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?

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China Business
Chinese-made MG Cyberster electric vehicles wait to be loaded onto a ship for export at a car yard in Yantai, Shandong province, last month. Photo: AFP
China Business
Rising raw material costs hit Chinese carmakers’ profit margins, price war plans
Net earnings from the sale of a 100,000 yuan car now stand at just 1,500 yuan, according to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Battery maker CATL has posted record quarterly sales amid the Iran war, which has driven global demand for green-energy solutions. Photo: Shutterstock Images
Companies
Chinese battery giant CATL rides green energy boom as revenue soars 57%
The results, despite being record figures, slightly missed market estimates of 148.6 billion yuan in revenue and 23.4 billion yuan profit.
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US Senate Committee on Commerce chairman Ted Cruz warned that unless the legislation was narrowed, the Connected Vehicle Security Act would face a difficult path to becoming law. Photo: AP
Diplomacy
US senators clash over scope of Chinese connected-vehicle ban
Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of US Senate Committee on Commerce, warns substantial revisions will be needed before bill can become law.
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Welding robots at work at Geely’s plant in Yiwu, China’s Zhejiang province. Photo: Xinhua
China Business
Powering ahead: China’s Geely taps Ford’s Spain plant for European EV expansion
Tie-up breathes new life into plant near Valencia and signals Chinese carmakers’ stepped-up push to go global amid tariff pressures.
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Harvesters at work in a rice field in Hangzhou, eastern China. China and the EU are reported to have signed joint research funding agreements to support scientific cooperation in areas such as food, agriculture and biosolutions, as well as climate change and biodiversity. Photo: Xinhua
Diplomacy
China, EU pushing ahead on joint research despite trade tensions
Joint 2025-2027 research agreement covers climate and agriculture, state media says, signalling will to collaborate in spite of differences.
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Then Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto at a meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Budapest in February. Photo: AFP
China Economy
Inspectors checking workers’ papers at BYD factory site in Hungary: source
Country’s new prime minister has launched an investigation into the Chinese electric vehicle giant’s investment in Hungary.
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The fleet of BYD Denza Z9GT cars travelling from Rome to Hong Kong in Istanbul on June 23. Photo: Handout
China EVs
Xiaomi’s focus on new SUVs, BYD’s 15,000km-driving range cars: 7 EV reads
From CATL shares forecast to grow 50 per cent to the effects of China’s EV tax break ending, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.
A woman promotes the GLC SUV via a video stream at the Mercedes-Benz booth during Auto China 2026 in Beijing on April 24. Photo: AP Photo
China EVs
Foreign carmakers lose more traction in China as luxury sales slide
Mercedes, Land Rover, BMW, Jaguar and Infiniti take further hit as consumers shun pricey, petrol-powered vehicles.
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A fleet of Chinese-made electric trucks are deployed at the construction site of a new airport in Ethiopia. Photo: Xinhua
China Economy
China sets sights on carbon-guzzling transport sector with new green initiative
China wants at least 1.6 million electric heavy-goods vehicles on the road by 2030, as it pushes to decarbonise its vast road freight sector.
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Chinese-made MG Cyberster electric vehicles wait to be loaded onto a ship for export at a car yard in Yantai in China’s eastern Shandong province. Photo: AFP
China Economy
Series|The state of China’s EV industry
China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry sits at the centre of numerous economic and geopolitical trends: consumer spending, environmental protection, trade policy, high-end manufacturing, technology and more. In this short series, the SCMP assesses the current state of the sector within these broader contexts.
Illustration: Henry Wong
Global Economy
China’s EV makers went from small fry to big shots. Can others do the same?
The global green shift is providing a way for emerging economies to catch up with global powerhouses, with help from China’s supply chain.
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Workers check vehicles in BYD’s plant in Camacari, Brazil, on February 3, 2026. Photo: Reuters
China Business
As BYD marks Brazil milestone, Europe weighs response to surge in Chinese EVs
BYD hits 100,000 EVs in South American country, but calls grow in Europe for higher tariffs on Chinese products to shield local industry.
