{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"CHINA: BYD Rolls Out God’s Eye 5.0, Battery Makers Turn To Sodium and China Scrubs Online Attacks | 30 Jan 2026","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/china-byd-rolls-out-god-s-eye-5-0-battery-makers-turn-to-sodium-and-china-scrubs-online-attacks-30-jan-2026","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/audioboom.com/posts/8854849.mp3?modified=1769790678&sid=5051980&source=rss","description":"\nWelcome to EV News China — the podcast dedicated to the world’s largest electric vehicle market. Each day, I bring you the latest headlines, insights, and analysis from the heart of China’s booming EV industry — and decode how fast-moving developments in the east are shaping the global EV landscape.Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreonYou can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog\nSubscribe 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\nBYD TURNS DATA TROVE INTO DRIVER-ASSIST EDGE https://bit.ly/49MyS1B\nBYD’S BLADE BUSES CUT DEEPER INTO RICH MARKETS https://bit.ly/4t9r0yM\nCHINA’S BATTERY CHAMPIONS TURN HARD FOR SODIUM https://bit.ly/3NXeeTU\nCATL PUTS SODIUM-ION INTO CHINESE PASSENGER CARS https://bit.ly/3NXxhgR\nCHINA SCRUBS ONLINE ATTACKS ON EV MAKERS https://bit.ly/4k62xqd\nHEFEI RACES TO LOCK IN 1.5M EVS BY 2027 https://bit.ly/3M3In3h\nCHERY PICKS LIVERPOOL FOR FIRST EUROPEAN TRUCK HQ https://bit.ly/3NLuxDm\nCHINA AND DENMARK DEEPEN GREEN SHIPPING ALLIANCE https://bit.ly/49PCgZN\nDIDI AND GAC AION PUT PURPOSE-BUILT ROBOTAXIS ON CHINESE ROADS https://bit.ly/3LGwlgp\nCHINA’S LATEST EV ARMS RACE: HOW CARS TURN https://bit.ly/4k7bsrm\nCHINA’S EV BADGES CRASH GRAN TURISMO PARTY https://bit.ly/4a0DIXV"},"annotations":[{"startTime":182.2,"endTime":185.2,"type":"car","title":"BYD i5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/25/13cm_Gesch%C3%BCtz_von_Batterie_Nr.I-I5_bei_Forchana._%28BildID_15668046%29.jpg","quote":"Welcome back to EV News, China. Today, BYD rolls out God's i5, battery makers turn to sodium","canonicalId":"car:byd-i5","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BYD i5 is an electric vehicle produced by BYD, a leading Chinese automaker known for its focus on electric vehicles and batteries. The i5 is part of BYD's efforts to expand its electric vehicle lineup and compete in the growing EV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BYD i5 is an electric car made by a Chinese company called BYD. They are known for making electric vehicles and batteries, and the i5 is one of their models.","imageAttribution":"K.u.k. Kriegspressequartier, Lichtbildstelle - Wien (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":214.4,"endTime":215.9,"type":"brand","title":"BYD","url":"/glossary/byd","quote":"We'll start with BYD, rolled out its fifth version of its driver assistance stack...","canonicalId":"brand:byd","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its electric vehicles and battery technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries."}},{"startTime":231.1,"endTime":233.7,"type":"term","title":"reinforcement learning","url":"/glossary/reinforcement-learning","quote":"...the new system leans on reinforcement learning and what BYD calls a closed-loop assisted driving architecture...","canonicalId":"term:reinforcement-learning","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Reinforcement learning is a type of machine learning where an algorithm learns to make decisions by receiving feedback from its actions, improving over time based on successes and failures.","simplifiedExplanation":"Reinforcement learning is a way for computers to learn by trying things out and getting feedback, like a game where you learn from your mistakes."}},{"startTime":299.0,"endTime":302.6,"type":"term","title":"blade battery","url":"/glossary/blade-battery","quote":"...but stay with BYD. We'll run more of its blade battery buses on European roads...","canonicalId":"term:blade-battery","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The blade battery is a type of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery developed by BYD. It is designed for safety, efficiency, and space-saving in electric vehicles and buses.","simplifiedExplanation":"A blade battery is a special kind of battery made by BYD that is used in electric cars and buses. It is designed to be safer and take up less space."}},{"startTime":384.4,"endTime":387.1,"type":"car","title":"EX-60","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Cn_Ex_Postamt_Hamburg_60_2020_02.jpg","quote":"Well, I mean Volvo kind of with the EX-60 reinvented how they're doing it, but they're a Chinese company.","canonicalId":"car:ex-60","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volvo EX-60 is an electric SUV that represents Volvo's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry. It features advanced technology and a focus on user experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"The EX-60 is an electric SUV made by Volvo. It's part of their effort to create more environmentally friendly cars.","imageAttribution":"Dirtsc (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":384.4,"endTime":387.1,"type":"brand","title":"Volvo","url":"/glossary/volvo","quote":"Well, I mean Volvo kind of with the EX-60 reinvented how they're doing it, but they're a Chinese company.","canonicalId":"brand:volvo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety and innovation. Recently, they have been expanding their electric vehicle lineup, including models like the EX-60.