{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"CHINA: Xpeng Aims Upmarket, Xiaomi Faces Backlash and Leapmotor Sets Sights On A Million | 05 Feb 2026","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/china-xpeng-aims-upmarket-xiaomi-faces-backlash-and-leapmotor-sets-sights-on-a-million-05-feb-2026","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/audioboom.com/posts/8859385.mp3?modified=1770729539&sid=5051980&source=rss","description":"Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon\nYou 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\nXPENG AIMS UPMARKET WITH RANGE-EXTENDED GX SUV https://evne.ws/4knwYs5\nXIAOMI FACES BACKLASH AFTER SU7 EV FIRE IN CHINA https://evne.ws/4qq55kw\nLEAPMOTOR AIMS FOR 1M SALES ON STELLANTIS LIFELINE https://evne.ws/4knwIt7\nCHINA PUTS SODIUM-ION EVS ON THE ROAD FIRST https://evne.ws/4tFxlCy\nIM MOTORS PICKS GULF AND MAGHREB FOR NEXT PUSH https://evne.ws/3ZZwJtE\nNIO AIMS FOR FIRST-EVER QUARTERLY PROFIT https://evne.ws/4r5VmRk\nBRAZIL PULLS BYD TARIFF PERK AFTER RIVALS PUSH BACK https://evne.ws/4akPInr\nBYD SEES OVERSEAS MARKETS CRUCIAL TO CONTINUED EXPANSION https://evne.ws/4c2mtZ9\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":226.6,"endTime":231.7,"type":"term","title":"E-Rev powertrain","url":"/glossary/e-rev-powertrain","quote":"It arrives in China this year with both PureBev and E-Rev powertrains. It's a pragmatic concession to buyers who want to go electric...","canonicalId":"term:e-rev-powertrain","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"E-Rev, or extended-range electric vehicle, refers to a vehicle that primarily runs on electric power but has a gasoline engine that can generate electricity to extend its range. This setup alleviates range anxiety for drivers who may be concerned about running out of battery on long trips.","simplifiedExplanation":"An E-Rev powertrain is a type of electric vehicle that can also use a gas engine to help charge the battery. This means you can drive longer distances without worrying about running out of electricity."}},{"startTime":255.4,"endTime":260.16,"type":"term","title":"5C charging","url":"/glossary/5c-charging","quote":"It's built on an 800-volt architecture with 5C charging, so it's ultra-fast.","canonicalId":"term:5c-charging","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"5C charging refers to a charging rate that is five times the capacity of the battery. This means that the battery can be charged very quickly, allowing for rapid replenishment of electric energy.","simplifiedExplanation":"5C charging means the battery can charge really fast, much quicker than usual. This helps you get more power in a shorter amount of time."}},{"startTime":255.4,"endTime":260.16,"type":"term","title":"800-volt architecture","url":"/glossary/800-volt-architecture","quote":"It's built on an 800-volt architecture with 5C charging, so it's ultra-fast.","canonicalId":"term:800-volt-architecture","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An 800-volt architecture in electric vehicles allows for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to the more common 400-volt systems. This higher voltage can reduce charging times significantly, making it more convenient for users.","simplifiedExplanation":"800-volt architecture means the vehicle can charge its battery faster than most electric cars, which usually use 400 volts. This helps you get back on the road more quickly."}},{"startTime":260.2,"endTime":264.6,"type":"term","title":"dual motor all-wheel drive system","url":"/glossary/dual-motor-all-wheel-drive-system","quote":"Dual motor, all-wheel drive system, 62 miles an hour in four seconds. Okay, elephant in the room on this.","canonicalId":"term:dual-motor-all-wheel-drive-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A dual motor all-wheel drive system uses two electric motors, one for each axle, to provide power to all four wheels. This setup enhances traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions or during high-performance driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dual motor all-wheel drive system means the car has two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the back. This helps the car grip the road better and drive more smoothly, especially in bad weather."}},{"startTime":271.44,"endTime":275.68,"type":"car","title":"Land Rover Range Rover","url":"/cars/land-rover/range-rover","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Land_Rover_Range_Rover_%285th_generation%29_1X7A6039.jpg","quote":"... an SUV shape. The styling borrows liberally from Range Rover. Now, I've long said multiple times we are light ...","canonicalId":"car:land-rover:range-rover","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and opulent features. It has a significant presence in the automotive market, often discussed for its blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Land Rover Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can drive on tough terrain while keeping you comfortable inside. People talk about it because it's stylish and has a lot of cool features, making it a popular choice for those who want both luxury and adventure.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":308.2,"endTime":310.3,"type":"car","title":"Range Rover Velar","url":"/cars/land-rover/range-rover-velar","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/2017_Land_Rover_Range_Rover_Velar_First_Edition_D3_3.0_Front.jpg","quote":"This is a Range Rover Velar. From the front, it's a Range Rover Velar.","canonicalId":"car:land-rover:range-rover-velar","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Range Rover Velar is a luxury SUV from Land Rover, positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. It features a modern design and advanced technology, appealing to those looking for a premium driving experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Range Rover Velar is a fancy SUV made by Land Rover. It's known for its stylish look and high-tech features, making it a popular choice for people who want a luxury vehicle.