Chinese automakers and foreign brands presented new electric vehicles and AI-enabled features at the 18th edition [3] of the Beijing International Auto Show.

The event signals a shift in the global automotive landscape as China integrates artificial intelligence and ultra-fast charging to maintain its lead in the electric-vehicle market.

Geely and BYD, including its luxury brand Denza, were among the primary exhibitors alongside foreign brands such as Peugeot [1, 2, 3]. The competition for market dominance has intensified, and a Geely executive said the company led electric-vehicle sales in the first months of 2026, surpassing BYD [1].

BYD focused on performance and efficiency with the introduction of the Denza Z. A BYD spokesperson said the Denza Z is the fastest electric supercar in the company's lineup, capable of charging from 10% to 97% in nine minutes [2].

Beyond hardware, the industry is pivoting toward software integration. An analyst from Terra Byte said the Chinese automotive industry is ready to incorporate artificial intelligence into nearly every model, a move driven by policies from Beijing [4]. This push follows a 25-year period during which China worked to dominate the electric-vehicle sector [4].

The exhibition, which ran from late April through early May [2], also served as a launchpad for international expansion. Ten Chinese-made cars unveiled at the show are scheduled to arrive in Brazil this year [5].

“The Denza Z is the supercar elétrico mais veloz da BYD, capaz de carregar de 10% a 97% em apenas 9 minutos.”

The convergence of AI and extreme fast-charging technology indicates that Chinese manufacturers are moving beyond basic electrification to redefine the user experience. By leveraging state-backed AI policies and aggressive export strategies—such as the targeted expansion into Brazil—China is attempting to cement a technological monopoly that spans both the hardware and software of future transportation.