Auto China 2026: BYD and Geely tout AI, battery advances to defend home market

by Han Jiyeon Posted : April 28, 2026, 18:10Updated : April 28, 2026, 18:10
Denza
Zeekr booth
Fangchengbao
From top: BYD’s premium brand Denza unveils the new electric supercar “Denza Z” in Beijing; an exhibition hall for Geely Auto Group’s Zeekr; a company official explains the newly launched “Formula X” from BYD’s premium brand Fangchengbao (bottom). [Photo provided by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association]

Chinese automakers rolled out new electric vehicles packed with the latest technology at the motor show, signaling they plan to defend their home market with battery advances and AI-powered smart-car features as they compete with the premium branding of global carmakers.

According to the industry on April 28, BYD applied the theme “All things move toward the new” (万象朝新) to its Dynasty lineup and introduced a wave of models, including the flagship SUV Datang, the third-generation Yuan Plus and the Song Ultra EV. BYD highlighted its second-generation Blade battery, flash-charging technology and an intelligent ecosystem connection aimed at younger Chinese consumers. The company said the second-generation Blade battery can charge to 70% in five minutes at room temperature and reach full charge in nine minutes; even at minus 30 degrees Celsius, it can reach 100% with about three minutes of additional time.

BYD said the Datang achieved a 950-kilometer range on a single charge by boosting energy density, a global-leading level. The Yuan Plus, which BYD said has surpassed 1.1 million units sold globally since its 2022 launch, features a 240-kilowatt motor, a China-certified (CLTC) range of 630 kilometers and flash-charging across the lineup. Industry assessments said the models reflect new technology while positioning as new-energy vehicles priced at 250,000 to 320,000 yuan.

Across its flagship brands — Formula Bao, Yangwang and Denza — BYD also unveiled new sedans, SUVs, multipurpose vehicles and supercars. Yangwang presented the 2026 U7, U8 and U8L Dingchang Edition, along with the U9, which it said was the first Chinese supercar to appear in “Gran Turismo 7.” The company said the Yangwang U9 Extreme (U9X) set a world record with a top speed of 496.22 km/h. The Denza Z drew attention as a supercar equipped with an intelligent vehicle control technology platform designed to maximize cornering follow-through, driving safety and tuning performance.

Geely Holding Group showcased its latest mobility solutions across its brands — including Zeekr, which is slated for domestic launch this year, as well as Lynk & Co, Geely Galaxy, Lotus and Smart — emphasizing advanced technologies. It highlighted capabilities spanning AI, autonomous driving and next-generation eco-friendly technology through offerings such as the EVA-cap robotaxi, Super EVA and the Smart Egg cockpit.

Zeekr introduced the high-performance hybrid flagship SUV “8X,” calling it a new benchmark for hybrids. Geely said the 8X is the world’s only midsize hybrid SUV capable of 0-100 km/h acceleration in the three-second range. The company attributed the performance to a 900-volt high-voltage platform, a 2.0 turbo super-hybrid engine, a 145-kilowatt (197-horsepower) generator, Geely’s AI digital chassis and dual Nvidia Drive Thor-U chips.

Geely Automobile also presented new vehicles featuring a fresh design concept and cutting-edge technology. It unveiled the second concept car, “Galaxy Light,” and introduced the brand’s first off-road new-energy-vehicle architecture. The company also promoted its i-HEV intelligent hybrid system, which industry assessments said underscored its leadership ambitions in the era of intelligent electrification.

A Geely Holding Group official said, “Through the products unveiled at Auto China 2026, we showed the group’s clear trend toward intelligent electrification,” adding, “As we enter an era of intelligent electrification where challenges and opportunities coexist, we will show growth by creating strong synergies across the group.”



* This article has been translated by AI.