CHINA: NIO Defends Battery Swapping, Denza Z9GT Show Cars Arrive and Zeekr Hit By Chip Costs | 11 Mar 2026
About this episode
NIO defends its battery swapping technology as a more convenient and efficient alternative to BYD's ultra-fast charging, highlighting its integration with grid regulation and a growing swap station network. BYD introduces its Blade Battery 2.0 with rapid charging capabilities, while Denza launches the premium Z9 GT with impressive range and charging speed. Zeekr faces rising chip costs impacting production. The episode also covers WeRide's advanced RoboTaxi rollout, Volkswagen's affordable Jetta EV brand targeting entry-level buyers, and SAIC's launch of the H5 model featuring Harmony Autonomy System, illustrating the dynamic and competitive landscape of China's EV market.
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NIO COME BACK FIGHTING AGAINST BYD’S 5-MINUTE CHARGING https://evne.ws/4b1HthE
BYD KEEPS TWO BLADE BATTERY LINES https://evne.ws/4bjQAcv
Z9GT SHOW CARS REACH 40 DENZA STORES https://evne.ws/4dfYhCV
ZEEKR 007 GT FACELIFT TIPPED TO COST MORE https://evne.ws/4s7akqW
ZEEKR 8X INTERIOR REVEAL TARGETS X5 AND GLE https://evne.ws/3OS9vUf
WERIDE AND GEELY FARIZON UPGRADE GXR ROBOTAXI https://evne.ws/3P1EQnp
JETTA SETS 2026 LAUNCH FOR FIRST EV https://evne.ws/4ukAZSq
CHINA BRACES FOR BIGGEST 2026 FUEL PRICE HIKE https://evne.ws/4bqC3fc
SAIC H5 BRINGS HIMA DOWN TO 159,800 YUAN https://evne.ws/3PbQ6gV
NIO
"Welcome back to EV News, China. Today, NIO defends battery swapping...the NIO founder and CEO William Lee took to Weibo social media to argue that battery swapping still beats fast charging..."
NIO is a company from China that makes electric cars and has a special way to change car batteries quickly.
NIO is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative battery swapping technology and premium electric cars.
battery swapping
"Today, NIO defends battery swapping...NIO founder and CEO William Lee took to Weibo social media to argue that battery swapping still beats fast charging as the most convenient and efficient way to replenish energy...he called swapping a systematic solution to a structural pain point..."
Battery swapping means taking out the empty battery from an electric car and putting in a full one so you can keep driving without waiting to charge.
Battery swapping is a method where a depleted electric vehicle battery is quickly replaced with a fully charged one at a dedicated station, reducing downtime compared to charging.
D9 Denzers
"...ews, China. Today, NIO defends battery swapping. Denzers Z9 GT show cars arrive and Zika hit by chip costs..."
The D9 is an electric car made in China that can quickly change its battery instead of waiting to charge. It has new technology that helps it run better and is part of China’s new electric car options. People talk about it because it shows new ways to use electric cars.
The D9 is a model from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Denza, known for its focus on battery swapping technology and advanced features. It is part of the growing trend of innovative EV solutions emerging from China’s automotive market.
flash charging
"BYD unveiled their new charging system at the end of last week. Flash charging and Blade Battery 2.0 can refill a battery pack from 10 to 90% in 9 minutes...BYD struck a softer note though in public, calling their fast charging and NIO's battery swapping, different roads leading to the same destination."
Flash charging is a way to fill up an electric car's battery super fast so you can get back on the road quickly.
Flash charging is BYD's ultra-fast charging technology that can recharge an electric vehicle battery to a high percentage in a very short time, minimizing charging downtime.
BYD
"BYD unveiled their new charging system at the end of last week. Flash charging and Blade Battery 2.0 can refill a battery pack from 10 to 90% in 9 minutes...BYD praising NIO's technology and not going up against it."
BYD is a big company in China that makes electric cars and batteries, and they have a way to charge car batteries very fast.
