Car enthusiasts, automakers and investors are flocking to Paris right now for Europe's largest motor show scheduled this week. As expected, China's EV giants were the star attraction.
BYD, Xpeng, and Leapmotor showcased new vehicles at the Paris Motor Show, even as the European Union prepares to impose punishing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
BYD unveiled the Sealion 7, a stylish electric SUV that the company says can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. The company plans to launch the EV in Europe later this year.
The automaker, which aims to become Europe's largest electric carmaker by 2030, showed off seven vehicles at its booth in Paris.
Crowds quickly formed around the high-tech Yangwang U8, an imposing hybrid SUV that BYD says is capable of floating on water for up to 30 minutes and turning on the spot like a tank.
The U8, which was making its European debut but is currently only sold in China, also comes with a drone that allows passengers to scout the road ahead.
The Chinese focus on technologically advanced features and smart cars was also apparent elsewhere at the motor show. The booth of Chinese EV firm Xpeng was dominated by the company's flying car prototype, which hung from the ceiling. CEO He Xiaopeng and co-president Brian Gu revealed the P7+ with camera-powered partially autonomous driving.
Executives also discussed the company's investments in humanoid robots, flying cars, and AI hardware.
Speaking to reporters, Gu said that although the tariffs, which could see manufacturers face extra levies as high as 35 percent, would put pressure on Xpeng's business model, the company was not backing down from its European expansion plans.
"We have a long-term and strong commitment to Europe, which is a region that we think is a core to our business. We will do whatever is necessary to be competitive," he said.
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