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Illustration: Davies Christian
China Economy
China’s car industry is on a tear overseas. So why are sales at home plunging?
Chinese car brands have suffered a steep drop in domestic sales this year, with Beijing scaling back subsidies and buyers reluctant to spend.
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Hungary’s Peter Szijjarto, right, shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Budapest, Hungary on February 11. Szijjarto recently resigned as foreign minister to take an executive position at BYD. Photo: AFP
China EVs
Hungary probes deal with China’s BYD after ex-foreign minister takes job there
Peter Szijjarto’s announcement that he would take a job at the world’s top electric carmaker prompted accusations of a conflict of interest.
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A woman poses next to humanoid robots at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Saturday. More than 400 such models have been developed in China, according to official data. Photo: AFP
China Economy
‘Made in China’ increasingly a symbol for hi-tech and high value
Led by robots and EVs, the country’s move up the industrial value chain is gaining momentum, June’s industrial export figures show.
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Cars produced by Chinese automakers BYD and MG at the Lianyungang port in China’s eastern Jiangsu province on July 1. Photo: AFP
China Economy
What will China’s phasing out of its EV battery tax break mean for the industry?
Beijing is attempting to curb overcapacity and intense domestic price wars by ending a decade-long levy exemption on batteries.
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The Xpeng L03 is displayed at a launch event for the new SUV in Munich, Germany. Photo: Reuters
China EVs
China’s Xpeng plants a flag in Germany’s auto heartland with Mona L03 launch
The Chinese electric car brand debuted its new SUV at a splashy ceremony in Munich, as it announced its intention to ‘put down roots in Europe’.
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Illustration: Davies Christian
China Economy
Europe’s carmakers plan a comeback – powered by EU policies and Chinese tech
New regulations will help EU produce electric vehicles at a price point to match China, but European job losses would be among trade-offs.
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People stand near an Xpeng Iron humanoid robot displayed at the electric vehicle maker’s booth during the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22. Photo: Reuters
China Business
Race against Tesla: China’s Xpeng eyes 2027 global launch for viral Iron robot
CEO He Xiaopeng projects the firm will sell 1 million robots by 2030 after ramping up mass production.
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The Denza N9 hybrid electric SUV is one of several BYD models targeting the luxury end of the car market released over the past few years. Photo: Handout
China Business
Charging ahead: why BYD plans to build 3,000 ‘flash-charging’ stations in Europe
The facilities will support BYD’s latest flash-charging technology, which can reportedly recharge a car’s battery in just 10 minutes.
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Global Economy
FactSheet|EU’s trade panic over China
China’s growing trade surplus with the European Union has stoked anxieties within the bloc, driving defensive actions to protect its critical domestic markets.
A petrol station worker prepares to refuel a jeepney in Quezon City, the Philippines, in March. Photo: EPA
Economics
Philippines’ iconic jeepneys sputter up a costly climb to go electric
Observers point to the high costs of owning an e-jeepney and a lack of government support in enabling the electric shift.
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An e-rickshaw incident in New Delhi has raised concerns over the security of connected vehicles. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images
Diplomacy
Chinese in the driver’s seat? India-China reset hits bump on New Delhi streets
Indian government pulls the plug on Chinese battery apps after e-rickshaws are stopped in their tracks, sparking national debate.
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China’s top maker of computer memory chips, CXMT, is eyeing a record IPO in Shanghai. Photo: Reuters
Tech
China’s CXMT valued at US$85 billion in record Shanghai IPO
Chinese DRAM maker is set to raise 57.9 billion yuan (US$8.5 billion), nearly twice the amount earmarked for its investment projects.
The strengths of each model lie in its strategic priorities, as do the weaknesses. Photo: Shutterstock
World Opinion
Opinion|Clash of the tech titans: China’s quiet industry vs loud US innovation
At the heart of the battle for AI dominance is a deeper contest between two very different leadership styles.