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volvo is a car company from Sweden that makes cars known for being very safe. They are now making more electric cars, like the EX-60."}},{"startTime":395.4,"endTime":398.9,"type":"term","title":"range","url":"/glossary/range","quote":"...They care about range, uptime, and depot integration.","canonicalId":"term:range","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the context of electric vehicles, range refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge. It's a critical factor for consumers when considering electric cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be recharged. It's an important thing for people to think about when buying an electric car."}},{"startTime":410.2,"endTime":413.1,"type":"concept","title":"battery champions","url":"/glossary/battery-champions","quote":"Let's talk a little bit about China's battery champions","canonicalId":"concept:battery-champions","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Battery champions refer to leading companies or manufacturers in the battery technology sector, particularly those innovating in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage solutions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Battery champions are companies that are really good at making batteries, especially for electric cars. They help improve how long cars can run on a charge."}},{"startTime":691.2,"endTime":691.2,"type":"brand","title":"NIO","url":"/glossary/nio","quote":"...NIO, BYD, Volkswagen and Nui,","canonicalId":"brand:nio","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"NIO is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer known for its premium electric SUVs and sedans, focusing on innovation and technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"NIO is a car company from China that makes electric vehicles, like SUVs and sedans, and is known for its advanced technology."}},{"startTime":691.2,"endTime":691.2,"type":"brand","title":"JAC","url":"/glossary/jac","quote":"...NIO, BYD, Volkswagen and Nui, JAC all run operations in the city.","canonicalId":"brand:jac","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"JAC Motors is a Chinese automotive manufacturer that produces a variety of vehicles, including electric cars, and is involved in joint ventures with other companies.","simplifiedExplanation":"JAC is a car company from China that makes different types of vehicles, including electric cars."}},{"startTime":691.2,"endTime":691.2,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"...NIO, BYD, Volkswagen and Nui,","canonicalId":"brand:volkswagen","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and various electric models under its ID series.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen is a well-known car company from Germany that makes many types of cars, including electric ones."}},{"startTime":703.8,"endTime":706.8,"type":"term","title":"EVs","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"...the building of world-class EVs, they say. They want more high-end resources...","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, rather than traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"EVs stand for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are known for being more environmentally friendly."}},{"startTime":719.1,"endTime":721.2,"type":"term","title":"chips","url":"/glossary/chips","quote":"...more work on core technologies in batteries and chips for vehicles.","canonicalId":"term:chips","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Chips, or microchips, are essential components in modern vehicles, controlling everything from engine functions to infotainment systems. They play a critical role in the operation of electric and intelligent vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chips are tiny computer parts that help control various functions in cars, like the engine and entertainment systems. They are very important for modern vehicles, especially electric ones."}},{"startTime":719.1,"endTime":721.2,"type":"term","title":"batteries","url":"/glossary/batteries","quote":"...more work on core technologies in batteries and chips for vehicles.","canonicalId":"term:batteries","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the context of vehicles, batteries are crucial components that store electrical energy to power electric motors. Advances in battery technology are key to improving the range and efficiency of electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Batteries in cars store energy to power the vehicle. In electric cars, they are especially important because they provide the electricity needed to run the car."}},{"startTime":833.5,"endTime":837.2,"type":"brand","title":"Cherry","url":"/glossary/cherry","quote":"The headquarters follow Cherry's passenger foray into our market in 2024, Omoda and JQ brands arrived with plug-in hybrids and battery-electric models,","canonicalId":"brand:cherry","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Cherry is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including electric and hybrid models. They have been expanding their presence in various international markets.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cherry is a car company from China that makes different types of vehicles, including electric cars. They are trying to sell their cars in other countries."