CHINA: NIOs New Flagship, Xiaomi Upgrade SU7 and BYD Plans Long Range Hybrids | 09 Jan 2026
About this episode
NIO is set to launch its flagship ES9 SUV, boasting impressive dimensions and a powerful dual-motor system, while Xiaomi upgrades its Su7 with enhanced performance and safety features. BYD plans to introduce long-range hybrids, doubling the electric-only range of its models. The episode also discusses the competitive landscape of China's EV market, including sales data and battery swapping initiatives from CATL. Insights into the X-Pung P7 Plus, aimed at global markets, highlight its technological advancements and design changes.
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NIO PREPARES GIANT NEW FLAGSHIP SUV https://evne.ws/3Yu7sqZ
XIAOMI UPGRADES SU7 ELECTRIC SALOON RANGE https://evne.ws/3L3Megz
BYD PLANS LONGER-RANGE PLUG-IN HYBRIDS https://evne.ws/4jALFHW
CHINA WARNS BATTERY MAKERS: BUILD LESS, SELL MORE https://evne.ws/4swS9eI
CHINA’S NEV MARKET GROWS https://evne.ws/4prLNKO
CATL BUILDS A TWO-TRACK FUTURE FOR SWAPPABLE EVS https://evne.ws/4aP12tM
XPENG REFRESHES LINEUP https://evne.ws/4bpAMq7
XPENG P7+ REVEALED AS CHINESE TESLA MODEL 3 RIVAL https://evne.ws/3Yqv1kt
Nio
"Neo is preparing a giant new flagship."
Nio is a car company from China that makes electric vehicles, which are cars powered by electricity instead of gasoline.
Nio is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative designs and technology, focusing on high-performance electric cars.
Rolls-Royce
"If you park a Rolls-Royce Color Man in a standard parking bay, the British barge will test the painted white lines."
Rolls-Royce is a famous car brand that makes very expensive and luxurious cars, often seen as a symbol of wealth.
Rolls-Royce is a prestigious British luxury automobile manufacturer known for producing high-end vehicles that emphasize comfort, craftsmanship, and performance.
NIO ES9
"Neo is preparing a new range-topping ES9 for China's top-end segment. The models appeared in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filings."
The Neo ES9 is a new luxury SUV made by a Chinese company called Neo. It's meant to be a top-of-the-line model, even better than their previous ES8 model.
The Neo ES9 is a new flagship SUV from the Chinese automaker Neo, designed to compete in the high-end segment of the market. It is positioned above the ES8 in their lineup, indicating a focus on luxury and advanced features.
SUV
"Neo builds it as the flagship of its SUV lineup, and the ES9 unsurprisingly sits above the ES8."
An SUV is a type of car that is bigger and higher off the ground than regular cars. They usually have more space inside and can be used for different types of driving, like on rough roads.
An SUV, or Sport Utility Vehicle, is a versatile vehicle type that combines elements of road-going passenger cars with off-road vehicles. They typically offer higher ground clearance, spacious interiors, and the ability to handle a variety of terrains.
Nio ES8
"...ineup, and the ES9 unsurprisingly sits above the ES8. ES9 sticks to Neo's current design language."
The Nio ES8 is a fancy electric SUV from China that can carry a lot of people and has cool tech features. It's important because it shows how electric cars are becoming more popular and offers a stylish option for those looking to go green.
The Nio ES8 is a premium electric SUV produced by the Chinese automaker Nio. Launched in 2018, it features advanced technology, a spacious interior, and a focus on performance, making it significant in the growing electric vehicle market, especially in China.
LiDAR sensor
"...a LiDAR sensor in the middle with high-def cameras on either side. Together, they form a sensor suite..."
A LiDAR sensor is a device that helps cars understand their surroundings by using laser light to measure distances. It's important for features that help with driving safely and autonomously.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors use laser light to measure distances and create a 3D map of the environment around a vehicle. This technology is crucial for autonomous driving and advanced safety features.
ADAS
"...high-end platform for ADAS-assisted driving. Hardware, in the other words,..."
