both battery options are combined with the same fully electric powertrain generating 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque.
Affordable, Yet Advanced
The Toyota bZ5 is already available for pre-order in China, with prices starting at 130,000 rmb ($18,000), which is roughly the cost of a Chinese-spec Toyota Corolla Cross. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts at 263,500 rmb ($36,500) in the same market, making the bZ5 an attractive (and much more affordable) option for those looking to step into the world of electric crossovers.
The best-selling luxury brand in China last year was homegrown Aito.
Aito is owned by Seres Group and backed by smartphone firm Huawei.
BMW sold 145k luxury cars in China in ’24 to Benz’s 127k, Aito’s 151k.
It’s no secret that Western brands are having a tough time in China after making bank for years. Sales are falling as buyers turn to domestic brands that are gaining ground fast and in some instances overtaking legacy automakers. BMW and Mercedes were comprehensively outsold in 2024 by a brand that didn’t even exist four years earlier.
That brand is Aito, one that you might not have heard of even if you’re familiar with other Chinese automaker like XPeng, Xiaomi and Nio that we frequently cover here at Carscoops. Aito was born in 2021 when smartphone maker Huawei teamed up with Seres Group, a company once known for its basic mini trucks and minivans whose twin kidney grilles were shameless rip-offs of BMW’s.
Two brands, one with no high-end car-building expertise and the other completely new to to car game? It doesn’t sound like the basis for a company that could crush the kings of Western luxury carmaking within a few short years, but that’s exactly what has happened. Seres Group’s total vehicle sales trebled in three years to 427,000 according to figures quoted by Bloomberg, and Aito’s success was a major driver.
Aito’s Breakthrough Year
Atio sold 151,000 luxury cars last year – defined as vehicles costing over ¥500,000 ($69k) – making it the most popular brand in the luxury segment. BMW came second with 145,000 units and Mercedes was a distant third having delivered 127,000 cars. Fourth-placed Land Rover scraped 50,000 sales and Porsche, whose China woes are well known, secured fifth spot with 48,0000 units delivered, ThinkerCar’s data shows.
Because most of Aito’s models fall below the ¥500k luxury threshold, the heavy lifting at the high end was handled by the brand’s M9, an SUV that’s roughly the same size as China’s long-wheelbase BMW X5 and comes with a triple-screen dashboard and a choice of range-extender and full EV powertrains.
Aito isn’t slowing down. The company launched a slightly smaller version of the M9 this year called the M8, which is just 40 mm (1.6 in) shorter, and it’s set to continue cranking up the heat on Western luxury brands in 2025. However, even Aito has to contend with a general slowdown in luxury car demand and an all-out price war. Still, it’s clear that the brand’s rapid ascent is far from a fluke.
Nissan’s N7 electric sedan has already locked in over 10,000 orders in just 18 days.
The N7’s affordability, starting at around $16,500, is a key factor in its success.
With 268 hp, the N7 offers up to 388 miles of range with its 73 kWh battery.
While Nissan might be in the midst of some serious turmoil, including factories closing and tens of thousands of layoffs, the company has somehow managed to pull off a small win in the form of a new EV that’s gaining traction. Unfortunately, it’s only available in China for now, but hopefully, Nissan can draw on this success when developing future global models that could help stabilize the company.
Last month, Nissan unveiled the N7, and it’s already looking like a fresh start. For one, it doesn’t look like anything else in their lineup, which is refreshing in itself. And while it still carries Nissan’s badge, the N7 is built on the Dongfeng 007 platform, a product of Nissan’s Chinese joint venture. It’s proven popular with local shoppers too. In the 18 days since its debut, over 10,000 orders have rolled in, showing that there’s plenty of interest in what Nissan has to offer.
According to Nissan, approximately 30% of buyers already own a Nissan model, while the remaining 70% are new to the brand. The first 35 were delivered at a special event at Dongfeng Nissan’s New Energy Brand Experience Center in Shanghai.
Beyond looking fresh, the N7 is no doubt proving appealing because it’s very affordable. The entry-level model starts at 119,900 yuan or the equivalent of $16,500 at current exchange rates. This model has a 58 kWh battery pack, 215 hp, and a quoted driving range of 510 km (317 miles). Nissan also sells Pro and Max versions of the N7 with this same powertrain, priced at 129,900 yuan (~$17,800) and 139,900 yuan (~$19,200) respectively.
