Story perspectives

China Auto Show Unveils 181 Models, Leapmotor Ultra, Sub-Zero Battery

4/26/2026

Summary

Leapmotor Unveils Lafa5

China’s top automakers unveiled cutting-edge models and technology at the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing.
The exhibition displayed more than 1,450 vehicles, including 181 global debuts.
Leapmotor President Cao Li presented the Leapmotor Lafa 5 Ultra on Friday, April 24, 2026.
CATL demonstrated its Naxtra battery operating at –50 °C at its booth on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Summary

Leapmotor Cuts Price

Leapmotor B05 Ultra will cost $18,135 in China, making it among the cheapest high-performance EVs.
Stellantis holds about a 20 percent stake in Leapmotor and will sell the regular B05 in Europe for roughly $31,000.
Denza Z can use BYD’s flash-charging system delivering up to 1500 kilowatts and features steer-by-wire with magnetorheological dampers for precise handling.
Fangchengbao’s Formula X convertible will have a carbon-fiber body and chassis, with production slated for next year.

History

Historical Context

Toyota launched the XW10 Prius in December 1997, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid, and by January 2017 had sold nearly 4 million units worldwide, spurring regulatory support such as California’s CARB SULEV classification. That hybrid breakthrough underpins today’s EV surge, exemplified by Leapmotor’s Lafa 5 debut at Auto China 2026 and CATL’s –50 °C Naxtra battery, reshaping global market dynamics.

1 of 3

Leapmotor Unveils Lafa5

China’s top automakers unveiled cutting-edge models and technology at the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing.
The exhibition displayed more than 1,450 vehicles, including 181 global debuts.
Leapmotor President Cao Li presented the Leapmotor Lafa 5 Ultra on Friday, April 24, 2026.
CATL demonstrated its Naxtra battery operating at –50 °C at its booth on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

1 / 3