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are features in cars that help drivers by making driving safer and easier, like helping to keep the car in its lane or automatically braking if something is in the way.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. These systems can include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking.
dual-motor all-wheel-drive system
"Power, well, that comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. 180 kW at the front, 340 at the back combined, almost 700 horsepower."
This is a type of car system that uses two electric motors to power all four wheels. It helps the car grip the road better and can make it faster and more stable when driving.
A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system uses two electric motors, one for the front wheels and another for the rear, providing improved traction and performance compared to traditional systems. This setup allows for better handling and acceleration in various driving conditions.
kW
"180 kW at the front, 340 at the back combined, almost 700 horsepower."
kW stands for kilowatt, which is a way to measure how much power something uses or produces. In cars, it tells you how strong the electric motors are.
Kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In automotive terms, it is commonly used to measure the power output of electric motors. Higher kW ratings indicate more powerful motors, which can enhance vehicle performance.
horsepower
"almost 700 horsepower. The battery, in case you're wondering, well, that's supplied by CATL."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go and the better it can perform.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines and motors. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower generally leading to better acceleration and performance.
CATL
"that's supplied by CATL. Probably a 102 kWh pack tied into Neo's three-minute battery-swapping network."
CATL is a big company that makes batteries for electric cars. They are one of the largest battery makers in the world and supply many car manufacturers.
CATL, or Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited, is a Chinese battery manufacturer known for producing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. They are one of the largest battery suppliers in the world, providing batteries for various automakers.
kWh
"Probably a 102 kWh pack tied into Neo's three-minute battery-swapping network. That keeps the ES9 compatible with the firm's existing battery-swapping network."
kWh stands for kilowatt-hour, which tells you how much energy a battery can hold. A bigger number means the battery can power the car for a longer time before needing to be recharged.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity a battery can store and provide over time. In electric vehicles, a higher kWh rating indicates a larger battery capacity, allowing for longer driving ranges between charges.
battery-swapping network
"tied into Neo's three-minute battery-swapping network. That keeps the ES9 compatible with the firm's existing battery-swapping network."
A battery-swapping network is a system where you can quickly change your empty battery for a fully charged one at special stations. This makes it faster and easier to keep driving without waiting for the battery to charge.
A battery-swapping network allows electric vehicle owners to quickly exchange their depleted battery for a fully charged one at designated stations. This system can significantly reduce downtime compared to traditional charging methods, making electric vehicles more convenient for users.
volt system
"The standard and pro go from a 400 volt to an 800 volt system. The max trim is almost a 900 volt architecture."
A volt system shows how much electrical power the car's components use. Higher voltage means the car can be more efficient and perform better, especially if it's electric.
A volt system refers to the electrical architecture of a vehicle, indicating the voltage level at which the electrical components operate. Higher voltage systems, such as 800 volts, can improve efficiency and performance, especially in electric vehicles.
Tesla Model 3
"...that creep ever closer to the big competitor the Tesla Model 3."
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric car that can drive long distances on a single charge. It's known for being fast and having a simple, modern design inside.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan that has gained popularity for its performance, range, and advanced technology features. It is known for its minimalist interior and high safety ratings.
Tesla Model
"to the big competitor the Tesla Model 3. It's still cheaper but not by as much as it u..."
BYD
"Now BYD will launch long range versions of its four mass market plug-in hybrids this month."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and hybrids. They are trying to attract more customers by launching new models.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its electric vehicles and battery technology. The company has been expanding its lineup of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles to compete in the growing market.
plug-in hybrids
"Now BYD will launch long range versions of its four mass market plug-in hybrids this month."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can use both gas and electricity. You can charge them at home, and they can drive longer distances on electric power alone than regular hybrids.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that can run on both gasoline and electricity. They have a rechargeable battery that can be charged from an external power source, allowing for longer electric-only driving ranges compared to traditional hybrids.
BYD Dolphin
"The new models cover two solos in the chin range and two in the seal family."
The BYD Dolphin is a small electric car from BYD. It's made to be affordable and is a good choice for people wanting to drive electric.
