CHINA: Xiaomi Sets Distance Record, Chery Bets On Solid State and NIO Wins Case Against Influencers | 20 Jan 2026
About this episode
Xiaomi sets a new distance record for EVs with its Su7 Max, covering over 4,264 kilometers in 24 hours. Chery aims to launch a solid-state electric vehicle with a claimed range of 1,500 kilometers, while NIO wins a defamation case against influencers, highlighting the challenges of online reputation in the EV market. The episode also discusses the booming used EV market in China, the competitive landscape among manufacturers, and the increasing demand for semiconductor chips as EV technology evolves. Additionally, Heihe emerges as a key location for cold weather EV testing.
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XIAOMI SU7 SETS 24-HOUR DISTANCE RECORD IN CHINA https://evne.ws/3LSBkug
CHERY BETS ON 1,500 KM SOLID-STATE EV BY 2026 https://evne.ws/4rlteJZ
NIO ES8 HITS 50,000 SALES IN UNDER 4 MONTHS https://evne.ws/49Zk7bM
NIO COURT WINS RAISE STAKES WITH CONTENT CREATORS https://evne.ws/4sOQHoi
NIO LINES UP EARLY PUSH FOR ES9 https://evne.ws/3YIQJAi
CHINA’S EV SHAKE-OUT GOES GLOBAL https://evne.ws/49OBIlB
CHINA’S USED EV BOOM HITS DATA AND TRUST BARRIERS https://evne.ws/4qSLmum
GEELY XINGYUAN TOPS CHINA’S NEV SALES IN 2025 https://evne.ws/3NonKPT
CHINA'S CARS ARE HUNGRY FOR CHIPS IT DOES NOT MAKE https://evne.ws/4qzbDOw
HEIHE TURNS -30C INTO A PROFITABLE EV TEST BED https://evne.ws/3LpTuU9
EV
"the podcast dedicated to the world's largest EV market. Every day, I bring you the latest headlines, insights and analysis from the heart of China's booming EV industry..."
EV means electric vehicle. It's a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. More and more people are using them because they are better for the environment.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. The EV market has been rapidly growing, especially in countries like China.
Xiaomi Su7 Max
"We'll start with Xiaomi's Su7 Max setting a new 24-hour distance record, a new mark for Chinese production in EVs covering 4,264 kilometers, that's 2,650 miles in 24 hours."
The Xiaomi Su7 Max is an electric car made by Xiaomi, a tech company. It recently set a record for how far it could travel in one day, which is impressive for electric vehicles.
The Xiaomi Su7 Max is an electric vehicle produced by Xiaomi, a company primarily known for consumer electronics. This model is notable for setting a new distance record for electric vehicles in a 24-hour period.
24-hour distance record
"We'll start with Xiaomi's Su7 Max setting a new 24-hour distance record, a new mark for Chinese production in EVs..."
A 24-hour distance record is how far a car can go in one day. It's a way to see how good an electric car is at traveling long distances without stopping too much.
A 24-hour distance record refers to the longest distance an electric vehicle has traveled in a single day. This benchmark is significant in assessing the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles.
miles per hour
"...or 149 miles per hour. And that beats the previous 3,961 kilometers..."
Miles per hour is another way to measure speed, showing how many miles a car travels in one hour. It's mostly used in the U.S. and the UK.
Miles per hour (mph) is a unit of speed commonly used in the United States and the United Kingdom to measure how fast a vehicle is traveling. It is equivalent to about 1.60934 kilometers per hour.
kilometers per hour
"...sustained speeds of 240 kilometers an hour or 149 miles per hour."
Kilometers per hour is a way to measure speed, showing how many kilometers a car travels in one hour. It's used in many places around the world instead of miles per hour.
Kilometers per hour (km/h) is a unit of speed commonly used in many countries to measure how fast a vehicle is traveling. It is equivalent to about 0.621371 miles per hour.
X-Peng P7
"...logged last year by an X-Peng P7. Records don't sell cars on their own..."
The X-Peng P7 is a type of electric car made by a company called X-Peng. It's designed to be a modern sedan with lots of technology.
The X-Peng P7 is an electric sedan produced by the Chinese automaker X-Peng Motors. It features advanced technology and is designed to compete in the growing electric vehicle market.
RPM
"That spins at 22,000 RPM and is rated for a peak of 165 miles an hour."
RPM means how many times the motor spins in one minute. More spins usually mean the motor is working harder and can produce more power.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how fast a motor or engine is spinning. Higher RPMs typically indicate more power and performance.
kilowatt hours
"...It's 101.7 kilowatt hours with Xiaomi quoting a 5.2 C peak charge rate. Now the official car has about 500 miles CLTC range..."
