These are the wildest EVs unveiled at China's biggest auto show
The Beijing Auto Show is China’s biggest car show. PEDRO PARDO/Getty Images
- Local and Western carmakers have flocked to the Beijing Auto Show.
- Highlights include Zeekr’s transforming minivan and a flying car built by Xpeng.
- Competition in China’s EV market has become brutal as local firms try to compete with Tesla.
If you need more evidence that China’s EV market is booming, just look at the country’s biggest car show.
Around 117 new cars debuted at the Beijing auto show, which began April 25 and runs until May 4, as dozens of local manufacturers jostled for space with foreign imports like Volkswagen and Mercedes in China’s brutally competitive automobile sector.
The likes of BYD, Zeekr, and Xiaomi all showed off new models — here are some of the most interesting vehicles on offer.
The Zeekr Mix
The Zeekr Mix. PEDRO PARDO/Getty Images
Zeekr might be only three years old, but the company has made a name for itself with its quirky EVs.
At the auto show, the EV firm unveiled the Zeekr Mix, an electric multi-purpose vehicle with swiveling chairs that allow it to transform into a small room when parked.
The company, owned by Chinese auto giant Geely, recently released its all-new Zeekr 001 model, equipped with battery technology that can go from 10% to 80% charged in just 11 minutes.
BYD targets high-end customers
The Yangwang U8. VCG/VCG via Getty Images
By far the biggest name in China’s EV market is BYD, the Warren Buffett-backed firm that is probably giving Elon Musk sleepless nights.
The EV upstart has become known for its cheap vehicles, such as the $11,000 Seagull, but the company was showing off its more high-end models in Beijing.
That includes the Yangwang U8, the latest version of which, the Off-road Master Edition, was unveiled in Beijing.
This 1.1 million yuan ($150,000) SUV is capable of floating for up to 30 minutes and turning 360 degrees on the spot like a tank — and customers can even add a built-in drone for an extra 100,000 yuan ($14,000).
BYD also announced a new cheap electric hatchback as it looks to squeeze Tesla even further. The Ocean-M hatchback will be released later this year and will cost between 150,000 yuan to 200,000 yuan ($20,00 to $27,000).
Xiaomi brings its Tesla rival
The Xiaomi SU7. JADE GAO/Getty Images
One of the biggest draws of the auto show was the SU7, an electric SUV built by smartphone maker Xiaomi.
The EV promises to offer a range of 500 miles and a battery that can be fully charged within 15 minutes, according to Xiaomi, and drivers will have access to the company’s next-gen autonomous driving features — all for a price point that starts at 215,900 yuan ($30,00).
It’s not surprising that the EV appeared to attract huge queues when it went on display at the Beijing conference. Xiaomi has said that the company has already received more than 75,000 orders for the SUV, with deliveries beginning in March.
European automakers join the party
The VW ID.Code. VCG/VCG via Getty Images
Not to be outdone by their Chinese counterparts, Western automakers also had a large presence at the Beijing auto show.
Volkswagen, once China’s largest car brand before being overtaken by local rivals, showed off its ID.Code 01 concept EV, which features a built-in robot that vacuums the car when it’s not being used.
German firm Mercedes, meanwhile, unveiled an electric version of its iconic G-Wagon off-roader, which the company said would launch in China later this year.
Xpeng shows off its flying car
The Xpeng Aeroht. JADE GAO/Getty Images
The number of companies trying to make it in China’s EV market — at least 123, according to one auto consultant — has seen some firms branch out in unexpected directions.
One is Chinese EV maker Xpeng with its AeroHT flying car prototype that went on display in Beijing.
The AeorHT has been in development for a decade, and the affiliate company behind it is reportedly close to receiving regulatory approval to fly — but no price or release date has been announced yet, so may be a while before the AeroHT dominates China’s skies.
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