}},{"startTime":839.4,"endTime":841.7,"type":"concept","title":"battery-electric models","url":"/glossary/battery-electric-models","quote":"Omoda and JQ brands arrived with plug-in hybrids and battery-electric models, building a dealer network of 70 outlets.","canonicalId":"concept:battery-electric-models","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Battery-electric models are vehicles that are powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, without any gasoline engine. They are known for being environmentally friendly and producing zero tailpipe emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Battery-electric models are cars that run only on electricity, so they don't use gas at all. They are better for the environment because they don't produce pollution from a tailpipe."}},{"startTime":839.4,"endTime":841.7,"type":"concept","title":"plug-in hybrids","url":"/glossary/plug-in-hybrid","quote":"Omoda and JQ brands arrived with plug-in hybrids and battery-electric models, building a dealer network of 70 outlets.","canonicalId":"concept:plug-in-hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that can run on both gasoline and electricity, allowing them to be charged from an external power source. This technology offers the benefits of electric driving while retaining the range of traditional gasoline engines.","simplifiedExplanation":"Plug-in hybrids are cars that can use both electricity and gas. You can charge them at home, and they can drive on electricity for a while before needing gas."}},{"startTime":1155.9,"endTime":1158.7,"type":"concept","title":"robot taxi","url":"/glossary/robot-taxi","quote":"Think Uber, and it's now gaining a purpose-built robot taxi rather than an off-the-shelf car that then gets retrofit.","canonicalId":"concept:robot-taxi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A robot taxi refers to an autonomous vehicle designed to transport passengers without a human driver. These vehicles use advanced technology, including sensors and AI, to navigate and operate safely in urban environments.","simplifiedExplanation":"A robot taxi is a self-driving car that can take people places without needing a driver. It uses special technology to drive itself safely."}},{"startTime":1160.1,"endTime":1164.4,"type":"brand","title":"GAC","url":"/glossary/gac","quote":"GAC's Ion, one of the faster-growing EV brands, gains a big customer and a nice showcase as well for autonomy.","canonicalId":"brand:gac","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"GAC, or Guangzhou Automobile Group, is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs). They are one of the fastest-growing EV brands in China, focusing on innovation and technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"GAC is a car company from China that makes different types of vehicles, including electric ones. They are becoming popular for their new technology."}},{"startTime":1164.4,"endTime":1167.6,"type":"term","title":"autonomy","url":"/glossary/autonomy","quote":"GAC's Ion, one of the faster-growing EV brands, gains a big customer and a nice showcase as well for autonomy.","canonicalId":"term:autonomy","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the context of vehicles, autonomy refers to the capability of a vehicle to operate independently without human intervention. This is a key feature of self-driving cars, which rely on various technologies to navigate and make decisions on the road.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autonomy means that a car can drive itself without needing a person to control it. It's an important part of self-driving technology."}},{"startTime":1210.6,"endTime":1211.6,"type":"company","title":"SAIC","url":"/glossary/saic","quote":"Now, China's latest arms race is how cars turn left and right. SAIC's premium EV brand, IM Motors, has been showing off their new flagship...","canonicalId":"company:saic","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"SAIC Motor Corporation Limited is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in China, known for producing a range of vehicles, including electric vehicles under various brands.","simplifiedExplanation":"SAIC is a big car company in China that makes many different types of vehicles, including electric ones."}},{"startTime":1211.6,"endTime":1219.5,"type":"car","title":"IM Motors LS9 Hyper","url":"/cars/im-motors/ls9","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Ls9_start.jpg","quote":"...SAIC's premium EV brand, IM Motors, has been showing off their new flagship, the LS9 Hyper, a production SUV with four-wheel electronic steering.","canonicalId":"car:im-motors:ls9","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The IM Motors LS9 Hyper is a flagship electric SUV from IM Motors, a premium brand under SAIC, showcasing advanced technology and design.","simplifiedExplanation":"The LS9 Hyper is a new electric SUV made by IM Motors, which is a brand that focuses on high-quality electric vehicles.","imageAttribution":"The original uploader was MajorC at German Wikipedia. (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":1219.5,"endTime":1222.6,"type":"term","title":"four-wheel steering","url":"/glossary/four-wheel-steering","quote":"...the LS9 Hyper, a production SUV with four-wheel electronic steering. Now, this matters. Four-wheel steering has appeared before on low-volume or very, very high-end models.","canonicalId":"term:four-wheel-steering","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Four-wheel steering is a technology that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to turn, improving maneuverability and stability, especially at low speeds and during cornering.","simplifiedExplanation":"Four-wheel steering means that not just the front wheels, but also the back wheels can turn, which helps the car handle better when turning or parking."