BYD is a major Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturer, known for its innovations in battery technology and fast charging systems.
fast charging
"BYD unveiled their new charging system at the end of last week. Flash charging and Blade Battery 2.0 can refill a battery pack from 10 to 90% in 9 minutes...BYD struck a softer note though in public, calling their fast charging and NIO's battery swapping, different roads leading to the same destination."
Fast charging means filling up an electric car's battery quickly, so you don't have to wait a long time to drive again.
Fast charging is a technology that allows electric vehicle batteries to be charged much quicker than standard charging, often using high power chargers to reduce wait times.
Blade Battery 2.0
"BYD unveiled their new charging system at the end of last week. Flash charging and Blade Battery 2.0 can refill a battery pack from 10 to 90% in 9 minutes."
Blade Battery 2.0 is a special kind of battery made by BYD that is safer and can charge faster for electric cars.
Blade Battery 2.0 is BYD's advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology designed for improved safety, energy density, and fast charging capabilities.
mismatched lifespans of an EV and the battery
"William Lee tried to shift the debate though. He said swapping deals with a deeper issue than simple charge speed, and that's the mismatched lifespans of an EV and the battery inside it."
Electric cars can last a long time, but their batteries wear out sooner, so the battery might need to be changed while the car is still good.
This concept refers to the issue that electric vehicles often last longer than their batteries, which can degrade over time and require replacement, creating challenges for ownership and resale.
battery swap station
"It opened its first swap station in May 2018, has spent $2.6 billion on the technology, and runs 3,750 swap stations in China. The current stations complete a swap in less than three minutes using LiDAR positioning, and can do 480 swaps a day at a station with 23 batteries on board."
A battery swap station is like a place where you can trade your car's empty battery for a fully charged one very fast, so you don't have to wait long to keep driving.
Battery swap stations are facilities where electric vehicle owners can quickly exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one, significantly reducing downtime compared to traditional charging. This technology requires compatible vehicles and standardized battery packs.
LiDAR positioning
"The current stations complete a swap in less than three minutes using LiDAR positioning, and can do 480 swaps a day at a station with 23 batteries on board."
LiDAR is a technology that uses lasers to help machines see exactly where things are, so they can do tasks like swapping car batteries very accurately.
LiDAR positioning uses laser sensors to create precise 3D maps of the environment, enabling accurate alignment and operation of automated systems like battery swap stations.
battery compatibility
"But compatibility is a hurdle. The fifth generation stations will work across all the NIO group brands, so NIO, Envo, and Firefly, and will support other partners in the alliance. Since November 2023, NIO has done deals with Chang'an, Geely, Cherry, JAC, Lotus, GAC, and FAW. But more than two years on, there's no mass produced swap compatible vehicles from a third party."
Battery compatibility means that the batteries and swap stations fit and work well with different car brands. If they don't match, you can't swap batteries easily.
Battery compatibility refers to the ability of battery swap stations to work with batteries from different vehicle brands or models. Lack of compatibility can limit the effectiveness and adoption of battery swapping technology.
Choco Swap system
"CATL designed its so-called Choco Swap system for universal compatibility from the outset. They have partnerships with GAC, SAIC, and Hong Chi. Its stations complete a swap in just 70-80 seconds."
Choco Swap is a special way to quickly swap car batteries made by CATL that works with many different electric cars.
The Choco Swap system is CATL's battery swapping technology designed for fast battery exchanges with universal compatibility, enabling it to serve multiple vehicle brands efficiently.
CATL
"CATL offers a different template. CATL designed its so-called Choco Swap system for universal compatibility from the outset. They have partnerships with GAC, SAIC, and Hong Chi. Its stations complete a swap in just 70-80 seconds."
CATL is a company from China that makes batteries for electric cars and has created a system to swap batteries quickly that works with many different car brands.
CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) is a leading Chinese battery manufacturer that also develops battery swap systems designed for universal compatibility across multiple vehicle brands.
