Chinese automakers outpace global rivals in EVs, batteries, and software
By
Suranjana Tewari
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
Chinese automakers are rapidly overtaking traditional US, European, and Japanese car manufacturers by dominating not just electric vehicles but also batteries, design, and software. The BBC visited factory floors in Beijing and Hefei during Auto China 2026 and found that Chinese EV manufacturers have built integrated ecosystems that give them a competitive edge in cost, speed of innovation, and technological sophistication. Global carmakers are struggling to keep pace as China sets the new standard for the automotive industry.
Key quotes
· 2 pulledGlobal carmakers are facing a reckoning as US, European and Japanese brands lose ground to Chinese rivals setting the pace not only in electric vehicles, but also in batteries, design and software.
The BBC visited factory floors in Beijing and Hefei on the sidelines of Auto China 2026 - the world's largest car show - and found they are dominating the ecosystems shaping the global auto industry.
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