}},{"startTime":1281.9,"endTime":1284.2,"type":"term","title":"four-wheel electronic steering","url":"/glossary/four-wheel-electronic-steering","quote":"The claim of the world's first SUV with four-wheel electronic steering has drawn scrutiny and rivals are working on steer-by-wire and integrated chassis control as well.","canonicalId":"term:four-wheel-electronic-steering","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Four-wheel electronic steering allows all four wheels of a vehicle to steer, improving maneuverability and stability, especially at low speeds. This technology can enhance cornering performance and reduce turning radius.","simplifiedExplanation":"Four-wheel electronic steering means that not just the front wheels, but also the back wheels can turn. This helps the car turn more easily and stay stable while driving."}},{"startTime":1287.8,"endTime":1290.0,"type":"term","title":"steer-by-wire","url":"/glossary/steer-by-wire","quote":"...rivals are working on steer-by-wire and integrated chassis control as well. Global automakers have talked up similar systems...","canonicalId":"term:steer-by-wire","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Steer-by-wire is a technology where the physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels is replaced with electronic controls. This allows for more precise handling and the possibility of advanced features like automatic lane keeping.","simplifiedExplanation":"Steer-by-wire means that instead of a physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, everything is controlled electronically. This can make steering easier and more responsive."}},{"startTime":1289.0,"endTime":1292.3,"type":"term","title":"integrated chassis control","url":"/glossary/integrated-chassis-control","quote":"...rivals are working on steer-by-wire and integrated chassis control as well. Global automakers have talked up similar systems...","canonicalId":"term:integrated-chassis-control","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Integrated chassis control refers to a system that manages various vehicle dynamics, such as steering, braking, and suspension, to optimize performance and safety. This technology can enhance handling and ride comfort by coordinating multiple systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Integrated chassis control means that different parts of the car, like the steering and brakes, work together to make the car handle better and be safer to drive."}},{"startTime":1302.6,"endTime":1302.6,"type":"concept","title":"electric vehicle (EV)","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"...its first Chinese EV, Xiaomi's Su7 Ultra. We'll join the PlayStation gang...","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity. EVs are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric vehicle, or EV, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are popular because they are better for the environment and can save money on fuel."}},{"startTime":1302.6,"endTime":1304.2,"type":"car","title":"Xiaomi Su7 Ultra","url":"/cars/xiaomi/su7","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/%28CHN-Shanghai%29_Private_Xiaomi_SU7_%E6%B2%AAA7WE106_2024-11-24.jpg","quote":"...first Chinese EV, Xiaomi's Su7 Ultra. We'll join the PlayStation gang...","canonicalId":"car:xiaomi:su7","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Xiaomi Su7 Ultra is an electric vehicle (EV) produced by Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics company. It represents the growing trend of tech companies entering the automotive space, particularly in the EV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Xiaomi Su7 Ultra is a new electric car made by Xiaomi, a company known for electronics. It's part of a trend where tech companies are starting to make cars, especially electric ones.","imageAttribution":"S5A-0043 (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1309.8,"endTime":1311.0,"type":"car","title":"BYD Yang Wang U9 Extreme","quote":"...with BYD's Yang Wang, U9 Extreme, then following. The deal gives two of China's flashiest electric brands...","canonicalId":"car:byd-yang-wang-u9-extreme","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BYD Yang Wang U9 Extreme is a high-performance electric vehicle from BYD, one of China's leading electric vehicle manufacturers. This model showcases BYD's commitment to innovation and performance in the EV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BYD Yang Wang U9 Extreme is a powerful electric car made by BYD, a major Chinese car company. It's known for its performance and represents the advancements in electric vehicle technology."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Martyn Lee","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/china-byd-rolls-out-god-s-eye-5-0-battery-makers-turn-to-sodium-and-china-scrubs-online-attacks-30-jan-2026/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}