Tu Le and Lei Xing dive into one of the busiest weeks yet in the global EV world — from corporate drama to policy blueprints shaping the next 15 years. 🇨🇳⚙️🌎

Carlos Tavares’ bombshell remarks on a possible breakup of Stellantis spark debate: could a Chinese automaker one day buy Peugeot or Citroën? The hosts unpack Europe’s fragile position amid new export restrictions and the Nexperia chip crisis, which has idled factories and exposed just how dependent global OEMs are on Chinese-owned supply chains.

Then the conversation turns to China’s new SAE roadmap 3.0, outlining a sweeping plan through 2040 — including 80 % NEV adoption, peak carbon by 2028, and 70 % of new cars achieving Level 3–4 autonomy by 2035. Tu and Lei discuss what that means for Tesla, GM, VW, XPeng, and BYD, and why Western automakers still underestimate China’s speed and discipline.

They also hit:

⚙️ GM’s “Tech Day” and its Level 3 Escalade IQ launch — is Detroit finally catching up?

🏭 Volkswagen’s XPeng and Rivian alliances — lifeline or identity crisis?

🔋 CATL’s record 1,122 GWh battery output and Q3 earnings

🔥 The Li Auto MPV and Xiaomi SU7 fire controversies — and what they reveal about China’s speed vs safety trade-off

📈 NIO’s 40 K per-month production push and China’s Q4 sales surge

🚙 Why GM and Ford remain profitable in China despite sales declines

Smart, fast-paced, and unfiltered — this episode connects the dots between geopolitics, tech disruption, and the global EV power shift.

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#️⃣  Tags

ChinaEVs & More, ChinaEVs, Stellantis, CarlosTavares, Volkswagen, XPeng, Rivian, GM, EscaladeIQ, CATL, BYD, Tesla, NIO, LiAuto, XiaomiSU7, EVRoadmap, AutonomousDriving, BatteryTech, EVSupplyChain, ChinaAuto, TuLe, LeiXing, SinoAutoInsights, GlobalMobility

In Episode 222 of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing tackle a packed week in China’s EV world as the industry faces mounting headwinds at home and abroad.

They break down the major developments impacting China’s auto sector:

• 🚘 NIO Day 2025 Preview & Stock Surge – NIO heads into its biggest event of the year on a high after a 120 % rally and strong demand for the new ES8.
• 🏁 Li Auto i6 Launch & “Cadence” Shift – Chinese EV brands adopt Tesla-style instant launch-and-deliver strategies.
• 📉 Reuters “Tailspin” Report on China’s Auto Industry – a deep look at overcapacity, price wars, and government pressure on OEMs and suppliers.
• 🏦 Policy Tightening & New MIIT Safety Rules – China moves to rein in involution and strengthen ADAS and connected-vehicle safety standards.
• 🌏 Export Shifts & Tariff Pressures – Mexico mulls higher duties, Canada goes zero, and Chery faces possible exit from Russia ahead of its Hong Kong IPO.
• ⚙️ BYD Targets 5 Million Units – non-price cut discounts and supplier-payment pledges amid a challenging Q4.
• 🧠 ADAS & Chip Wars Update – Momenta, Horizon Robotics, and Nvidia square off as Chinese and German OEMs race to catch up.
• 🇩🇪 Munich & Detroit Takeaways – Tu’s Automotive News Congress panel, Hyundai Chairman Chung’s appearance, and why U.S. leaders still underestimate Chinese EVs.

👉 Get Tu and Lei’s front-line insight on where China’s EV industry is headed next — and what Western automakers need to learn fast.

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🔑 Keywords

China EVs, China NEVs, NIO Day 2025, NIO ES8, Li Auto i6, Li Auto i8, BYD sales forecast, XPeng, Xiaomi SU7, Chery IPO, Chery Omoda, BYD exports, Reuters China EV tailspin, China auto overcapacity, EV price war, China ADAS policy, MIIT safety rules, Momenta ADAS, Horizon Robotics, Nvidia H20, Chinese EV exports, Mexico tariffs, Canada EV policy, Automotive News Congress, Hyundai Chung, Tu Le, Lei Xing, Sino Auto Insights Podcast, China EV podcast, EV market analysis.