Blade Battery
"BYD will build its first-generation Blade Battery alongside Blade Battery 2.0. And at a media briefing last week, BYD said it wanted to offer more customer choice, and it pointed to rising raw material costs for batteries."
The Blade Battery is a special type of battery made by BYD that is safer and lasts longer for electric cars.
The Blade Battery is BYD's proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology designed for improved safety, longevity, and energy density in electric vehicles.
Denza
"Now, let's stay with BYD and their premium brand Denza. Denza's general manager, Li Hui, said that the first batch of Z9 GTs, the display vehicles, have now reached 40 stores in 18 cities, and others are in transit."
Denza is a fancy car brand that makes electric cars and is connected to BYD and Mercedes-Benz.
Denza is a premium electric vehicle brand jointly owned by BYD and Mercedes-Benz, focusing on high-end electric cars for the Chinese market.
Denza Z9 GT
"Denza plans a nationwide showroom push, and distribution is an active part of it. All happening at once for footfall to go see the new Z9 GT, which starts at $270,000. That's $37,000, and rises to about $50,000. Denza offers the car as both a bev and a plug-in hybrid. It's Denza's flagship, and the Z9 GT takes that new BYD Blade Battery 2.0 LFP pack and puts it inside their premium vehicle, running a very high-voltage system, charging at 1500 kilowatts, that nine-minute charge to get to full, and also meeting the latest safety standards, and comes with a lifetime warranty on the cells. It's just incredible. On the BEV variant, Denza quotes a range of 644 miles, that's 1,036 kilometers, on the China cycle, which is because it prioritizes urban driving. It's wildly optimistic compared to real-world use, but even so, that could be plus 400 miles or so, maybe more, and it nine minutes charge to 97 percent. Incredible. Those Z9 GT cars now ending up in showrooms and for local people to go around and walk in those stores and go see that vehicle. That is a very high-end, five-door GT car. That's at the higher end."
The Denza Z9 GT is a fancy electric car with a big battery that can charge really fast, letting you drive long distances.
The Denza Z9 GT is a premium five-door electric grand tourer that features BYD's Blade Battery 2.0 LFP pack and a high-voltage system enabling ultra-fast charging.
BEV
"Denza offers the car as both a bev and a plug-in hybrid. It's Denza's flagship, and the Z9 GT takes that new BYD Blade Battery 2.0 LFP pack and puts it inside their premium vehicle..."
A BEV is a car that runs only on electricity from batteries, with no gas engine.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a car powered solely by electricity stored in batteries, without an internal combustion engine.
plug-in hybrid
"Denza offers the car as both a bev and a plug-in hybrid. It's Denza's flagship, and the Z9 GT takes that new BYD Blade Battery 2.0 LFP pack and puts it inside their premium vehicle..."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on electricity for a while but also has a gas engine for longer drives.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle combines a battery-powered electric motor with a traditional internal combustion engine, allowing it to run on electricity alone for short distances and gasoline for longer trips.
1500 kilowatts charging
"running a very high-voltage system, charging at 1500 kilowatts, that nine-minute charge to get to full, and also meeting the latest safety standards..."
Charging at 1500 kilowatts means the car's battery can fill up very quickly, like filling a gas tank in minutes.
Charging at 1500 kilowatts refers to an extremely fast electric vehicle charging rate, allowing the battery to be replenished in just minutes.
lifetime warranty on the cells
"that nine-minute charge to get to full, and also meeting the latest safety standards, and comes with a lifetime warranty on the cells. It's just incredible."
The company promises the battery will last a long time and will fix or replace it if it breaks.
A lifetime warranty on battery cells means the manufacturer guarantees the battery's performance and will repair or replace it if it fails during the vehicle's life.
China cycle
"On the BEV variant, Denza quotes a range of 644 miles, that's 1,036 kilometers, on the China cycle, which is because it prioritizes urban driving. It's wildly optimistic compared to real-world use..."
