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‘China Inside’: Chinese EV Tech Becomes Backbone of Global Auto Design

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In 2021, Audi executives were stunned when they saw the Zeekr 001, a long-range Chinese EV with sleek European styling. The moment marked a turning point: if global carmakers wanted to stay competitive, they would need to adopt Chinese EV technology.

Fast-Track to Market

To speed its lineup, Audi partnered with SAIC to build the Audi E5 Sportback in just 18 months, using Chinese batteries, powertrains, software, and driver-assist systems. The $33,000 EV begins deliveries in China this month.

Audi is not alone:

  • Toyota is co-developing EVs with GAC.

  • Volkswagen is working with Xpeng on China-dedicated models.

  • Renault and Ford are exploring building global models on Chinese EV platforms.

This marks a shift where Western automakers license Chinese EV intellectual property — saving billions of dollars and years of R&D — while Chinese companies earn revenue abroad amid a fierce price war and trade tensions at home.

‘China Inside’ Strategy

The approach echoes Intel’s 1990s “Intel Inside” branding, but for EVs. Chinese firms package EV platforms — batteries, chassis, and software — for ready-to-build models, even for low-volume players.

  • Leapmotor is licensing technology to Stellantis.

  • Renault’s Dacia Spring was built on a Dongfeng platform.

  • CATL has licensed battery tech to Ford and is expanding its Bedrock EV chassis in Europe.

  • Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings used Nio’s chassis and software to build its own EV, even while leveraging the McLaren brand it acquired.

Why Legacy Automakers Need China

Traditional brands often struggle with slow development cycles. Chinese EV makers, inspired by Tesla, built modular platforms that cut costs, speed updates, and lower barriers to entry. “They are quick learners from Tesla,” said former CATL executive Forest Tu.

Analysts argue that leveraging China’s rapid innovation allows Western firms to leapfrog the EV curve. “You get a much more quality-proof product in the market in a shorter timeframe,” said Oliver Wyman’s Marco Santino.

Risks of Dependency

But some warn of over-reliance. Former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer cautioned: “In the long-term you’re screwed because you’re just a retailer.” Analysts say global brands must blend Chinese technology with their own to preserve brand differentiation.

The Big Picture

As automakers from Europe to the Middle East adopt “China Inside” EVs, Chinese firms gain global influence. The question is whether this win-win model will remain sustainable — or whether traditional automakers risk trading independence for speed.

Chinese Automakers Exceed Annual Delivery Targets Amid Strong Market Demand

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Leading Chinese automakers BYD, Leapmotor, Xiaomi, and others have surpassed their 2023 delivery targets ahead of schedule, highlighting the burgeoning growth in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market as the year nears its close.

Key Performers

  1. BYD
    • Delivered 504,003 passenger vehicles in November, a slight increase from October’s 500,526.
    • Year-to-date deliveries total 3,740,930, exceeding the initial full-year target of 3.6 million vehicles.
  2. Leapmotor
    • Recorded 40,169 deliveries in November, reflecting a 5.22% monthly increase and a 117% year-on-year surge.
    • Year-to-date deliveries reached 251,207, surpassing the target of 250,000 vehicles.
  3. Xiaomi
    • Surpassed its initial target of 100,000 deliveries in mid-November, following the March launch of its first car, the SU7.
    • November saw over 20,000 deliveries for the second consecutive month. The revised target now stands at 130,000 deliveries by year-end.
  4. Zeekr
    • Delivered 27,011 vehicles in November, marking a 7.83% increase from October and a 106% year-on-year growth.
    • Year-to-date deliveries total 194,933, closing in on the target of 230,000 vehicles.
  5. Xpeng
    • Achieved a record 30,895 deliveries in November, up 29% month-on-month.
    • Deliveries included 10,000 units of the mass-market Mona M03 for the third consecutive month, alongside 7,000+ units of the new P7+ sedan.
  6. Nio
    • Delivered 20,575 vehicles in November, reflecting a 28.9% year-on-year increase.
    • Year-to-date deliveries total 190,832, with a quarterly goal of 72,000–75,000 vehicles in Q4. The company plans to launch its new Firefly brand on Dec. 21.
  7. Li Auto
    • Delivered 48,740 cars in November, a 5.25% drop from October.
    • Year-to-date deliveries reached 441,995, close to the revised annual goal of 480,000 vehicles.

Market Dynamics

  • Tesla’s Price Cut: In response to the intensifying price war in China, Tesla slashed 10,000 yuan off the Model Y price, reducing it to 239,900 yuan through December.
  • Diverse Strategies: Automakers are leveraging innovative models, expanded lineups, and competitive pricing to capture market share. Brands like BYD and Xpeng continue to dominate with broad EV portfolios, while others like Xiaomi are rapidly scaling operations in their debut year.

Challenges and Outlook

Despite strong growth, companies face challenges including price wars, evolving consumer preferences, and high competition. However, the sector remains optimistic about further expansion, with firms like BYD and Nio outlining ambitious delivery goals for 2024 and beyond.