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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the EV Landscape
02:43 NIO Day and Market Dynamics
06:58 Involution and Market Challenges
10:09 Global Market Trends and Protectionism
13:22 Corporate Strategies and Price Wars
16:27 Industry Perspectives and Future Outlook
19:49 Automotive News and Events
23:15 Insights from the Automotive News Congress
27:48 Geopolitical Impacts on the EV Market
37:10 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Tu Le and Lei Xing unpack a pivotal month for China’s EV sector — one defined by slowing giants, fast-rising challengers, and a global export push that’s reshaping the industry. 🇨🇳⚡️🌍

BYD’s domestic sales cool even as exports near 1 million units; Leapmotor doubles output, partners with Stellantis, and becomes the new benchmark for cost-controlled EV manufacturing; and Chery’s Hong Kong IPO cements its role as China’s global mass-market powerhouse. Meanwhile, Li Auto stalls, XPeng and NIO regain momentum, and legacy brands from Audi to Ford scramble to stay relevant in China’s hyper-competitive market.

They also hit:

🚙  BYD’s 53 % export mix and rising protectionism in Russia and Mexico

🔋  Leapmotor’s 2026 roadmap and Stellantis licensing play

📈  Chery’s Jaecoo, Omoda and Jetour brands expanding in Europe

⚙️  Li Auto’s i6 launch vs XPeng’s profit push

🏁  Ford’s Bronco EREV for China and Audi’s image reboot

💬  Why Western OEMs must match China’s speed and discipline to compete

Insightful, fast-moving, and grounded in on-the-ground reporting — this is your weekly download on how China’s EV revolution is transforming the global auto industry.

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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts
02:17 Current Trends in EV Sales
04:37 Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
07:18 Focus on Leap Motor and BYD
10:09 Li Auto's Strategy and Challenges
12:31 Legacy Brands and Their Adaptation
15:08 Cherry's IPO and Historical Context
17:36 Cherry's Global Strategy and Market Positioning
27:33 The Price War in the Automotive Industry
29:23 Quality Improvements in Chinese Automakers
31:13 Manufacturing Complexity and Market Adaptation
33:00 Challenges in Product Iteration and Consumer Demand
35:58 Global Competitiveness and Market Dynamics
38:35 The Future of BYD and Market Competition
44:14 International Expansion and Regulatory Challenges
45:49 Audience Engagement and Future Discussions

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Keywords:

China EVs & More, Tu Le, Lei Xing, Sino Auto Insights, BYD exports, BYD sales 2025, Leapmotor Stellantis partnership, Chery IPO Hong Kong, Chery Jaecoo Omoda, Chery Jetour iCar, Li Auto i6 sales, XPeng growth 2025, NIO L60 factory F2, Volkswagen XPeng CEA platform, Ford Bronco EREV China, Buick Electra L7 launch, Audi E5 Sportback China, Tesla China sales, EV price war Europe, Chinese EV exports Latin America, Mexico tariffs China EVs, Russia auto imports, EV manufacturing China 2026

Tu and Lei unpack a pivotal week in global EVs — where Germany’s giants stumble and China keeps charging ahead. 🇨🇳⚡️🇩🇪

Volkswagen’s BEV sales plunged 42 % in China, Mercedes and Porsche posted double-digit declines, and BMW trimmed profits as BYD surged abroad — up 880 % in the UK and 2,250 % in Germany. The hosts explore why legacy brands are losing momentum, how BYD’s rise is rewriting the cost game, and what the next-gen CLA, iX3 Neue Klasse, and MEB Plus platforms must prove in 2026.

They also hit:

🔋 China’s Golden Week charging surge (123 M kWh)

🚙 Tesla’s “de-contented” Model 3 & Y vs GM’s $29K Bolt 2027

⚙️ New Chinese energy-efficiency rules

🤖 Lyft × NVIDIA × TensorAuto’s “personal AVs”

🔬 Solid-state battery breakthroughs & CATL’s skateboard play

Insightful, fast-moving, and packed with data & industry-insider perspectives — all in under an hour. 

Your weekly download on the global EV power shift.  

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the China EV Landscape

01:46 Challenges for German Automakers in China

08:13 Tesla vs. BYD: The EV Sales Race

10:30 Impact of Chinese EVs on Global Markets

13:53 Charging Infrastructure and Consumer Behavior

17:29 New Energy Efficiency Regulations in China

22:16 Tesla's Decontented Model 3 and Model Y Launch

24:25 Tesla's Market Dynamics in China

27:33 The Impact of New EV Models

29:41 Battery Technology Innovations

32:14 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles

34:34 Car Buying Adventures and Market Trends

36:31 Battery Swapping and Industry Insights

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Key words:

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Tu Le and Lei Xing bring you inside Europe’s biggest auto show where Chinese EV makers and global legacies collide.

