CHINA: BYD Kei Car For Japan, China Battery Installs Fall and Hongqi Tests Off-Road EV | 18 Feb 2026
About this episode
The episode covers BYD’s new RACCO kei car designed specifically for Japan, highlighting its compact size and impressive range options. It also discusses China’s January battery installation data, showing a dominance of lithium iron phosphate batteries and market concentration among top suppliers. Hongqi’s rugged off-road EV prototype is introduced, signaling a shift toward hardcore SUVs. A Tesla Model Y incident in China sparks debate on range accuracy and Tesla’s declining market share amid rising local competition. Finally, spy shots of X-Pung’s upcoming G02 crossover reveal a smaller, stylish electric SUV with promising specs and competitive pricing.
You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog
Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:
➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple
➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic
➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify
➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein
➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart
BYD UNVEILS RACCO KEI EV FOR JAPAN https://evne.ws/4tLRFC3
CHINA BATTERY INSTALLS SLUMP IN JANUARY https://evne.ws/3MjnT75
HONGQI TESTS FIRST HARD-CORE OFF-ROAD EV SUV https://evne.ws/3ZJoWQQ
MODEL Y RANGE CLAIM SPARKS CHINA SAFETY ROW https://evne.ws/3OqVoF0
XPENG G02 SPY SHOTS POINT TO GX MINI-ME https://evne.ws/4cwqvcg
ZEEKR BRINGS 7GT TO SWEDEN AHEAD OF DELIVERIES https://evne.ws/4cAinYa
POLESTAR PINS HOPES ON 4 ESTATE AND 5 https://evne.ws/3ZJHala
CHINA’S EV MAKERS BET ON AI AGENTS https://evne.ws/4aprQjM
Chinese EV makers
"I'll tell you why Chinese EV makers now pitch AI as their next edge. Welcome back to EV News China, the podcast dedicated to the world's biggest EV market."
Chinese EV makers are companies in China that build electric cars. They are becoming very important in the world because they make a lot of electric vehicles.
Chinese EV makers are automotive companies based in China that specialize in electric vehicles. They have rapidly grown and innovated, becoming major players in the global EV market with competitive technology and pricing.
AC and DC charge
"Both configurations, AC and DC charge, early reports had DC charging could be up to 100kW, but that's unconfirmed."
Electric cars can be charged using two types of electricity: AC, which is slower and used at home, and DC, which is faster and used at special stations to recharge quickly.
AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging are two methods to charge electric vehicles. AC charging is slower and common for home use, while DC fast charging provides higher power for quicker recharging.
K-cars
"Conventional K-cars are limited to a combustion engine of 600cc, a restriction that historically protected the domestic manufacturers."
In Japan, there are very small cars called K-cars that have tiny engines and are easier to own because they cost less to tax and insure. They are made to fit well in crowded cities.
K-cars are a category of small vehicles in Japan defined by regulations limiting engine size (typically up to 660cc) and dimensions to promote efficiency and urban usability. They benefit from tax and insurance advantages in Japan.
plug-in hybrids
"Battery electric vehicles accounted for 77% of batteries in China. That was up 5%. Plug-in hybrids, just 22%."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can run on electricity for a while but also have a gas engine to go farther when the battery runs out.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery, allowing them to run on electric power alone for short distances before switching to gasoline.
fuel cell vehicles
"Fuel cell vehicles. I found some data on that because I always presume there aren't any. Well, there are. It's 0.003% of the market."
Fuel cell vehicles run on hydrogen and make electricity to power the car. They don't use gas and only produce water as exhaust, so they're cleaner for the environment.
Fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen gas to generate electricity through a chemical reaction, powering electric motors without combustion. They emit only water vapor and are considered an alternative to battery electric vehicles.
battery manufacturers
"The supplier base contracted to 33 manufacturers of batteries, three fewer than a year ago. The top two delivered 67% of the market."
Battery makers make the big batteries that electric cars use to run. Most of the batteries come from just a few companies around the world.
Battery manufacturers produce the rechargeable batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles. The market is concentrated, with a few top companies supplying the majority of batteries globally.
supplier concentration
"Supplier concentration intensified with the leading two firms supplying more than two-thirds of all batteries,"
This means that only a few companies make most of the batteries for electric cars, so they have a lot of control over the market.
Supplier concentration refers to a market condition where a few companies dominate the supply of a product, in this case, battery cells for electric vehicles, which can impact pricing and availability.
scale in battery cell manufacturing
"underlining the importance of scale in the world of making cells."
Making lots of batteries at once helps companies save money and make electric cars cheaper.
