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Explainer | In China’s EV war, here’s how tech giants will shake up the world’s biggest auto market

  • The ultimate goal for next-generation cars is autonomous driving, because of which Internet of Things and artificial intelligence have assumed great importance
  • Beijing could define the future of mobility, given the enormous amount of resources it is pouring into the EVs sector

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A Geely factory in Ningbo, in China’s eastern Zhejiang province. As more established players and new entrants form partnerships, the former will focus on the assembly of EVs, while the latter provide new technologies. Photo: Xinhua
Daniel Ren

Two partnerships forged this week by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, China’s leading carmaker, have put into the spotlight the country’s fast-changing automobiles industry.

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The deal with Chinese search-engine giant Baidu to build its electric vehicles (EVs), and the joint venture with Taiwanese Apple supplier Foxconn Technology Group, which will build cars for other marques, hint at how the sector is being reshaped.

New tech in the driving seat

The ultimate goal for the next generation of cars is autonomous driving, because of which technologies such as Internet of Things, 5G, cloud services and artificial intelligence have assumed great importance.

While some technologies will enhance navigation and link up with other cars or mobile devices digitally, others will improve in-car entertainment for drivers and passengers, who will no longer need to keep their eyes on the road, or their hands on the wheel.

But the role of technology will not be limited to building on younger users’ familiarity with digital connectivity. It will also play an important role in making EVs more environmentally friendly and in improving driving safety.

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Tesla exports first China-made cars to Europe with shipment of 7,000 Model 3 electric sedans

Tesla exports first China-made cars to Europe with shipment of 7,000 Model 3 electric sedans

EVs will be big business

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