In 2021, executives at Germany’s luxury automaker Audi were caught by surprise when they first encountered Geely’s Zeekr 001, a sleek long-range electric vehicle (EV) from China, featuring a European-inspired design. The debut of the Zeekr 001 served as a wake-up call for Germany’s auto industry, signaling that global carmakers would need to rely on advanced Chinese technology if they hoped to remain competitive in the EV race.
The moment underscored how Chinese EV technology is reshaping the global automotive landscape. Automakers worldwide are increasingly turning to Chinese innovation to overcome development challenges in the EV sector. To strengthen its position in the Chinese market, Audi developed the AUDI E5 Sportback in just 18 months, using critical technology supplied by its Chinese partner SAIC. These contributions included batteries, electrical systems, infotainment software, and advanced driver-assistance features.
Audi will begin selling the EV to Chinese customers this September at a starting price of $33,000. Meanwhile, other global rivals are also seeking to tap into Chinese expertise to accelerate their own EV rollouts. Japan’s Toyota and Germany’s Volkswagen have both launched joint development projects with Chinese partners GAC and Xpeng, respectively, aimed at producing models tailored for the Chinese market.
According to industry sources, France’s Renault and U.S.-based Ford are considering going even further, exploring plans to build global models based on Chinese EV platforms. While details remain unconfirmed, such licensing deals already generate steady revenue for Chinese EV manufacturers—and that income stream is growing rapidly.
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