China's electric vehicle industry

The world's largest EV market
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China has one of the fastest growing EV markets in the world with an estimated 500 electric car makers having piled into the world's largest vehicle market. As the Chinese government prods indigenous innovation, home-grown brands such as Nio, Xpeng and Li Auto, have sprouted to get a larger slice of the market under the Made in China 2025 industrial master plan. What are the infrastructure limitations, socioeconomic factors, and battery market competition that are having an impact?

Latest News
News
Diplomacy
China wants to convince Europe to unite in tackling US tariffs. Photo: Shutterstock
Diplomacy
Deal or no deal? EU engages US, China on high-wire bargaining act
Europe must navigate between the two powers, knowing that cutting an economic deal with one could make it impossible to do so with the other.
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People protest against Elon Musk and Tesla outside a Tesla showroom in Boston, US, on March 15. Photo: FP/Getty Images/Tribune News Service
World Opinion
Opinion|Deja vu for Hong Kong as Tesla becomes lightning rod for public anger
Unresolved issues like poor governance, economic troubles and corporate power can lead to public frustration, resulting in violence and destruction.
Visitors look at a fast-charging battery from CATL. Photo: AP
China EVs
Chinese EV industry pits battery swapping technology against ultra-fast charging
The duelling technologies are aimed at soothing consumer anxiety about driving ranges.
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Who among us does not have at least 26 bags-for-life? Photo: Shutterstock
Passions
Are our sustainability efforts actually worth it?
‘Sustainability’ was always going to be a tall ask. But how about ‘Slightly Less Unsustainable – Really, Promise’?
Nio’s ET9 electric car on display on the first day of the Shanghai Auto show. Photo: EPA-EFE
China Business
Global carmakers ‘go local’ in China to claw back EV market share
More than a dozen new EV models from foreign giants at Auto Shanghai feature the latest Chinese technologies in battery, digital cockpit and self-driving.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council in Ottawa on Tuesday. Photo: The Canadian Press via AP
China
Canada likely has more room to work with China if US tensions persist: analysts
‘Almost certain’ that electoral victory led by Prime Minister Mark Carney will prompt review of Ottawa’s commercial relations with Beijing.
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The interior of a Pony.ai robotaxi, seen at the Shanghai Auto Show. Photo: Reuters
Big Tech
Pony.ai partners with Tencent to provide robotaxi services on WeChat
With access to more than a billion users on Tencent’s platforms, Pony.ai is set to significantly boost its revenue potential.
Huawei’s booth at the Shanghai Auto Show, April 24, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Big Tech
Huawei enlists 11 carmakers in pact on driving safety as Tesla awaits FSD nod
The ‘intelligent assisted driving safety initiative’ was signed by Audi China, state-owned SAIC Motor and Guangzhou Automobile, among others.
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Tesla’s Semi electric truck is unveiled during a presentation in Hawthorn, California, on November 16, 2017. Photo: Reuters
Companies
Tesla’s Semi trucks to roll out from Nevada gigafactory by end of 2025
Company will prepare for high volume production of the electric trucks over the next few quarters, head of the Semi programme Dan Priestly says.
Employees work on the assembly line at Chinese carmaker Seres’ factory in Chongqing. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
China Business
Seres, Huawei’s carmaking partner, plans Hong Kong listing to fund expansion
Chongqing-based Seres joins state-owned Chery Automobile and EV battery maker CATL in seeking to raise funds in Hong Kong.
Chassis and car body products displayed by Gestamp at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. Photo: Handout
China Business
Spanish car-part supplier Gestamp eyes added China capacity as peers back off
‘We could be a very active player,’ executive chairman says at Shanghai Auto Show.
Visitors look at Contemporary Amperex’s fast-charging battery at the Shanghai Auto Show on Wednesday. Photo: AP
China Business
Pure EVs regain market share in China on lithium cost, battery technology
Lithium prices are just one-ninth of the peak in 2022, allowing EV makers to win over new buyers in mainland China.
