China, the world’s largest electric-vehicle market, opened the Beijing auto show, Auto China 2026, with automakers spotlighting artificial intelligence and automated-driving technology as the next battleground. Chinese brands promoted new AI-driven features and battery performance, while global manufacturers from Germany, South Korea and Japan pushed deeper “In China, For China” strategies to tailor products to local demand.
Industry officials said the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, or CAAM, forecast the overall market at 34.8 million vehicles this year, up 1.2% from 34.4 million a year earlier, in its “2026 China auto market outlook” report. New energy vehicles, or NEVs, are expected to account for 19.0 million units, up 15.2% from 16.49 million. That would lift NEV penetration to 54.7% from 47.9% last year, positioning 2026 as a turning point when NEVs become the market standard. As the EV market enters a more mature phase, competition is expected to intensify as companies fight to survive.
Auto China 2026 served as a showcase for China’s advances in intelligent vehicles. Chinese automakers highlighted upgraded AI and autonomous-driving systems and higher-performing batteries as they sought to move further into the premium EV segment. Xiaomi drew attention with a marketing display that suspended a cutaway model of its self-developed NEV, exposing the battery, motor structure and the placement of thousands of parts. The display was widely seen as a statement about how software can tightly control hardware, leveraging the company’s smartphone software experience to frame the car as “AI on wheels.”
Geely Automobile Group’s premium brand Zeekr unveiled the “8X,” a premium SUV it said delivers 1,380 horsepower. Xpeng introduced the “GX” with Level 4 autonomous-driving technology. Nio displayed its three brands — Nio, Onvo and Firefly — and presented new models including the Nio ES9 and ET9 fitted with its self-developed smart-driving chip.
Established players also emphasized partnerships and localization. Mercedes-Benz showcased its heritage from early carriages to the latest Maybach EVs, while placing the results of its cooperation with China’s Huawei prominently on the show floor. BMW and Audi also drew attention for integrating autonomous-driving technology developed with Chinese partners including Momenta and Huawei into new vehicles.
The show’s technology focus extended to linking batteries — the EV’s core — with AI systems. Battery maker CATL said its third-generation “Shenxing” battery can charge to 98% in 6 minutes 27 seconds. BYD demonstrated technology it said boosts energy density and can charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes even in extreme conditions below minus 30 degrees Celsius. “Once the EV market fully enters maturity, only companies with software-defined vehicle capabilities will survive,” an industry official said.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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