China’s largest auto show opened in Beijing on Thursday with the biggest names showing off their latest electric vehicles (EVs), underlining how the world’s largest auto market is already in an all-electric state of mind, and isn’t looking back.
Automakers are set to unveil 117 new models versus 93 at last year’s show in Shanghai，while overall 278 new energy vehicles (NEVs) will go on display, seven more than last year, organisers said.
The show, which runs through early next month, comes as NEV sales hit a milestone in early April, accounting for over 50% of cars sold in China, auto association data showed.
Sales have been getting a boost from a year-long price war that has sapped profit margins, as automakers strive to keep up by announcing newer, cheaper models and promotions.
“At the Beijing auto show, there’s no doubt there is no interest in gasoline vehicles anymore. Everyone is looking for the latest technologies in intelligence and electrification,” William Li, founder and CEO of Chinese EV maker Nio, told Reuters.
“If you come here, you should have no doubt about EVs anymore. It is actually not the future but is what’s happening right now.”