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":342.0,"endTime":344.4,"type":"term","title":"SPA3 platform","url":"/glossary/spa3-platform","quote":"This one sits on its SPA3 platform.","canonicalId":"term:spa3-platform","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The SPA3 platform is a modular vehicle architecture used by Land Rover for their larger models, allowing for various configurations and technologies.","simplifiedExplanation":"The SPA3 platform is a type of base that Land Rover uses to build their bigger cars, helping them include different features and technologies."}},{"startTime":350.6,"endTime":355.1,"type":"term","title":"level four autonomy","url":"/glossary/level-four-autonomy","quote":"for 3,000 tops of power, level four autonomy ready.","canonicalId":"term:level-four-autonomy","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Level four autonomy refers to a high level of vehicle automation where the car can handle all driving tasks in specific conditions without human intervention.","simplifiedExplanation":"Level four autonomy means the car can drive itself completely in certain situations without needing a driver to help."}},{"startTime":369.4,"endTime":373.8,"type":"car","title":"X-Peng GX","url":"/cars/xpeng/gx","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/XPeng_GX_001.jpg","quote":"then the X-Pong GX is arriving this year. Now we obviously have EVs already from the P7 Plus and the G7 SUV in China, at least.","canonicalId":"car:xpeng:gx","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The X-Peng GX is an electric vehicle (EV) expected to launch this year, representing the brand's entry into the SUV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The X-Peng GX is a new electric SUV that will be available soon. It's part of a growing trend of electric vehicles in the market.","imageAttribution":"JustAnotherCarDesigner (CC0)"}},{"startTime":373.84,"endTime":379.2,"type":"car","title":"XPeng P7 Plus","url":"/cars/xpeng/p7","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/XPeng_P7%2B_001.jpg","quote":"... year. Now we obviously have EVs already from the P7 Plus and the G7 SUV in China, at least. The calculatio...","canonicalId":"car:xpeng:p7","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The XPeng P7 is an electric sedan from the Chinese automaker XPeng Motors, designed to compete with other electric vehicles in terms of technology and performance. It features advanced driver-assistance systems and a sleek design, making it a notable player in the growing EV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The XPeng P7 is a new electric car from China that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's known for its modern technology and stylish look, and it's part of the trend of cars that are better for the environment.","imageAttribution":"JustAnotherCarDesigner (CC0)"}},{"startTime":395.7,"endTime":401.7,"type":"car","title":"Xiaomi Su7","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":"Now Xiaomi's Su7 is facing another backlash. An Su7 sedan caught fire in Liaoning province on the 1st of February,","canonicalId":"car:xiaomi:su7","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Xiaomi Su7 is a sedan that has faced scrutiny after an incident where one of its vehicles caught fire, raising concerns about its safety and reliability.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Xiaomi Su7 is a sedan made by the tech company Xiaomi. Recently, one of these cars caught fire, which has caused people to worry about its safety.","imageAttribution":"S5A-0043 (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":530.5,"endTime":535.1,"type":"company","title":"Xiaomi","url":"/glossary/xiaomi","quote":"Leap Motor competes alongside the kind of cars that BYD and Xiaomi make in a segment where scale equals survival.","canonicalId":"company:xiaomi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company that has recently entered the electric vehicle market. Known for its smartphones and smart home products, Xiaomi aims to leverage its technology expertise in the automotive sector.","simplifiedExplanation":"Xiaomi is a popular tech company from China known for making smartphones. They are now also trying to make electric cars."}},{"startTime":530.5,"endTime":537.2,"type":"company","title":"Leap Motor","url":"/glossary/leap-motor","quote":"Leap Motor competes alongside the kind of cars that BYD and Xiaomi make in a segment where scale equals survival.","canonicalId":"company:leap-motor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Leap Motor is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that focuses on producing affordable electric cars. The company aims to compete in the growing electric vehicle market in China and internationally.","simplifiedExplanation":"Leap Motor is a car company from China that makes electric cars. They are trying to sell their cars both in China and other countries."