We break down:
 • Volkswagen Group’s push into €25K EVs (Cupra, ID Polo, Skoda Epiq)
 • BMW’s Neue Klasse iX3 vs. Mercedes’ all-new GLC EV
 • Polestar 5 sedan launch — is it too late?
 • BYD’s massive European push (Seal 6 DMI Touring, Dolphin Surf, Denza flash-charging)
 • XPeng, Changan, Leapmotor and the “second wave” of Chinese OEMs storming Europe
 • Partnerships everywhere: Valeo–Momenta, Bosch–WeRide, Qualcomm–QCraft
 • The rise of Chinese lidar (Hesai, RoboSense) and chipmakers (Horizon, Black Sesame)

00:00 Introduction to Mobility Munich Special Edition

01:44 Volkswagen Group's New Electric Vehicles

05:22 BMW vs. Mercedes: Competing Electric Models

10:26 Chinese OEMs Making Their Mark in Europe

15:35 Reflections on Day One of the Event

20:40 The Future of EVs and Industry Partnerships

25:37 Closing Thoughts and Future Events

👉 Subscribe for unfiltered insights on how China’s EV juggernauts and Europe’s auto giants are battling for the future of mobility.

🔑 SEO Keywords
China EVs & More, Tu Le, Lei Xing, Sino Auto Insights, IAA Mobility Munich 2025, Volkswagen Group EVs, Cupra EV, VW ID Polo, Skoda Epiq, BMW Neue Klasse iX3, Mercedes GLC EV, Polestar 5, BYD Seal 6 DMI, BYD Dolphin Surf, Denza EV Europe, XPeng Europe strategy, Changan Deepal S05, Leapmotor Europe launch, Horizon Robotics, Black Sesame Tech, Momenta ADAS, Bosch WeRide, Qualcomm QCraft, Hesai lidar, RoboSense lidar, Chinese EVs in Europe, EV price war Europe

In this episode, Tu Le and Lei Xing unpack a busy week in the global EV world — from the Chengdu Motor Show to the explosive 42,000 Zeekr 9X reservations in just one hour.

We dive deep into:

• 🚙 Zeekr 9X launch & aggressive pricing strategy – the “Hangzhou Bay Cullinan” takes aim at premium SUVs.
• 🇨🇳 Chengdu Motor Show highlights – Volvo XC70, Ford Bronco BEV/PHEV, Exeed ET5 with Horizon Robotics chip, Roewe M7 DMH, and Huawei-backed HypeTech A800.
• 🌍 Global expansion moves – BYD, Leapmotor, and others ship kits abroad (Thailand, India, Hungary, Spain) to skirt tariffs.
• 🧠 China’s chip push – Horizon Robotics, Black Sesame, Huawei, XPeng, Li Auto and others design their own silicon, challenging NVIDIA & Qualcomm.
• 📉 EV price war 2.0 – NIO standardizes 100 kWh packs, Li Auto struggles, XPeng hits 30k+ monthly sales, and Xiaomi momentum builds.
• 🚀 New entrants – DreamE (yes, the robot vacuum company!) jumps into the ultra-luxury EV space, aiming at Bugatti.
• 🔋 Battery tech trends – Sodium-ion, LMR, dual-chemistry packs, and how EREV strategies could influence U.S. trucks.

👉 Join us for sharp insights on China’s fast-evolving EV sector and what it all means for the global auto industry.

🔑 Keywords

China EVs, China NEVs, Zeekr 9X, Geely, Volvo XC70, Ford Bronco EV, Exeed ET5, Roewe M7, HypeTech A800, Huawei ADS, BYD, Leapmotor, XPeng P7, NIO ES8, NIO Onvo L90, Li Auto i6 i8, Xiaomi SU7, DreamE EV, Bugatti challenger, Chengdu Motor Show 2025, IAA Munich preview, Horizon Robotics, Black Sesame, Hesai, RoboSense, Nvidia, Qualcomm, China EV chip war, EV price war, Sino Auto Insights podcast, Tu Le, Lei Xing.

Time stamps:

0:00 – Welcome & intro (Qixi “Valentine’s Day” edition)

1:30 – Zeekr 9X launch & 42,000 reservations in 1 hour

4:30 – Design, pricing & “Hangzhou Bay Cullinan” positioning

6:30 – Chengdu Motor Show overview & significance

10:10 – Volvo XC70 launch & Ford Bronco EV/PHEV reveal

12:00 – Exeed ET5 with Horizon Robotics chip & Roewe M7 DMH

12:45 – Huawei-backed HypeTech A800 flagship sedan

15:30 – BMW Neue Klasse, IAA Munich preview & European competition

16:30 – BYD, Leapmotor & kit assembly abroad (Thailand, India, Hungary, Spain)

20:00 – Chinese Tier 1s at IAA: CATL, Horizon Robotics, Hesai, RoboSense & more

22:00 – China’s chip wars: Horizon, Black Sesame, Huawei, XPeng, Li Auto vs. Nvidia & Qualcomm

26:30 – NIO standardizes 100 kWh packs & the “non-price cut price cut”

28:00 – Li Auto i6/i8 challenges, XPeng momentum, NIO L90 vs. Li Auto L9

31:00 – He Xiaopeng interview: “only 5 automakers will remain” debate

33:10 – SOE restructuring: Dongfeng, FAW, Changan consolidation

34:30 – New entrants: DreamE (robot vacuum maker) takes aim at Bugatti

39:00 – XPeng P7 vs. Xiaomi SU7 – which would you choose?

