China’s EV Chargers Surpass 22.49 Million; Tesla China Integrates Doubao AI; Automakers Expand Overseas Local Production

As of the end of May 2026, China had a total of 22.497 million EV charging connectors nationwide, up 44.9% year-over-year. This includes 4.951 million public charging connectors (up 25.9% YoY) and 17.546 million private charging connectors (up 51.4% YoY). Tesla China has confirmed that its in-car infotainment system will integrate the Doubao large language model. Vehicles in mainland China will support activating the Doubao AI assistant via voice command ("Hey, Tesla") or by pressing the steering wheel voice button. The beta software version 2026.14.11 already includes an entry point for the Doubao AI assistant. The first batch of XPeng G6 models has rolled off the production line at XPeng’s EPMB plant in Malacca, Malaysia, marking the start of ramp-up activities. Meanwhile, XPeng’s first localized European production base—the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria—began operations in Q3 2025, with initial production of the G6 and G9 models. Additional models are expected to be added in the future. The Barcelona plant jointly operated by Spain’s EBRO Automotive Group and China’s Chery Automobile has launched a new M1 production line. Spanning 696 meters with 97 workstations, the line enables a per-vehicle production cycle of approximately 75 minutes. It currently produces multiple powertrain variants of the EBRO S400 and S700 and can accommodate up to five different models, with capacity reserved for pure electric vehicles slated for 2027. Leapmotor International, a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, has established a new battery assembly workshop in Spain adjacent to the EV and battery manufacturing complex co-developed by Stellantis and CATL. Takao Kato, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, stated that due to slowing global EV market growth and the high investment costs and loss risks associated with independently developing BEVs, the company is currently opting for collaborative approaches to launch electric models. For example, the Eclipse Sportback is a rebadged Nissan Leaf, while the all-electric Eclipse Cross is based on the Renault Megane E-Tech. Porsche CEO Michael Lohr reiterated that the 911 model will continue to offer internal combustion engine variants, with hybrid technology serving as a key pillar for its future development. Porsche does not plan to launch a fully electric 911. Garrett’s turbochargers in China have surpassed cumulative deliveries of 40 million units, offering mass-production solutions across turbocharging, hybrid powertrains, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Silan Microelectronics noted that most domestic power semiconductor companies have raised product prices this year due to cost pressures. Thanks to its IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer) model and full-chain self-reliance, Silan maintains a competitive advantage in managing rising costs. Bosch-connected vehicle supplier Pateo’s Ruian intelligent manufacturing base has commenced full-scale operations, positioning itself as an industrial ecosystem cluster for smart automotive components covering R&D, production, and after-sales services. Hydrogen energy company HydEnergy has completed its Series B+ financing round, backed by Aramco Ventures (a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco), Conch Private Equity (affiliated with Conch Cement), and Orient Jiafu. Seer Intelligent has listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, becoming the first “robot brain” stock in Hong Kong, with its share price surging over 30% on its debut day. Glebo has secured over RMB 300 million in Series E funding, with participation from CICC Renault Fund, Hangzhou Hehe, and Galaxy Yuanhui. Ferrari has appointed Massimiliano Di Silvestre, former Managing Director of BMW Italy, as its new Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, succeeding Enrico Galliera. As of now, China’s vehicle fleet stands at 370 million units, maintaining its position as the world’s largest automobile market by sales volume for the 17th consecutive year.