Articles by Liu Miao

Technology

Xpeng achieves 2025 sales target two months early, only three NEV brands on track

A recent report from Yiche Ranking reveals that only three new energy vehicle (NEV) brands – Xpeng, Leapmotor, and Xiaomi Auto – are on track to meet their annual sales targets for 2025. The majority of other brands in the top twelve face significant hurdles in achieving their goals in the remaining two months of the year. Xpeng has emerged as the frontrunner, having already surpassed its 2025 sales target. With a goal of 350,000 units, XPeng recorded 355,209 sales by the end of October, achieving a 101.5% completion rate. This makes Xpeng the only domestic brand to fulfil its annual target two months ahead of schedule. Leapmotor is also on a strong trajectory, securing the second position in target completion. The company aimed for 500,000 sales in 2025 and has already sold 465,805 units by October, representing a 93.2% completion rate. Notably, Leapmotor broke its monthly sales record in October, exceeding 70,000 units, and currently holds the title of the top-selling NEV brand for the year. Xiaomi Auto, with a target of 350,000 units, has delivered 306,184 vehicles, reaching an 87.5% completion rate. Unlike other automakers, Xiaomi Auto is grappling with a substantial backlog of orders. Its current monthly deliveries hover around 40,000 units due to production capacity constraints. However, with anticipated production increases, Xiaomi Auto is expected to see a significant boost in monthly sales. The remaining brands ranked from fourth to twelfth are considerably behind, with none having reached the 83.3% sales target threshold by October. It is highly improbable that these brands will achieve their full-year sales objectives. Despite the challenges in meeting overall targets, brands such as IM Motors, Voyah, and Nio have successfully launched several popular models this year. While their annual sales goals may remain out of reach, these brands have demonstrated substantial growth in sales volume.

Technology

Dongfeng Forthing launches 2026 Xinghai S7 with 800V fast charging

Dongfeng Forthing officially launched the 2026 Xinghai S7 today, introducing four new trim levels with a price range of 119,900 to 149,900 yuan (16,800 to 21,000 USD). The updated model includes a new “650 Ultra-Fast Charging” version. The 2026 Xinghai S7, an annual refresh of the popular mid-to-large-sized sedan, now features an 800V architecture in its new 650 Ultra-Fast Charging variant. This system allows for a CLTC pure electric range of 650 kilometres and can replenish 320 kilometres of range in 14 minutes. Visually, the Xinghai S7 is characterised by a 7-shaped lighting signature. The car’s sleek, coupe-like roofline contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.191 Cd. In terms of dimensions, the Xinghai S7 measures 4935mm in length, 1915mm in width, and 1495mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2915mm. A practical highlight is the hatchback-style tailgate, offering a larger opening for easier loading and unloading of items. The cargo volume ranges from 496 litres to 1293 litres with the rear seats folded. Inside, most functions of the 2026 Xinghai S7 are integrated into a dual-screen setup, featuring an 8.8-inch instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central control screen. The infotainment system, powered by the Xinghai OS series, supports smartphone connectivity, “visible-to-speak” functionality, continuous voice control, and remote control via a mobile app. Comfort is enhanced by new “Cloud Brocade” seats. Higher-end trims also come equipped with Xinghai Pilot, enabling L2-level driving assistance. All variants launched are pure electric. The 565 version is powered by a 160 kW (215 hp) motor and a 59.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a CLTC pure electric range of 565 kilometres. The 800V Ultra-Fast Charging version boasts a 230 kW (308 hp) motor and a 68.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. This version achieves a CLTC pure electric range of 650 kilometres, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, and has an energy consumption rate of 11.6 kWh/100km.

Technology

BYD’s Racco electric K-Car interior leaked: ample room and bench seating

BYD officially debuted its new all-electric K-Car, the Racco, at the Tokyo Motor Show yesterday. Designed exclusively for the Japanese market, the compact EV is slated for release next summer. While BYD did not officially reveal the interior of the Racco, attending media managed to capture detailed images of its design. The vehicle features a right-hand drive configuration, a standard for the Japanese market. The cabin is equipped with two floating screens, serving as the instrument cluster and central infotainment display. Air vents are integrated seamlessly into the dashboard with a rounded, elongated design. The seating appears to be upholstered in leather, though it is currently unknown whether it is genuine or synthetic. Both front and rear seats adopt a continuous, bench-style design, a practical feature for navigating narrow Japanese streets. This allows occupants to easily enter and exit the vehicle, even if the driver’s side is close to a wall. Despite its compact dimensions of 3395mm in length, 1475mm in width, and 1800mm in height, from the interior photos leaked, the car seems to provide ample interior room, particularly in terms of vertical space. Under the hood, the Racco features a front-wheel-drive layout and is powered by a 20 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. It offers a WLTC range of 180km and supports fast charging at up to 100kW. The Racco is expected to be priced at approximately 2.6 million JPY (around 17,000 USD) in Japan. Upon its launch, it will directly compete with the Nissan Sakura, Japan’s best-selling electric K-Car, which is priced at 2.5366 million JPY (16,700 USD). Editor’s comment BYD Auto’s naming conventions are primarily divided into two categories: ‘Dynasty’ and ‘Ocean’. ‘Qin’, ‘Han’, ‘Song’, ‘Yuan’, and ‘Tang’ are names of ancient Chinese dynasties, while ‘Seal’, ‘Sea Lion’, ‘Dolphin’, and ‘Seagull’ are names of marine creatures. ‘Racco’, meaning ‘sea otter’ (海獺) in Japanese, can be seen as a new addition to BYD’s ‘Ocean’ series.