Thanks to subsidies and tax incentives from Beijing, hundreds of Chinese EV brands are thriving. Since then, China has become the largest exporter of automobiles, even surpassing Japan.
Zeekr's models for the European market come from one of the world's most advanced production lines, located in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. The factory covers an area of 130 hectares and almost all operations are automated. With only 2,000 employees, the plant can produce one vehicle per minute.
China produces three-quarters of the world's batteries, which gives the country's manufacturers a considerable advantage. This local production helps to reduce costs and facilitate its international expansion.
Now, about 10% of our cars are exported abroad. In the future, we hope to increase exports and gain more international market share. At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Ge Kai, head of assembly at the Zeekr Smart Factory, explained.
The growth of China's electric vehicle industry is impressive. Especially due to the large amount of public subsidies, Beijing is said to have invested between 24 and 48 billion francs in this sector. In 2023, the country exports 49 to 5.2 million units.
More than just an ecological trend.
In China, more than one-third of the cars sold are electric vehicles. But more often than not, it is not the ecological argument that attracts buyers. The latest microprocessors, artificial intelligence, and numerous options and gadgets play a vital role in attracting new customers. "Our customers want an extraordinary experience. That's why we integrate interactive AI into automotive systems. Because technology makes life better. Liu Wenting, manager of zeekr Shanghai, emphasized.
On its own, I have no preference for petrol cars and electric cars. It's just that today, with the same **, electric cars offer a better experience for customers", confirms a 27-year-old Shanghainese who is ready to pay 37,000 francs.