Shanghai auto show visitors look at a BYD electric car. Photo: AP
Daily Pulse|Auto Shanghai, China PMI, ‘de minimis’ ends and more
This week: Auto Shanghai, tariff wars, critical-mineral exports. Next week: China PMI, ‘de minimis’ ends, golden week holiday and more.
Hong Kong’s IPO market remains resilient, with more than 100 companies waiting to list in the city since late 2024. Photo: Jelly Tse
Banking & Finance
Xpeng-backed maker of EV dump trucks plans US$30 million Hong Kong IPO
The Shanghai-based company is selling 13 million shares at HK$18 each, with trading to start on May 7.
An electric car at an Indonesian auto show in 2023. Indonesia will keep its plan to build its electric vehicle battery supply chain despite LG’s exit from a mega project. Photo: EPA-EFE
Economics
Indonesia stays committed to EV battery hub goal despite LG’s ‘significant’ exit
China-backed Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt will replace LG Energy Solution, which pulled out due to ‘market conditions’, in a mega EV project.
Visitors trying out an in-car entertainment system at the 2025 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Photo: Intel Corporation.
China Business
Digital cockpit is the key to the Russian EV buyer’s wallet, vendors say
With large screens and high-quality audio systems, Chinese cars are ready to run infotainment software Russian drivers favour, vendor says.
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Visitors look at a Mercedes-Benz all-electric CLA on display during the Shanghai Auto Show on April 23, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
Big Tech
German, Japan carmakers embrace Chinese AI as Tesla awaits Beijing’s nod on FSD
AI models developed by Chinese tech companies, including DeepSeek and Big Tech firms, have emerged as popular choices for carmakers.
2
BYD electric cars, bound for South America, are stacked at the Taicang Port in Suzhou in eastern Jiangsu province on April 8, 2025. Photo: AFP
China EVs
Chinese EV exports shift to Russia, Middle East amid US, Europe tariffs: report
Growing sales in emerging markets are insulating Chinese EV makers from tariff volatility, AlixPartners says.
1
Japanese auto giant Toyota, which has been making vehicles in China for decades, will build a US$2 billion plant for electric vehicles in Shanghai. Photo: Getty Images
Global Economy
Japanese, German giants vow big China investments, bucking wait-and-see trend
A US$2 billion deal between Toyota and Shanghai shows how foreign direct investment is still finding its way to China despite trade war with the US.
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Xpeng vehicles being loaded onto a ship in Guangzhou. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong Economy
Trump tariffs making EV exports to US ‘impossible’, Xpeng executive says
Yeqing Zheng says company’s moves to establish assembly operations outside China and license technology can help ease impact of tariffs.
1
Visitors walk in front of the Geely booth during the Shanghai auto show on April 23, 2025. Photo: EPA-EFE
China Business
Chinese carmakers put brakes on self-driving hype at Shanghai show
‘Safety’ is the big buzzword as firms adjust tone amid Beijing’s closer scrutiny after a fatal crash involving a driver-assistance system.
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Intel’s latest collaborations come amid the rapid development of intelligent cockpits in China’s electric vehicle industry. Photo: Shutterstock
Tech Trends
Intel, Chinese partners ModelBest and Black Sesame push smart car systems
The collaborations reflect demand in China, the world’s largest electric vehicle market, for more computing power in sophisticated cockpits.
A Tesla Model 3 vehicle drives using ‘full self-driving’ in Encinitas, California. Photo: Reuters
Big Tech
Tesla is testing robotaxi service with employees in Texas, California
The plan is to launch this summer a Robotaxi service that would be driverless and under remote supervision.
Vehicles transfer coal at a port in Chongqing, southwestern China on April 20. Photo: AFP
China Opinion
Opinion|China must resist greenwashing its dirty coal habit with green bonds
Can China credibly claim climate leadership while doubling down on its dirtiest fuel?