Kilowatt hours is a way to measure how much energy a battery can hold. The more kilowatt hours, the longer the car can drive before needing to be charged again.
Kilowatt hours (kWh) is a unit of energy commonly used to measure the capacity of electric vehicle batteries. It indicates how much energy the battery can store and, consequently, how far the vehicle can travel on a full charge.
CLTC range
"...the official car has about 500 miles CLTC range but Xiaomi also claims the car can add 400 miles..."
CLTC range is a way to measure how far an electric car can go on a full charge based on tests done in China. It's similar to how other countries measure car ranges, but with their own specific rules.
CLTC stands for China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, which is a standard used to measure the range of electric vehicles in China. It provides an estimate of how far a vehicle can travel on a single charge under specific testing conditions.
Xiaomi
"Xiaomi just delivered 411,000 vehicles. They've tipped over half a million cumulative..."
Xiaomi is a company that makes electronics like phones and has started making cars too.
Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company known for its smartphones and consumer electronics, and it has recently entered the automotive market with electric vehicles.
Cherry
"Now, Cherry is also making big claims thus far unsubstantiated or independently verified..."
Cherry is a car company from China that makes various types of vehicles, including electric ones.
Cherry is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including electric cars. They are making claims about upcoming technology in their vehicles.
solid state electric car
"...but Cherry says it will put a solid state electric car on the road this year that will drive 932 miles..."
A solid state electric car is a type of electric vehicle that uses a different kind of battery that can be safer and last longer than regular batteries.
A solid state electric car uses solid-state batteries, which are considered safer and more efficient than traditional lithium-ion batteries. They promise longer range and faster charging times.
Leafang
"The company's brand XEED will launch the Leafang, a shooting brake style EV."
The Leafang is an electric car made by Cherry. It has a unique design that looks like a mix between a sports car and a wagon, and it's built to work well even in very cold weather.
The Leafang is an electric vehicle (EV) produced by Cherry, designed in a shooting brake style, which combines elements of a coupe and a station wagon. It aims to offer impressive range and performance in cold weather conditions.
energy density
"the Leafang will use a pack from its Rhino S line and posts an eye-catching energy density of 600 watt hours per kilogram."
Energy density is how much energy a battery can hold compared to its size or weight. If a battery has high energy density, it can help electric cars go further on a single charge.
Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a given volume or mass of a battery. A higher energy density means that a battery can store more energy, which is crucial for electric vehicles to achieve longer ranges.
800 volt architecture
"Cherry says the Leafang runs on an 800 volt architecture and uses a high performance motor..."
This is a type of electrical system in electric cars that uses 800 volts, which helps the car charge faster and work more efficiently.
An 800 volt architecture refers to the electrical system used in electric vehicles that operates at 800 volts, allowing for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to traditional 400 volt systems.
high performance motor
"...and uses a high performance motor that spins at 30,000 RPM..."
This is a powerful type of motor used in cars that helps them go faster and perform better.
A high performance motor is designed to deliver superior power and efficiency, often used in sports cars and high-end electric vehicles for enhanced acceleration and speed.
0-62 time
"...does 0-62 in three seconds, top speed 162 miles an hour..."
This is a way to measure how fast a car can go from a complete stop to going 62 miles per hour.
0-62 time refers to the time it takes for a car to accelerate from a complete stop to 62 miles per hour, which is a standard measure of performance in the automotive industry.
Nio ES8
"Now the company also showed off an ES8 in December last year which it says will also get its solid state batteries..."
This is an electric SUV made by a company called NIO, which is known for making cars that can go a long distance on a single charge.
The NIO ES8 is an electric SUV produced by the Chinese automaker NIO, known for its advanced technology and long-range capabilities.
BEV
"...the EREV versus BEV debate. The ES8 got to 10,000 deliveries..."
BEV means Battery Electric Vehicle. These are cars that only use electricity to run and don't have any gasoline engine at all, like the NIO ES8.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that runs entirely on electric power stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine. This category includes vehicles like the NIO ES8.
EREV
"...the EREV versus BEV debate. The ES8 got to 10,000 deliveries..."
EREV means Extended Range Electric Vehicle. These cars can run on electricity but also have a small gas engine that helps them go further when the battery runs low.
EREV stands for Extended Range Electric Vehicle, which is a type of electric vehicle that has a small gasoline engine to generate electricity, extending the driving range beyond what the battery alone can provide. This contrasts with BEVs that rely solely on battery power.
