Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are introducing unconventional features such as in-car beds and kitchens to boost sales amid a domestic market slowdown. This move could potentially pose a challenge for Western automakers.
What Happened: The Chinese EV market, known for its innovation, is now offering cars with features that go beyond the conventional. These include built-in beds, cooktops, and even drones, Bloomberg reported on Sunday.
The Chinese EV industry has been experiencing a slowdown in domestic demand, coinciding with geopolitical tensions with Western economies. This has led to a surge in creative thinking among smaller players, who are now introducing these unique features to stay afloat.
According to Bloomberg, the introduction of these high-tech features also highlights the risk for Western manufacturers, should they fall further behind in securing market share in the world’s largest auto market.
Wang Binggang, a salesperson at Xpeng Inc, stated, “While legacy automakers still only focus on the drivability of a car, Chinese companies are not satisfied with that. We are extending the possibilities to all kinds of living and recreational scenarios, and that's part of the reason why ...