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A state media commentary has noted how China’s photovoltaic manufacturing industry slumped by more than 40 per cent in the first 10 months of 2024 from the same period of 2023, amid intense competition. Photo: Xinhua
China Economy
‘Harder you work, less you gain’: China state media slams excessive competition
Economic Daily commentary says ‘neijuan’ – a self-defeating cycle of too much competition – is still prevalent and poses a threat to sustainable growth.
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ATX lidar sensors made by Hesai can identify conditions such as rain, fog and exhaust fumes in real time at a pixel level. Photo: Reuters
China Business
Hesai to quadruple lidar output to extend lead in laser range finders
The company plans to boost production to 2 million units this year from about 502,000 units in 2024, founder and CEO David Li Yifan says.
People throng the Shanghai auto show during a media day, in Shanghai on April 23, 2025. Photo: Reuters
China Business
No-shows at Shanghai car expo reflect brutal mainland competition
Hyundai, Hozon, Jaguar Land Rover, Polestar and nearly a dozen other marques miss the world’s largest auto event.
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Zeekr’s first hybrid model, the SUV 9X, was launched at the Shanghai Auto Show on Wednesday. Photo: Handout
Big Tech
Geely’s Zeekr debuts luxury SUV as Chinese auto giant takes on Mercedes, BMW
Regarding global expansion plans, tariffs will be the ‘number one factor’ to be considered when entering a new market, Zeekr says.
Nissan Motor unveils its new Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid pickup truck at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 23. Photo: Kyodo
Big Tech
Japan’s Nissan looks to export China-made electric cars in global expansion push
Nissan displayed two new vehicles at the Shanghai Auto Show on Wednesday as part of an effort to launch 10 new-energy vehicles by mid-2027.
Opinion
My Take|China’s ambitions in electric vehicles go beyond making lots of cars
To become a powerful car nation, China must lead in smart automotive technologies, China’s former industry minister argues.
SCMP ColumnistZhou Xin
1
My Take|China’s green tech firms largely insulated from latest tariff war
With their reliance on the US market already limited, these battle-worn companies are better equipped to weather the coming decoupling storm.
Brian Rhoads
My Take|Will AI and robots drive China’s next consumer spending spree?
China is seeking the next ‘big items’ to encourage consumers to open their wallets. Technology looks to be a key.
SCMP ColumnistZhou Xin
2
Editorial|Charging woes take the spark out of the electric vehicle surge
With strong demand for EVs expected to continue, it is important for authorities to foster development of vital infrastructure.
SCMP Editorial
1
Editorial|Robust exports show China is embedded in global supply chain
As Trump administration looms, record trade performance for 2024 will fuel talk of overcapacity and increase pressure on Beijing to rebalance the economy.
SCMP Editorial
Editorial|Accelerating electric dreams depends on smooth transition
The Hong Kong government is offering subsidies and enhanced infrastructure for recharging stations in push for bus and taxi operators to switch to EVs.
SCMP Editorial
1
Outside In|Europe’s battery crisis a humiliating reminder of China’s EV dominance
The collapse of a Swedish EV battery maker underscores just how much the green transition still depends on supply chains dominated by China.
David Dodwell
1
My Take|Tesla is getting love from Chinese state media, but can the affair last?
Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily praised Tesla for sparking an EV boom, but Musk’s role in a new Trump administration could complicate matters.
SCMP ColumnistZhou Xin
2
Outside In|Italian fuss about China’s tiny tomato exports has bigger implications
Tomatoes are only China’s 708th biggest export. But the world is realising China can swamp markets with even small output shifts.
David Dodwell
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On Balance|Trump has stumbled upon a good idea for US climate change fight
Getting China to build electric vehicles in the US would be a boon to the country’s economy and transition away from fossil fuels.
SCMP ColumnistRobert Delaney
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The View|Indonesia and Philippines must clean up their nickel mines
A US report on worker exploitation adds urgency to the call for reform of an industry already battling accusations of environmental abuse.
Mohammad Yunus
1
The View|More than costs, geopolitics is driving new wave of globalisation
Protectionism won’t bring back lost jobs. It will just push companies to move production to places where supply chains are intact even if costs are not the lowest.
Winston Mok
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