I remember watching Top Gear in 2012 when Jeremy Clarkson and James May traveled to China. Back then, Chinese automakers were known for blatantly copying Western vehicles. Companies such as BYD, NIO, and XPeng either hadn't existed yet or were creating low-quality cars. Thinking of a tech company like Xiaomi creating a vehicle that could beat a Tesla was almost a joke. With help from the Chinese government and western threats from companies such as Tesla, Chinese automakers started cranking out interesting technology.
Even when that episode of Top Gear aired, the Chinese auto industry was evolving. Just a few years after that episode aired, NIO debuted a revolution: battery swapping. Yes, Tesla did have a demonstration about doing battery swapping, but NIO stuck with its plans and made it a reality. Technology became the focal point of the Chinese auto industry. Battery technology evolved to include a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery from BYD, charging speeds that dwarf non-Chinese automakers, and a range of around 700 km (around 434 miles). Petrol engines are still created, but many vehicles have plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or range-extending electric vehicles.
Screens. My goodness, the Chinese auto industry loves screens! When I watch reviews from Inside China Autos, Fully Charged, and WheelsBoy, they focus on all the features on these giant screens. While I haven't tested a fully-Chinese car yet, I have found that basic controls such as adjusting the steering wheel or using the climate control can become cumbersome when you put most features in the infotainment system. The basic recipe includes wireless chargers, fridges, heated/ventilated/massaging seats, and oddly-shaped steering wheels. Then, there are the safety systems.
Tesla has had autopilot and full self-driving (FSD) for several years, but various Chinese automakers have more advanced driver-assistance features. Some of my favorite videos from Inside China Autos are when Mark Rainford takes a vehicle with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), usually with LIDAR, and puts the self-driving systems in various situations, such as a roundabout, a U-turn, and a road peppered with vehicles on the side. If safety isn't your thing, taking a car like the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra on a racetrack sounds intriguing. With a tri-motor setup, this super-sedan produces over 1,500 horsepower and uses Brembo brakes.
There are so many interesting vehicles from Zeekr, BYD, XPeng, and others that it's difficult to know where to start. MPVs and vans like the Zeekr Mix, Li Auto Mega, and Voyah Dreamer show that spacious, well-equipped people movers are still popular. When it comes to cars and SUVs, the list becomes almost unreasonable. Going back to YouTube, take plenty of time to watch Auto Shows, such as the Shanghai Auto Show. You'll notice dozens among dozens of Chinese-only brands and brands heading to the EU, Australia, and many places outside the United States.
The craziest thing about Chinese vehicles isn't the tech or the performance; it's the cost. Many vehicles are available for under $20,000; most are priced so low that competitors would have to drop their prices by almost half! I hope to try out a Chinese vehicle, whether good, bad, or odd.