The China cycle is a way to test how far an electric car can go, but it usually shows higher numbers than what happens in real life.
The China cycle is a standardized testing method used in China to estimate electric vehicle range, often yielding optimistic results compared to real-world driving.
Zika 7 GT
"Come down slightly and move over to the Zika brand, and you have the facelifted 007, or the 7 GT. My name's confused here, but they can be a little similar. It is a significant step down from what we're just talking about with the Denza 9 GT, or the Z9 GT. Zika's 7 GT has been facelifted, and it will cost a little more, according to local media, about $5,000. That's $720 over the current car, up to $1160, depending on spec. Today's Zika 007, or 7 GT, when it arrives overseas, starts at $30,000. That's $210,000 RMB, and it goes to $300,000 RMB. That's $43,500 US. It also runs an 800 volt system. Zika confirmed in January that the updated 007 and the 007 GT would arrive this quarter, switching to the Nvidia Drive 4U chips,"
The Zika 7 GT is a newer version of an electric car that is less expensive than the Denza Z9 GT and has a strong electric system.
The Zika 7 GT is a facelifted electric vehicle model positioned below the Denza Z9 GT, featuring an 800-volt electrical system and updated technology.
Zeekr Zika 007
"...rent car, up to $1160, depending on spec. Today's Zika 007, or 7 GT, when it arrives overseas, starts at $3..."
The Zeekr 007 is a fancy electric car from China that looks sporty and can go fast. It has lots of new technology inside and costs less than some other luxury electric cars. People mention it because it’s a new and exciting option for electric vehicles.
The Zeekr 007 is a premium electric shooting brake produced by Zeekr, a Chinese EV brand under Geely. It is noted for its high performance, advanced technology, and competitive pricing in the luxury electric vehicle segment.
800 volt system
"That's $43,500 US. It also runs an 800 volt system. Zika confirmed in January that the updated 007 and the 007 GT would arrive this quarter, switching to the Nvidia Drive 4U chips,"
An 800 volt system means the car uses a stronger electric power setup so it can charge faster and work better.
An 800 volt electrical system in electric vehicles allows for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to lower voltage systems.
Nvidia Drive 4U chips
"Zika confirmed in January that the updated 007 and the 007 GT would arrive this quarter, switching to the Nvidia Drive 4U chips,"
Nvidia Drive 4U chips are special computer parts in cars that help with smart driving and safety features.
Nvidia Drive 4U chips are advanced computing processors designed for automotive applications, enabling enhanced driver assistance and autonomous driving features.
900-volt architecture
"and a 900-volt architecture. You can still get this car in single motor and dual motor."
900-volt architecture means the car uses a very strong electric system that helps it charge faster and work better.
A 900-volt electrical architecture refers to the high-voltage system used in electric vehicles to improve charging speed and efficiency compared to lower voltage systems.
single motor and dual motor
"You can still get this car in single motor and dual motor."
Single motor means the car has one electric motor, and dual motor means it has two, which can make it faster or better at handling.
Single motor and dual motor refer to the number of electric motors powering an electric vehicle, affecting performance and drivetrain layout.
Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Gle
"as automotive. Staying with Zika, the 8X has its interior reveal. That's a mid-to-large SUV. Think BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. I mentioned those because, well, they're exactly the cars this will go up against at home in China. The cabin borrows the same interior from the larger 9X."
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a big, fancy SUV that’s great for families and long trips. It has lots of high-tech gadgets and a smooth ride. People talk about it because it’s one of the top luxury SUVs available.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-to-large luxury SUV that offers a combination of spaciousness, advanced technology, and a comfortable ride. It competes directly with the BMW X5 and is often discussed for its luxury features and strong brand reputation.
BMW X5
"...ior reveal. That's a mid-to-large SUV. Think BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. I mentioned those because,..."
The BMW X5 is a big, fancy car that can carry a family and their stuff comfortably. It’s known for being smooth to drive and having lots of nice features inside. People often talk about it when comparing popular luxury SUVs.