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A car is refuelled at a petrol station in China’s Hainan province in March as other vehicles queue. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
China Economy
No U-turn: Hainan solidifies 2030 deadline to purge petrol-vehicle sales
New road map for the tropical free-trade hub highlights advancements in fleet electrification, creating a potential template for other provinces to follow.
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BYD has grown into the world’s leading electric vehicle maker, expanding rapidly overseas even as it faces mounting trade barriers in major Western markets. Photo:Reuters
US
Why ‘reverse tech transfer’ from China won’t happen in the US auto industry
Experts say political resistance blocks technology transfer that could help US carmakers compete with Chinese rivals.
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Brian Gu Hongdi, vice-chairman and president at Xpeng, says the Guangzhou-based company is well placed to take on Tesla in overseas markets, particularly Europe. Photo: Xpeng
China EVs
Xpeng, armed with road-tested tech, ready to take on Tesla overseas
The Guangzhou-based company will expand its self-driving technology to international markets, challenging its US rival in Europe.
Chinese-made cars are seen on a dock before being loaded onto a ship for export in Suzhou port, in China's eastern Jiangsu province, on July 7, 2026. Photo: AFP
China Economy
China’s car shipments to EU surge, but could be nearing peak: European analysts
The rapid ascent of Chinese car brands in Europe could be nearing a turning point as both the EU and Germany consider protectionist measures.
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The fleet of BYD Denza Z9GT cars travelling from Rome to Hong Kong in Istanbul on June 23. Photo: Handout
China EVs
BYD showcases charging technology in 15,000km journey from Rome to Hong Kong
Chinese electric vehicle maker says journey was inspired by travels of Marco Polo more than 750 years ago.
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Opinion
As I see it|Europe wants a new Plaza Accord for China – seriously?
Instead of hoping for Beijing to commit economic suicide, it would be more realistic for the EU to strike a mutually acceptable trade deal.
SCMP ColumnistAlex Lo
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Outside In|US the ultimate loser as Iran war ushers in global power upheaval
Defeated by asymmetric warfare and spurned by allies, the US has ended up boosting China’s economy and standing instead.
David Dodwell
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Asian Angle|Indonesia’s nickel rule changes are spooking Chinese investors
A leaked grievance letter reveals how Jakarta’s resource nationalism risks driving essential Chinese capital away.
Siwage Dharma NegaraLeo Suryadinata
Outside In|China’s manufacturing rise is here to stay. The West must recalibrate
The changes are structural and protectionism will only weaken long-term growth.
David Dodwell
2
Editorial|China steps up its clean energy push with electric ships
As the world’s largest shipbuilder and a leader in EVs and advanced batteries, the country is well placed to help clean up the polluting shipping industry.
SCMP Editorial
Editorial|EVs in Hong Kong must compete on their own merits
The decision to end tax breaks for private electric cars is part of the necessary transition from incentives to market-driven growth.
SCMP Editorial
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My Take|Steadfast state support is key to China winning tech race with US
America is shooting itself in the foot by defunding basic research and manpower under the Trump White House.
SCMP ColumnistAlex Lo
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Editorial|China’s EV industry should focus on consolidation at home, expansion abroad
With Beijing discouraging ‘irrational competition’, the fewer brands with greater scale that emerge from the consolidation wave should look to opportunities abroad.
SCMP Editorial
Editorial|China-EU compromise over EVs bodes well for trade and overall ties
With the Trump administration turning aggressive towards allies and foes alike, Beijing and Brussels have more reasons to work together.
SCMP Editorial
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As I see it|The Chinese century may already be here
International competition will be won by nations with steady and realistic policies guided by a vision, not the ones indulging in cowboy militarism.
SCMP ColumnistAlex Lo
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Editorial|Amid rivalry with US, silver can be seen as China’s new industrial leverage
Beijing’s export controls are simply about following the logic of the market and geopolitics in the interest of the nation.
SCMP Editorial
Asian Angle|Thailand’s ‘China plus one’ successes mask a middle-income quagmire
FDI figures hide the painful truth: an ageing workforce, structural challenges and low-value assembly threaten economic stagnation.
Donald LowThomas Lam Chun-kai
1
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