44:30 – NIO delays L80 launch to prioritize L90 demand

45:30 – Battery tech trends: Sodium-ion, LMR, dual chemistry & U.S. truck lessons

48:30 – Big picture: SUVs, EREVs, BEVs & China’s consumer preferences

49:54 – Wrap up & preview of next week’s IAA coverage from Munich

In Episode 218 of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing break down one of the most heated summers yet in China’s EV world — a season of price wars, social media battles, and momentum shifts.

We cover:

• ⚔️ Onvo L90 vs. Li Auto i8 rivalry – aggressive pricing, messy launches, and social media smear campaigns.
• 🚗 NIO’s momentum with Onvo L90 – 10,000+ monthly deliveries expected after a near-flawless launch.
• 📉 Li Auto’s missteps – i8 pricing controversy, heavy-duty truck collision stunt backlash, and slowing L-series sales.
• 🔋 EV price war fatigue – central government scrutiny, “non-price cut price cuts,” and supply chain strains.
• 🌍 VinFast’s dominance in Vietnam – how the VF5 is becoming the Grab/taxi of choice and what it means for Southeast Asia.
• ⚡ Charging networks in China vs. the West – interoperability, NIO swap stations, Li Auto superchargers, and why Xiaomi succeeds without its own network.
• 🤖 Robots & Lidar – Hesai and RoboSense pivoting from EVs to robots at the World Robot Conference.

👉 Join Tu and Lei for sharp analysis on the companies, policies, and global forces shaping the EV future.

🔑 Keywords

China EVs, China NEVs, Onvo L90, NIO, Li Auto i8, Li Auto L9, Li Auto Mega, XPeng G7, XPeng P7, Xiaomi SU7, BYD, VinFast VF5, VinFast Vietnam, EV price war China, Chinese EV market, Southeast Asia EVs, EV charging networks, NIO battery swap, Li Auto supercharging, Xiaomi EV strategy, Hesai, RoboSense, World Robot Conference, Sino Auto Insights, Tu Le, Lei Xing.

Would you like me to also create a set of timestamped YouTube chapters for Episode 218 (like I did for Ep. 220) so viewers can jump straight to the L90/i8 fight, VinFast in Vietnam, and charging wars?

Timestamp

0:00 – Welcome & intro

1:10 – A momentum-shifting summer for China’s EV market

3:00 – Li Auto i8 vs. Onvo L90 rivalry heats up

6:30 – Li Auto’s truck collision stunt & social media backlash

8:50 – Water armies explained & smear campaigns in China’s EV sector

10:30 – NIO’s Onvo L90 launch strategy & perfect execution

14:50 – L90 pricing disrupts multiple segments

18:40 – Supply chain discipline & standardization (fridges, features, SKUs)

20:30 – Lessons from Apple, Xiaomi & BYD on execution and profitability

22:30 – How long can Onvo’s momentum last?

23:40 – Li Auto i8 repricing & Pro/Max/Ultra confusion

25:00 – Emotional value in branding: frunks, memes & AR HUDs

27:30 – EV brands evolving from price to brand identity

30:00 – Launch events compared: NIO, Li Auto, XPeng P7

33:00 – Reflections from Singapore & Vietnam trip (Tu Le)

35:30 – VinFast VF5 as Vietnam’s Grab/taxi car of choice

37:00 – VinFast challenges outside Vietnam vs. BYD competition

40:30 – Why VinFast can’t replicate BYD’s scale in Vietnam

43:30 – Charging network interoperability in China vs. the West

46:30 – Why some OEMs still build proprietary charging networks

48:30 – U.S. charging infrastructure vs. China’s WeChat simplicity

49:45 – World Robot Conference recap: Hesai, RoboSense & the robot pivot

51:30 – Closing thoughts & what’s next

In this episode of China EVs & More, Tu (Sino Auto Insights) and Lei (former Editor-in-Chief of China Auto Review) dive deep into the latest developments in the global EV and mobility sector. 