The BMW X5 is a mid-to-large luxury SUV known for its blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It is often compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE due to its premium features and driving dynamics. The X5 is significant as it represents BMW's strong presence in the luxury SUV market segment.
screen first design
"Here we're talking about the 8X, so screen first design. Without ditching the buttons,"
Screen first design means the car uses big digital screens instead of many buttons to control things like music or air conditioning.
Screen first design describes a vehicle interior layout that prioritizes digital screens over traditional buttons and controls for user interaction.
ceiling-mounted entertainment screen
"rear passengers get the good stuff, though. A ceiling-mounted entertainment screen sits between twin sunroofs."
A ceiling-mounted entertainment screen is a TV screen that hangs from the car's roof so people in the back can watch movies or shows.
A ceiling-mounted entertainment screen is a display installed on the vehicle's ceiling for rear passengers to watch media, enhancing passenger comfort and luxury.
rear window sunshade system
"Zika adds a rear window sunshade system and a premium audio setup."
A rear window sunshade is like a curtain for the back window that keeps the sun out so it's cooler and more comfortable inside.
A rear window sunshade system is a feature that provides shade to rear passengers by blocking sunlight through the rear window, improving comfort.
premium audio setup
"Zika adds a rear window sunshade system and a premium audio setup."
A premium audio setup means the car has really good speakers and sound so music sounds better inside.
A premium audio setup refers to a high-quality sound system in a vehicle that delivers superior audio performance compared to standard systems.
queen seat
"The rear right seat is, it's not common, but it's more common in China, and they call it the queen seat. The rear right seat has this first-class airport-style lounge chair comfort going horizontal, laying down."
A queen seat is a very comfy seat in the back of the car that can lean back and stretch out like a first-class airplane seat.
The 'queen seat' is a luxury rear passenger seat, usually the rear right seat, designed for maximum comfort with features like reclining, leg rests, and extra space.
four-way electric leg rests
"They say four-way electric leg rests, and 15 centimeters or six inches of sliding track, and full support for your head, your waist, and your legs as you lay down in that particular seat,"
Four-way electric leg rests mean you can move the part that supports your legs in different ways using buttons, making it easier to get comfy.
Four-way electric leg rests are adjustable supports for the legs in a car seat that can be moved in four directions using electric controls for enhanced comfort.
sliding track
"15 centimeters or six inches of sliding track, and full support for your head, your waist, and your legs as you lay down in that particular seat,"
A sliding track lets the seat slide forward or backward so you can have more or less space for your legs.
A sliding track in a car seat allows the seat to move forward or backward to adjust legroom and seating position.
Volkswagen Jetta
"... bit about We Ride in a Second, and Volkswagen's Jetta brand. Back in a moment. Welcome back to the pod..."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that’s easy to drive and doesn’t cost too much. It looks nice and uses fuel well, making it a good choice for everyday driving. People mention it because it’s a reliable and affordable car.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan known for its European styling, efficient engines, and solid build quality. It is a popular choice for buyers seeking an affordable yet refined vehicle, often highlighted in discussions about accessible and practical sedans.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...t sits up more square and more upright than a VW ID buzz, for instance. And you can see that new sensor su..."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW camper vans but uses electricity instead of gas. It’s roomy and good for carrying people or stuff. People mention it because it’s a cool, modern take on a classic vehicle.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an all-electric van inspired by the classic VW Microbus, featuring a modern, upright design and advanced electric powertrain. It represents Volkswagen’s push into electric mobility with a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Tesla Model
"...otor C11 and using more advanced software than a Tesla Model Y and landing at significantly lower price points..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric car that looks like a small SUV and can drive a long way without needing gas. It has smart technology inside that helps it drive better and charges quickly. People talk about it because it’s one of the most popular electric cars today.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV that has gained popularity for its impressive range, performance, and access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. It is often referenced in discussions about advanced electric vehicle software and competitive pricing in the EV market.
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