NIO ES9
"ES9 will sit at the very top of Neo's SUV range, the Nine badge, marking out as a flagship by footprint."
The Neo ES9 is a large electric SUV from the car brand Neo. It's meant to be a top model for people who want a roomy and impressive vehicle.
The Neo ES9 is an electric SUV that represents the flagship model in Neo's SUV lineup. It is designed to appeal to buyers looking for a spacious and high-status vehicle.
electric SUV
"It will be the largest electric SUV they've ever built, aimed at buyers who want big size, big status, and a big battery, not a big fuel tank."
An electric SUV is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
An electric SUV is a sport utility vehicle powered entirely by electricity, offering benefits like zero emissions and often lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
EV battery health testing
"We're talking about battery testing, obviously one of our new sponsors that's coming on board, that is on board right now, is a independent EV battery health testing service in Australia and New Zealand."
EV battery health testing checks how well an electric vehicle's battery is working. It helps figure out how much energy the battery can store and how long it will last, which is important for anyone who owns or wants to buy an electric car.
EV battery health testing refers to the process of assessing the condition and performance of electric vehicle batteries. This testing is crucial for determining how much charge a battery can hold and its overall lifespan, which is important for both consumers and manufacturers.
Tesla Model Y
"where's the Model Y? It's not setting the pace. The Model Y built in Shanghai was third with 425,000 units."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for being spacious and efficient, making it a popular choice for families and those looking for an eco-friendly vehicle.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that has gained popularity for its performance and utility. It is part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles, which includes the Model S, Model 3, and Model X.
Tesla Model 3
"While the locally built Model 3 is ninth, that left Tesla as the only foreign brand inside the top 20 ranking."
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric car known for being affordable and having advanced technology features.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan that has gained popularity for its performance, technology, and affordability compared to other electric vehicles.
BYD
"BYD, as usual, won through breadth rather than having one runaway hit. It put nine models in the top 20."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are becoming very popular for their range of vehicles.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing electric vehicles and batteries. They have gained significant market share globally, particularly in the electric vehicle segment.
battery electric cars
"It has battery electric cars, it has plug-in hybrids, and so BYD is obviously still the massive player."
Battery electric cars are cars that run only on electricity, using batteries instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment because they don't produce harmful gases when driving.
Battery electric cars are vehicles that are powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, as opposed to traditional internal combustion engines. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are increasingly popular due to environmental concerns.
plug-in hybrids
"It has battery electric cars, it has plug-in hybrids, and so BYD is obviously still the massive player."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge them like electric cars, but they also have a regular engine that uses gas, which helps them go further.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. They can be charged from an external power source and can operate on electric power alone for a certain distance before switching to gasoline.
electric vehicles
"As EVs spread, that mismatch is growing. Electric vehicles already make up more than half of new car sales in China,"
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They are more environmentally friendly and are becoming more common in car sales.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, using batteries instead of conventional fuel sources. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower environmental impact and advancements in technology.
silicon
"Industry estimates suggest the silicon inside an average vehicle is going up from $759 on average in 2024 to $1,332 of silicon by 2030."
Silicon is a material used to make computer chips and other electronic parts. In cars, more silicon means more technology and features, like sensors and computers.
Silicon is a key material used in the manufacturing of electronic components, including those found in vehicles. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the amount of silicon used in each vehicle is increasing, reflecting the growing complexity of automotive electronics.
Black Sesame
"Designers like Horizon and Black Sesame specialize in high-performance auto processors, while Huawei, they're involved now."
Black Sesame creates advanced computer chips for cars, helping them to use artificial intelligence and learn from their environment.
Black Sesame is another company that focuses on high-performance auto processors, contributing to advancements in automotive technology, particularly in AI and machine learning applications.
Horizon
"Designers like Horizon and Black Sesame specialize in high-performance auto processors, while Huawei, they're involved now."
Horizon makes powerful computer chips that help cars perform better, especially in areas like self-driving technology.
Horizon is a company that specializes in high-performance auto processors, which are critical for modern automotive applications, especially in electric and autonomous vehicles.
solid-state batteries
"The tech under scrutiny is moving just as quickly. Solid-state batteries that promise a range of over a thousand kilometers, where we started on today's podcast, are undergoing extreme testing right now in places like Heihe."
Solid-state batteries are a new kind of battery that uses solid materials instead of liquids. They can hold more energy and are safer than older types, which is important for electric cars.
Solid-state batteries are a type of battery technology that uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte, as opposed to the liquid or gel electrolytes found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. They promise higher energy density, improved safety, and longer life spans, making them a significant advancement in electric vehicle technology.
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