From NIO’s bold ES8 relaunch and pricing strategy to XPeng’s surprising earnings and Leapmotor’s raised sales forecasts, the conversation spans China’s ultra-competitive EV market, Tesla’s Model Y L update, and how foreign automakers like Ford, GM, Volkswagen, Audi, and Buick are fighting to stay relevant.

The hosts also discuss battery swapping milestones, government price-cut scrutiny, global tariff shifts, and the EV retail channel wars (4S vs. D2C). To wrap, Tu shares his personal EV shopping experience in the U.S. (Cadillac Optiq, BMW i4, Chevy Blazer EV, Hyundai IONIQ 5).

If you’re tracking China’s EV giants and their impact on the global auto market, this is a must-listen.

Keywords:

China EV market, NIO ES8 2025, Onvo L90, Tesla Model Y L China, Li Auto i8, XPeng P7, Leapmotor sales forecast, BYD Yangwang, Xiaomi SU7, Aito M8, Ford EV platform, CATL battery, Volkswagen XPeng partnership, Buick Electra, Audi E5 Sportback, AutoX robotaxi, Geely satellites, Tesla DeepSeek, EV price war China, battery swapping, NEV sales China, EV breakeven 2025

Companies discussed:

• Chinese OEMs: NIO, Onvo, Li Auto, XPeng, Leapmotor, BYD (Yangwang, Denza, Fang Cheng Bao), Aito, Xiaomi Auto, Geely, Huawei (Momenta, Hesai)
• Global OEMs: Tesla, Ford, GM (Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet), Volkswagen, Audi, Hyundai, BMW, Lucid, Rivian, Stellantis, Volvo, Polestar
• Suppliers & Partners: CATL, DeepSeek, Doubao, SpaceX/Starlink

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the EV Landscape

01:52 NIO's ES8 Launch and Market Impact

09:21 Pricing Strategies and Market Dynamics

18:46 Legacy Automakers and Their Adaptation

28:09 Future Trends in the EV Market

36:04 Tech Upgrades and Market Trends

37:47 Pricing Strategies and Market Positioning

39:38 Brand Differentiation and Consumer Perception

42:33 Competition in the EV Market

47:55 Consumer Preferences and Brand Loyalty

49:42 Localization and Market Adaptation

51:12 Profitability and Production Strategies

55:15 Sales Channels: D2C vs. Traditional Models

57:58 Future of EVs and Consumer Expectations

In this episode, Tu and Lei focus on Tesla's recent earnings, the results of an advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) test conducted by Dong Che Di, and the ongoing price war in the EV market. 

They analyze the implications of these developments for the industry, including the challenges of intelligent driving systems and the strategies employed by various EV makers to gain market share. 

The conversation also touches on global expansion efforts, sponsorships, and audience insights, culminating in a comprehensive overview of the current state of the EV landscape.

Keywords

EV, ADAS, Tesla, Dong Che Di, intelligent driving, price war, global expansion, sponsorships, market strategies, audience insights

In this episode, Tu Le and Lei Xing dive deep into:

✅ China’s EV Inflection Point – NEVs now account for over 60% of new car sales in China. What does this mean for global automakers?

✅ NIO’s Onvo L90 Launch – Priced under RMB 200K, this family-sized SUV is positioned to challenge Tesla and Li Auto head-on.

✅ Li Auto i8 vs. NIO Onvo L90 vs. Tesla Model Y L – Which wins the battle for China’s most competitive segment?

✅ BYD Strategy Shift – From aggressive pricing to premium branding and new models.

✅ Xiaomi’s EV Momentum – SU7 success and what’s next with YU7 and YU9.

✅ Foreign OEM Response – Buick Electra series, Ford’s electric Bronco concept, and BMW’s China strategy.

✅ Smart Driving & ADAS – Why Nvidia, Huawei, and Momenta dominate the conversation in intelligent driving.

✅ Robotaxi & Autonomy Race – Tesla, Waymo, Pony.ai, and Lucid’s Uber tie-up—who’s ahead?

✅ Policy & Trade – How China’s anti-price-war directive and U.S. tariffs on graphite could disrupt supply chains.

Companies Mentioned in This Episode

• Chinese Automakers & Tech: BYD, NIO (Onvo), Li Auto, XPeng, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Aito (Huawei), Zeekr, IM Motors, Firefly
• Global Automakers: Tesla, Buick (GM), BMW, Ford
• Tech & Mobility: Nvidia, Huawei, Momenta, Waymo, Uber, Nuro
• Others: Lucid Motors, Rivian, Magna, Pony.ai

👉 Subscribe now for expert analysis on EVs, mobility tech, and the companies shaping the future of transportation.