Liuzhou is teeming with small, colorful electric cars. Models that have often been smiled upon and considered as too simple – but these small electric vehicles are more popular in China than ever before. Mainly because people are able to afford the comparatively inexpensive small electric cars. In this city of millions, however, there are also a number of contributing factors.
By Christiane Kuehl
Volkswagen's new ID.4 electric SUV has not been very popular in its most important market. At least it's safe to say that the debut has been a flop. From the customer's point of view, the strong Chinese competition simply offers more in terms of technology. Nevertheless, VW remains confident and is already betting on further models in the ID series.
By Felix Lee
After years of ignorance, US manufacturer Tesla now urgently needs to improve its relations with the Chinese state – after all, it has an image disaster on its hands. The company is hiring additional employees, especially for this purpose. Warnings and protests from state media, authorities and customers have left their mark on the self-confident company in recent weeks. The change of heart is now intended to save its market share.
By Marcel Grzanna
The Hongguang Mini EV has shot to the top of the electric car sales charts in no time at all. With a clever concept and unbeatable price, the joint venture between General Motors and SAIC Motors is tapping into new customer groups in urban and rural areas. If it manages to increase production and pass the crash test, the Hongguang Mini EV could become a blockbuster across Asia.
By Frank Sieren
The US electric car pioneer Tesla seemed to be the darling of Chinese authorities for a long time. But after a number of mishaps, the company is now being scolded by the media and lectured by regulators. The message is clear: China first. Anyone who wants to earn money in the People's Republic should treat Chinese consumers like royalty. A lesson for foreign investors.
By Marcel Grzanna
LFP as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries once marked the beginning of an emerging Chinese battery industry. Now, first Tesla boss Elon Musk and then Volkswagen have announced their intention to rely more on LFP in the future. The main reasons for this are cost pressure, raw material availability, and expiring patents. And once again, Chinese companies could benefit from the trend.
By Amelie Richter
Tesla currently has only one factory in China: Gigafactory Shanghai. This has surpassed the production capacities in Fremont in 2021, which is why Elon Musk has made the China Tesla factory the new main export center. The factory is becoming increasingly important not only for Tesla's activities, but also for the Chinese market. This is because the Gigafactory Shanghai plays a crucial role in mass electric mobility. CEO Elon Munsk is supposedly favored in China compared to other foreign automakers. This is because Tesla received one of the rare official permits to operate independently and alone in the Shanghai factory. As more of China's commercial sector is looked at through the lens of national security, Tesla is not immune from potential future challenges. From the booming e-car market to delivery problems and chip shortages at the Tesla factory to falling car sales - read all China Tesla News in China.Table!