The BYD Dolphin is a compact electric vehicle that aims to provide an affordable option for consumers looking to transition to electric driving, featuring modern design and technology.
BYD Seal
"The new models cover two solos in the chin range and two in the seal family."
The BYD Seal is an electric car made by BYD. It's designed to be efficient and perform well, appealing to those looking for a modern electric vehicle.
The BYD Seal is an electric sedan that is part of BYD's lineup, designed to offer a combination of performance and efficiency in the growing electric vehicle market.
fast charging
"...fast charging to 80% in 20 minutes."
Fast charging means you can charge an electric car's battery much faster than normal. This helps you get back on the road quickly when you need to recharge.
Fast charging refers to the ability to charge an electric vehicle's battery at a significantly higher rate than standard charging, allowing for quicker replenishment of battery power. This is particularly useful for long-distance travel.
blade battery
"...the BYD blade battery which engineers designed for hybrid duty..."
The blade battery is a special kind of battery made by BYD for electric cars. It is flat and helps make the car safer and more efficient.
The BYD blade battery is a type of lithium iron phosphate battery designed for electric vehicles. Its flat design allows for better space utilization and improved safety compared to traditional battery formats.
energy density
"...to increase energy density and have the flat cell-to-pack format..."
Energy density is how much energy a battery can hold in a certain amount of space. If a battery has high energy density, it can make an electric car go further before needing a charge.
Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a given volume or mass of a battery. Higher energy density means a battery can store more energy, allowing for longer driving ranges in electric vehicles.
wheelbase
"Now measuring just over 5 meters long and 1.5 meters high on a 3 meter wheelbase. Quite a big vehicle."
Wheelbase is how far apart the front and back wheels are on a car. A longer distance can make the car feel more stable when driving.
The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles of a vehicle. A longer wheelbase can contribute to better stability and ride comfort, especially in larger vehicles.
LCD instrument cluster
"inside an 8.8 inch LCD instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 29 inch"
An LCD instrument cluster is a screen in the car that shows you important information like how fast you're going and how much gas you have. It's a modern version of the old-fashioned dials.
An LCD instrument cluster is a digital display that shows important information about the vehicle, such as speed, fuel level, and navigation. It replaces traditional analog gauges with a screen that can provide more detailed and customizable information.
augmented reality head-up display
"augmented reality head up display projecting key data into the driver's line of sight."
An augmented reality head-up display is a screen that shows important information on your windshield, so you don't have to look down at your dashboard while driving. It helps you keep your eyes on the road while still seeing things like your speed or directions.
An augmented reality head-up display (AR HUD) projects important information, such as speed and navigation, directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to see data without taking their eyes off the road. This technology enhances safety and convenience by keeping key information in the driver's line of sight.
range extended engine
"A new 20 speaker audio system and it will use a 1.5 liter range extended engine if you don't want the full electric version."
A range extended engine is a small gas engine that helps charge the battery of an electric car when it runs low. It doesn't directly power the wheels but gives you extra driving distance before you need to recharge.
A range extended engine is a small internal combustion engine used in electric vehicles to generate electricity, extending the vehicle's range when the battery is depleted. It acts as a generator rather than directly driving the wheels, allowing for longer trips without relying solely on battery power.
kilowatt hour
"...generates electricity for a 49.2 kilowatt hour pack. That is 267 miles of electric only range if you plug the thing in."
A kilowatt hour is how we measure electricity. If you think of it like a gallon of gas, it tells you how much energy a battery can store and use.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that represents the amount of energy consumed by a device using one kilowatt of power for one hour. It's commonly used to measure the capacity of electric vehicle batteries.
C-rate
"...Xpong says 5C that's a C-rate, it's a measure of charging speed and discharging speed too."
C-rate tells you how fast a battery can be charged or used. For example, if a battery has a C-rate of 1, it means it can be charged in one hour.
C-rate is a measure used to describe the rate at which a battery is charged or discharged relative to its capacity. A C-rate of 1C means the battery will be fully charged or discharged in one hour.
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