BYD vs Tesla: The New EV Empire with Lei Xing

Analyse Asia with Bernard Leong

“One thing I can add is the awakening, the shaking up, the shaping up of the rest of the global auto industry from the Chinese is in full swing. The Chinese are coming. And if the Western automakers are prepared, they're going to have a much tougher moment than when they confronted the Japanese or the Koreans. The Japanese [and] Koreans, they're very successful. Let's say in the U.S., but this is a whole different issue - the geopolitical aspect. But you know, they're coming.” - Lei Xing

Fresh out of the studio, Lei Xing, founder of AutoXing & co-host of China EVs & More, shared his insights into the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market and its implications for the global EV market. Lei discussed his career journey and the inspiration behind covering the China EVs market through his podcast. He broke down the competitive dynamics between Tesla and BYD based on their current strategies for global market expansion and technological challenges. He shared his perspectives on whether Chinese EV makers can rinse and repeat the solar panel strategy against the rest of the automotive companies in the world. Last but not least, he shared the groundbreaking innovations at CES 2024 and emphasized the challenges and opportunities ahead for Chinese manufacturers and their vision for long-term success in the EV industry globally.

Episode Highlights: [0:50] Quote of the Day #QOTD by Lei Xing. [1:21] Introduction: Lei Xing from China EVs & More. [8:60] China EVs and more podcast and their coverage. [10:17] Lessons learnt from Lei Xing’s career journey. [11:40] Overview of the global EV landscape & China’s market share in EVs. [15:27] The China smart EV makers after BYD. [20:15] The competitive advantage of Chinese EV makers. [23:26] How Tesla Invigorates the EV Competition in China. [24:36] The one thing that Lei Xing knows about China EV makers that very few do. [27:00] How Chinese EV makers are competing in the global market. [30:57] Can Chinese EV makers rinse and repeat the solar panel strategy to win the EV market? [32:50] How BYD emerged in the US since 2011. [37:21] Tesla vs BYD in AI, autonomous driving and robotics. [41:43] How Tesla is competing in China and other parts of the world. [46:40] Breakthroughs in EVs and self-driving cars at CES 2024. [51:14] The bet on hydrogen fuel cars by Japanese automotive makers. [53:14] Outlook for Chinese EVs in the 5-10 years. [56:33] Will China EVs go upstream to the hypercars against Ferrari? [58:03] What does success mean for Chinese EV companies in the next 5-10 years? [59:43] Closing.

Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. Proper credits for the intro and end music: "Energetic Sports Drive" and the episode is mixed & edited in both video and audio format by G. Thomas Craig.