For buyers who want something with a bit more range, two models with a larger 73 kWh pack are also available, priced from 139,900 yuan (~$19,200) and 149,900 yuan (~$20,500). These N7 620 Pro and N7 620 Max versions have a 268 hp electric motor and a driving range of 625 km or 388 miles. It’s also worth noting that according to CarNewsChina, over 60% of orders have been for the higher-end Max versions.
As great as it sounds, the N7 is almost certainly destined to stay in China. If Nissan does decide to send it elsewhere, you can bet it won’t be coming to the US. But for now, at least Nissan has a small win on its hands, something they can hopefully build on, even if it never quite reaches global markets.
Mazda and Changan have released a performance trim for the Chinese-market EZ-6 sedan.
Alcantara seats, red highlights and black exterior details mark out the EZ-6 Sport Edition models.
The Sports Edition is available as an BEV or range extender hybrid with up to 255 hp in EV form.
Mazda’s latest creation is here, and it looks even sharper than before. The 6e sedan already boasted sleek styling and a refined interior, but it was crying out for a sportier edge, think something along the lines of BMW’s M Sport trim. Well, Mazda listened and has finally delivered.
The Japanese automaker and Changan have come up with the EZ-6 Sports Edition for the Chinese market, EZ-6 being the Asian name for the car we in the West know as the 6e.
Black exterior brightwork, gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers help the Sports Edition stand out from more laid-back EZ-6 models from the outside, and the performance vibe continues inside through the use of Alcantara upholstery and flashes of red on the seat stitching and seats.
Mazda has also added red backlighting for the interior surfaces and a mesh-look aplique for the console that looks very similar to the trim pattern used on sportier CX-60 grades. The same 14.6-inch infotainment screen used on other EZ-6/6es, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, and a 14-speaker Sony audio system come standard, according to Car News China.
Photos Mazda Changan
The Sports Edition was revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show last month but managed to slip under our radar. Mazda and Changan didn’t specify whether it was packing more power than the stock sedan, but we suspect this is merely a trim package. We also strongly suspect Mazda will very soon launch a similar trim option for the European market 6e – Car News China reports that the Sports Edition was jointly developed by Mazda and Changan in China and Mazda Europe.
We’ve asked Mazda Europe about the powertrain, whether the Sports Edition is coming west, and what it’ll be called if it does, and we’ll let you know when we hear more.
One thing that will definitely be different about the Chinese and Western versions is the choice of powertrains, even though production for both models takes place in the same Changan plant. China’s EZ-6 is available with either a 1.5-liter range-extender setup making 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or a 255 hp (258 PS / 190 kW) pure-battery alternative, but Europe’s 6Es are EV-only.
Tesla is set to resume imports after a 90-day truce between the US and China.
Cybercab production will begin in October with mass production targeted for 2026.
Full-scale Tesla Semi production will start next year at a new factory in Nevada.
In the wake of the US-China trade war, Tesla temporarily halted shipments of parts from China to the US. However, with both countries now agreeing to a 90-day truce and significantly reducing their respective tariffs, Tesla is looking to resume the import of critical components from China. Elon Musk may want to keep this news under wraps from President Trump, though, as his stance on tariffs is far from favorable.
An unnamed inside source told Reuters that Tesla will start shipping Cybercab and Semi parts from China at the end of this month. The electric automaker will reportedly start trial production of the Cybercab in October before moving ahead with mass production in 2026. Tesla has grandiose ambitions for the Cybercab and is betting on hundreds of thousands of units being sold in the US, forming the core of its long-awaited robotaxi service.
As the electric car maker gears up for production, many details about the Cybercab remain under wraps. What is known, however, is that the vehicle will be a compact, two-seater, completely eliminating the traditional steering wheel and pedals. Tesla is keeping specifics to a minimum, but early reports suggest the Cybercab will feature a battery pack smaller than 50 kWh, yet still offering an impressive range of approximately 300 miles (483 km).
Progress on the Tesla Semi
Production of the Tesla Semi officially began in late 2022, but progress has been slow. Full-scale production is expected to kick off next year at a new factory adjacent to the existing Gigafactory in Nevada, which will significantly expand Tesla’s production capabilities.
While Elon Musk and President Trump have found common ground on many issues in recent months, tariffs remain a notable point of disagreement. Trump has famously called tariffs “the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary,” yet Musk has long championed free trade. In fact, according to Reuters, he urged Trump to lower tariffs, though he ultimately left the decision in the President’s hands.
One of the unanticipated consequences of the tariffs was their negative impact on domestic production. Tesla’s CFO, Vaibhav Taneja, noted that the tariffs hurt the company’s US investments, as the company had to import equipment from China to expand its local production lines.
Login
