Chinese Automakers Unveil AI-Powered EVs at Beijing Auto Show

The biennial Beijing Auto Show opened on 24 April, running to 3 May with over 1,450 vehicles and 181 global debuts. Highlights included XPeng’s GX SUV with autonomous pull-over, BYD’s blade battery (nine-minute full charge), Yijing X9’s Qiankun system, and CATL’s Shenxing cell (10 %->98 % in 6.5 minutes).

Associated Press

China stays the world’s top car exporter, but domestic passenger-car sales fell 23 % (China Association) and 17 % elsewhere after subsidy cuts. In the same quarter, exports rose 63 % and over 60 %, showing a shift to overseas markets.

Associated Press

XPeng, BYD, Xiaomi and state-owned Dongfeng led the show, each partnering with Huawei on AI and connectivity. Battery maker CATL and chip designer Horizon Robotics displayed fast-charging cells and the Starry 6 processor. NIO, Li Auto, Geely, Leapmotor and others announced in-house AI chip projects to cut reliance on Nvidia.

Reuters

Embedding AI creates self-reasoning EVs, lowering reliance on U.S. chips. Software-centric models reshape supply chains, while overseas factories in Hungary, Turkey and the United Kingdom expand capacity to meet export demand and avoid trade friction.

Associated Press

XPeng’s founder highlighted the autonomous pull-over and emergency-alert system. Nissan’s China chief said AI-developed cars are faster and more responsive in China. AlixPartners’ automotive co-leader called AI a tool to simplify driving. Dongfeng’s chairman affirmed alignment with the national “AI Plus” mandate.

Reuters

Price wars have cut vehicle prices by 20 % over two years, squeezing margins. Subsidy reductions curb domestic demand, while regulatory hurdles delay export of advanced driver-assist systems. Recent robotaxi stalls in Wuhan raised safety concerns, and foreign firms like Volkswagen see limited prospects for regaining pre-2020 market share.

Associated Press

Domestic sales decline is reported as 23 % by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and 17 % elsewhere. Export growth is cited as 63 % and “more than 60 %”. Overseas production forecasts range from 3 million units by 2030 to Chery’s 10 million-sales target.

Associated Press

• “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,” — He Xiaopeng, Founder & CEO, XPeng

Associated Press

• “There’s no longer a distinction between a technology company and a car company,” — Stephen Ma, China chief, Nissan Motor

Reuters

• “The AI they're building in is going to make the car easier to drive, easier to interact with, easier to do all of the things that otherwise take effort.” — Dan Hearsch, Global co-leader for automotive, AlixPartners

Reuters

• “When the nation calls, Dongfeng answers,” — Yang Qing, Chairman, Dongfeng Motor

Reuters

China aims to finalize autonomous-vehicle safety standards by late 2026. Huawei will invest up to ¥80 billion in autonomous-driving software, and Horizon Robotics plans to scale production of its Starry 6 processor. Robotaxi pilots are planned for London and other cities, while overseas assembly lines expand to meet export volumes.

The Guardian