}},{"startTime":530.5,"endTime":535.1,"type":"company","title":"BYD","url":"/glossary/byd","quote":"Leap Motor competes alongside the kind of cars that BYD and Xiaomi make in a segment where scale equals survival.","canonicalId":"company:byd","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"BYD is a major Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer known for its wide range of electric cars and batteries. The company has rapidly expanded and is a significant player in both the domestic and international EV markets.","simplifiedExplanation":"BYD is a big company in China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are one of the leaders in the electric car market."}},{"startTime":537.2,"endTime":542.7,"type":"company","title":"Stellantis","url":"/glossary/stellantis","quote":"Often, Stellantis invested $1.7 billion, that's 1.5 billion euros, for 20% of Leap Motor, and established Leap Motor International...","canonicalId":"company:stellantis","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses a variety of brands including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot, and is focused on expanding its electric vehicle offerings.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars. They are working on making more electric cars to keep up with the market."}},{"startTime":542.7,"endTime":546.2,"type":"concept","title":"joint venture","url":"/glossary/joint-venture","quote":"...established Leap Motor International, a joint venture 51% owned by Stellantis to market and even produce vehicles overseas.","canonicalId":"concept:joint-venture","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A joint venture is a business arrangement where two or more parties agree to work together on a specific project or business activity, sharing profits, losses, and control. In this case, Stellantis and Leap Motor are collaborating to expand their market reach.","simplifiedExplanation":"A joint venture is when two companies team up to work on something together. They share the work and the money they make from it."}},{"startTime":605.8,"endTime":611.1,"type":"concept","title":"sodium ion batteries","url":"/glossary/sodium-ion-batteries","quote":"This is the world's first mass-produced passenger car with sodium ion batteries, now rolling off Chinese assembly lines.","canonicalId":"concept:sodium-ion-batteries","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Sodium ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that use sodium ions as the charge carriers. They are considered a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance and low cost of sodium compared to lithium.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sodium ion batteries are batteries that use sodium instead of lithium to store energy. They're cheaper and more abundant, which makes them an interesting option for electric cars."}},{"startTime":613.3,"endTime":618.6,"type":"car","title":"Chang'an Nevo A06","url":"/cars/changan/nevo-a06","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Changan_Nevo_A06_001.jpg","quote":"So Chang'an's Nevo A06 uses the NAXTRA cells from CATL.","canonicalId":"car:changan:nevo-a06","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chang'an Nevo A06 is an electric vehicle that features sodium ion battery technology, marking a significant step in the adoption of alternative battery chemistries in mass-produced cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chang'an Nevo A06 is a new electric car that uses a special type of battery called sodium ion batteries. It's one of the first cars to do this.","imageAttribution":"JustAnotherCarDesigner (CC0)"}},{"startTime":613.3,"endTime":618.6,"type":"part","title":"NAXTRA cells","url":"/glossary/naxtra-cells","quote":"So Chang'an's Nevo A06 uses the NAXTRA cells from CATL.","canonicalId":"part:naxtra-cells","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"NAXTRA cells are a type of sodium ion battery cell developed by CATL, designed for use in electric vehicles. They offer an alternative to traditional lithium-ion cells, potentially providing cost and resource advantages.","simplifiedExplanation":"NAXTRA cells are special battery cells made by a company called CATL. They are used in electric cars and are based on sodium ion technology instead of lithium."}},{"startTime":620.3,"endTime":622.8,"type":"term","title":"kilowatt hours","url":"/glossary/kilowatt-hours","quote":"It's 45 kilowatt hours. It'll deliver 250 miles or 400 kilometers on the China cycle.","canonicalId":"term:kilowatt-hours","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Kilowatt hours (kWh) are a unit of energy commonly used to measure the capacity of batteries. It indicates how much energy a battery can store and how long it can power a device or vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"Kilowatt hours are a way to measure how much energy a battery can hold. The higher the number, the more energy it can store for use."}},{"startTime":726.6,"endTime":727.6,"type":"term","title":"solid state batteries","url":"/glossary/solid-state-batteries","quote":"...with more modern batteries, we're talking about solid state. We're looking at 400, 500 watt-hours per kilogram and upwards.","canonicalId":"term:solid-state-batteries","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Solid state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which can lead to higher energy density and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. They are considered a promising technology for electric vehicles and portable electronics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Solid state batteries are a type of battery that uses solid materials instead of liquids to store energy. They can be safer and more efficient than regular batteries."