Former Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg recently shared his admiration for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in a LinkedIn post, praising their quality, technological advancements, and competitive pricing. Rosberg, who retired from racing in 2016, visited Shanghai to test-drive several Chinese EV models and was impressed by what he experienced.
One of the key points Rosberg highlighted in his post was the significant price difference between European and Chinese EVs. He pointed out that the average price of a European EV in 2023 was €46,000, while Chinese EVs were priced at just under €32,000. This price gap positions Chinese car manufacturers as attractive options for European buyers looking for affordable low-emission vehicles.
During his time in Shanghai, Rosberg test-drove multiple Chinese EV models and was particularly impressed by their overall quality and technological innovations. He mentioned being „super impressed“ with the advancements in these vehicles, showcasing the progress made by Chinese manufacturers in the EV market.
One standout model that caught Rosberg’s attention was the Xiaomi SU7, which he featured in a picture accompanying his post. He highlighted the improvements in range and charging capabilities, noting that some models offer up to 830 km on a single charge and fast charging that can add 220 km in just five minutes. Xiaomi delivered 8,630 vehicles in May, showing a 22.3 percent growth from April as the company aims to surpass 10 thousand units in June.
Rosberg also praised the interior designs of Chinese EVs, describing them as futuristic with large touchscreens and fully connected systems that seamlessly integrate with home appliances. He commended the autonomous driving features as a testament to the innovative engineering teams behind these vehicles.
Another aspect that fascinated Rosberg was the rapid development cycle of Chinese EVs. He noted that some manufacturers can take a car from an idea to producing hundreds of thousands of units in just three years. This rapid development, combined with competitive pricing and advanced technology, positions Chinese EV manufacturers as strong competitors in the global market.
In conclusion, Rosberg posed a thought-provoking question about the future of the automotive industry, wondering if German automakers will be able to keep up with the rapidly evolving competition from China. He also asked readers to share their thoughts on which OEM they see as best positioned to thrive in this evolving environment.
Overall, Rosberg’s insights shed light on the impressive advancements made by Chinese EV manufacturers and the potential impact they may have on the global automotive market. With their focus on quality, technology, and affordability, Chinese EVs are proving to be formidable contenders in the industry.