Scale in battery cell manufacturing means producing batteries in large quantities, which helps reduce costs and improve efficiency, making electric vehicles more affordable.
rear-mounted spare tyre
"...roof racks make it look rugged, a rear-mounted spare tyre, and a roof-mounted lidar pod as well."
This is a spare tire that’s fixed on the back of the car, so you have an extra tire if one gets flat.
A rear-mounted spare tyre is a spare tire attached to the back of an SUV or off-road vehicle, often used to save interior space and enhance the rugged look of the vehicle.
roof racks
"...traditional door handles, roof racks make it look rugged, a rear-mounted spare tyre, and a roof-mounted lidar pod as well."
These are bars on top of the car that let you carry things like bikes or bags when you don’t have enough space inside.
Roof racks are mounted bars on top of a vehicle that allow for carrying extra cargo such as luggage, bicycles, or other equipment, enhancing the vehicle's utility and ruggedness.
roof-mounted lidar pod
"...a rear-mounted spare tyre, and a roof-mounted lidar pod as well."
It’s a device on top of the car that uses lasers to see around the vehicle, helping it drive itself or detect obstacles.
A roof-mounted lidar pod is a sensor unit placed on top of a vehicle that uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps, commonly used in autonomous driving technology.
Shanghai Auto Show
"The vehicle debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show last year, while Hong Chi ran a naming contest."
It’s a big car show in Shanghai where companies show off their newest cars and ideas to people.
The Shanghai Auto Show is a major international automotive exhibition held in China where manufacturers debut new vehicles and concepts to the public and media.
Toyota Land
"a Toyota Land Cruiser-style vehicle."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big SUV that is famous for being very strong and able to drive on tough roads for a long time.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary full-size SUV known worldwide for its durability, off-road prowess, and long-lasting reliability.
Tesla Model
"The driver, Ms. Chen, was travelling between Shanghai and Taizhou in her 2022 Model Y,"
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV, which means it runs on batteries instead of gas. The 2022 version is a newer model with improved features.
The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric compact SUV produced by Tesla, known for its long electric range and advanced technology features. The 2022 model includes updates to battery and software systems.
safety buffers
"and the debate it sparked about whether Tesla's displayed range figures are even trustworthy, whether its safety buffers are adequate, arrived at a delicate time for Tesla in China."
Safety buffers are extra battery power that the car keeps just in case, so it doesn't run out completely and stop suddenly.
Safety buffers in electric vehicles are reserved amounts of battery charge that prevent the battery from fully depleting, protecting battery health and ensuring the car can still operate safely.
EV market share
"A Tesla share of the EV market in China slipped from 10% to 8%. Rivals are circling overhead."
EV market share means how much of the electric car sales a company has compared to others. Tesla's share going down means other companies are selling more electric cars in China.
EV market share refers to the percentage of electric vehicle sales a company holds within a specific market. Tesla's share in China slipping from 10% to 8% indicates increased competition and a shrinking dominance in that market.
Xiaomi SU7
"Rivals are circling overhead. Xiaomi's Su7 sold over 258,000 units last year, 30% more than ..."
The Xiaomi SU7 is a new electric car made by a company famous for phones and gadgets. Lots of people bought it last year because it’s a good, modern car that runs on electricity. It’s important because it shows Xiaomi is making big moves in cars.
The Xiaomi SU7 is an electric SUV from the Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, marking its growing presence in the automotive market. With over 258,000 units sold last year, it has rapidly gained popularity, reflecting Xiaomi's successful transition into electric vehicles. It's significant as a competitor in the expanding EV segment.
Gigafactory
"Tesla was China's first wholly-owned Gigafactory, although built with Chinese money, and has cultivated senior ties to the Premier Li Chiang."
A Gigafactory is a huge factory where Tesla makes electric car parts and batteries. The one in China is special because Tesla owns it completely, which is rare in China.
A Gigafactory is a large-scale manufacturing facility primarily focused on producing batteries and electric vehicles. Tesla's Gigafactory in China is notable for being wholly owned by Tesla, which is unusual for foreign companies operating in China.
full self-driving
"state media were very quick to contradict Elon Musk's claims that full self-driving approval was imminent in China."
Full self-driving means the car can drive by itself without the driver needing to control it all the time, but it still needs permission from authorities.
Full self-driving (FSD) is Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system that aims to enable a car to drive itself with minimal human intervention, pending regulatory approval.
vehicle failure civil cases
"An Associated Press investigation found Tesla won 90% of its vehicle failure civil cases in China."
Sometimes people take car companies to court if their cars break or don't work right, which are called vehicle failure cases.