}},{"startTime":737.0,"endTime":740.8,"type":"car","title":"Chang'an A06","url":"/cars/changan/nevo-a06","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Changan_Nevo_A06_001.jpg","quote":"...Chang'an placed the A06 in China's high volume segment.","canonicalId":"car:changan:nevo-a06","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chang'an A06 is a model from Chang'an Automobile, a major Chinese automotive manufacturer. It is designed to compete in the high-volume segment of the Chinese market, focusing on affordability and practicality.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chang'an A06 is a car made by a Chinese company called Chang'an. It's intended for a lot of people to buy, making it a popular choice in China.","imageAttribution":"JustAnotherCarDesigner (CC0)"}},{"startTime":1197.5,"endTime":1201.5,"type":"company","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"With immediate effect, BYD has secured temporary relief while converting Ford's old plant into its largest production facility outside of China.","canonicalId":"company:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ford is an American multinational automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The company has a long history in the automotive industry and is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is a well-known American car company that makes many types of vehicles, including cars and trucks. They have been around for a long time and are famous for their popular models."}},{"startTime":1252.3,"endTime":1254.4,"type":"term","title":"plug-in hybrid technology","url":"/glossary/plug-in-hybrid-technology","quote":"...They sell the DMI there, which is their plug-in hybrid technology....","canonicalId":"term:plug-in-hybrid-technology","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Plug-in hybrid technology refers to vehicles that can run on both gasoline and electricity. They have a larger battery than traditional hybrids, allowing them to be charged from an external power source for extended electric-only driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Plug-in hybrid technology means a car can use both gas and electricity to run. You can charge it at home or a charging station, which lets you drive on electricity for a while before switching to gas."}},{"startTime":1257.8,"endTime":1259.8,"type":"term","title":"ethanol","url":"/glossary/ethanol","quote":"...They run it on Brazil's ethanol petrol infrastructure, by the way....","canonicalId":"term:ethanol","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ethanol is a type of alcohol used as a fuel additive or alternative fuel. It is often derived from corn or sugarcane and can be blended with gasoline to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ethanol is a fuel made from plants like corn or sugarcane. It's used in cars to help reduce pollution and can be mixed with regular gasoline."}},{"startTime":1283.1,"endTime":1286.9,"type":"term","title":"BEVs","url":"/glossary/bevs","quote":"...BYD sold 2.26 million BEVs last year, Tesla did 1.63 million. BYD now easily the world's biggest pure EV maker.","canonicalId":"term:bevs","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of electric vehicle that is powered entirely by batteries and does not use any gasoline or diesel fuel. This makes them environmentally friendly and efficient.","simplifiedExplanation":"BEVs are cars that run only on electricity and have no gas engine. They use batteries to power the vehicle, making them cleaner for the environment."}},{"startTime":1296.6,"endTime":1297.0,"type":"brand","title":"Tesla","url":"/glossary/tesla","quote":"Once the chief executive of Tesla scoffed and laughed at waving away competition...","canonicalId":"brand:tesla","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and high-performance electric cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tesla is a car company that makes electric vehicles, which are cars powered by batteries instead of gasoline."}},{"startTime":1315.8,"endTime":1316.5,"type":"term","title":"world car person of the year","url":"/glossary/world-car-person-of-the-year","quote":"...the executive vice president, Stella Lee, who's been giving this interview, she was named the world car person of the year in 2025...","canonicalId":"term:world-car-person-of-the-year","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The World Car Person of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive industry, highlighting their impact on the global car market.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is an award given to someone in the car industry who has done a lot to improve or change cars around the world."}},{"startTime":1400.6,"endTime":1403.3,"type":"car","title":"Dolphin Mini","url":"/cars/byd/dolphin-mini","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/BYD_DOLPHIN_MINI_%28BRAZIL%29_BYD_SEAGULL.jpg","quote":"...And then there's the Dolphin Mini. That's the little car that is the world urban car of the year last year.","canonicalId":"car:byd:dolphin-mini","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dolphin Mini is recognized as the world urban car of the year, highlighting its compact design and suitability for city driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dolphin Mini is a small car that's great for driving in cities. It was named the best urban car last year because it's easy to park and use in busy areas.","imageAttribution":"Mateusmatsuda (CC BY 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Martyn Lee","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/china-xpeng-aims-upmarket-xiaomi-faces-backlash-and-leapmotor-sets-sights-on-a-million-05-feb-2026/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}