Vehicle failure civil cases refer to legal disputes where customers sue automakers over defects or malfunctions in their vehicles.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...ut I say it's less of an obvious inspiration from Range Rover design. But we'll see when the camo comes off. A ..."
The Range Rover is a fancy, comfortable SUV that can drive well both on rough terrain and city roads. People often talk about it because it looks stylish and has lots of features. Here, it's being compared to a new car's design.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV renowned for its blend of off-road capability and high-end comfort. It has set a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment with its distinctive design and advanced technology. The mention likely relates to design influences or comparisons with upcoming models.
kilowatt hour
"Two battery sizes, 75 or 100 kilowatt hours,"
A kilowatt hour is how much energy a battery can hold. The bigger the number, the longer the car can drive before needing to recharge.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy commonly used to measure the capacity of electric vehicle batteries. It represents the amount of energy the battery can store and deliver to power the vehicle.
WLTP range
"Maximum WLTP range, 407 miles or 655 kilometres."
WLTP range is a way to see how far an electric car can go on a full charge, tested in a way that tries to match real driving.
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, a standardized test used in Europe to measure the driving range of electric vehicles under realistic conditions. The WLTP range indicates how far the car can travel on a full battery.
DC charging
"Peak DC charging, 480 kilowatts on the 75 kilowatt hour pack."
DC charging is a fast way to recharge an electric car's battery, much quicker than regular charging at home.
DC charging refers to direct current fast charging for electric vehicles, allowing much faster battery recharge compared to standard AC charging. It is commonly used at public fast-charging stations.
AC charging
"It'll AC charge at 22, which is good for three-phase over here in Europe."
AC charging is the usual way to charge an electric car, like plugging it in at home. It takes longer than fast charging but is good for overnight charging.
AC charging uses alternating current to charge electric vehicles, typically slower than DC fast charging and often used at home or workplace chargers. The charging speed depends on the power supply and onboard charger capacity.
three-phase charging
"It'll AC charge at 22, which is good for three-phase over here in Europe."
Three-phase charging means the electricity comes in three waves instead of one, so the car can charge faster when plugged into special chargers in places like Europe.
Three-phase charging is a type of AC charging that uses three alternating currents out of phase with each other to deliver more power efficiently, common in Europe and enabling faster AC charging speeds.
Polestar 4
"Let's move on. Polestar is pinning its hopes on a Polestar 4 estate and the new 5."
The Polestar 4 is a new electric car that looks like a sporty wagon. It’s made by a company that focuses on electric cars with good performance. People are excited about it because it’s a fresh option for electric vehicles.
The Polestar 4 is a sporty electric estate car from Polestar, Volvo's electric performance brand. It represents Polestar's strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup with stylish, performance-oriented models. The Polestar 4 is expected to compete in the premium electric SUV market.
Geely SEA architecture
"it's, of course, built on China's Geely SEA architecture, the Polestar 4 at least."
Geely SEA is a special design that helps build electric cars more easily and efficiently. Polestar uses it for some of their cars.
The Geely Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) is a modular electric vehicle platform developed by Chinese automaker Geely, used by various brands including Polestar for building electric vehicles.
Volvo
"The Volvo offshoots closed their last Chinese store last October."
Volvo is a car company from Sweden that makes safe and reliable cars. Polestar is connected to Volvo.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for safety and durability, and the parent company of Polestar.
autonomous driving
"envisions in-car interaction and autonomous driving merging into a super agent."
Autonomous driving means the car can drive itself without you needing to steer or control it, using smart computers and sensors.
Autonomous driving refers to technology that enables a vehicle to operate without human intervention by using sensors, cameras, and AI to navigate and control the car.
safety-critical driving systems
"User-facing AI and safety-critical driving systems actually share similar building blocks"
Safety-critical driving systems are the important car parts and computers that help keep you safe by controlling brakes or steering if needed.
Safety-critical driving systems are vehicle technologies responsible for essential functions like braking, steering, and collision avoidance, where failure could lead to accidents.
zero disruption tolerance
"Driving systems require high reliability, low latency, and zero disruption tolerance."
It means the car's driving system can't stop working or make mistakes, because that could be dangerous.
Zero disruption tolerance means the system must operate continuously without failures or interruptions, which is essential for safety-critical applications like autonomous driving.
low latency
"Driving systems require high reliability, low latency, and zero disruption tolerance."
It means the car's computer can react really fast when something happens, so it can keep you safe.
Low latency means the system responds very quickly to inputs or changes, which is critical for driving systems to react in real time to road conditions and commands.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.