What's hot in NEVs: Major launches from AUTO SHANGHAI 2025

On April 23, the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (hereafter referred to as the "AUTO SHANGHAI 2025") will officially raise its curtain. As one of the world's largest A-class auto shows, this year's AUTO SHANGHAI is themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," drawing nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions. Over 100 new vehicle model debuts are expected throughout the show.

Amid the global shift toward electrification, new energy vehicle (NEV) technology remains the highlight of the show. Major market-anticipated models such as the Li i8, the YANGWANG U8L, the Volkswagen ID. EVO Concept, the AITO M8, the ONVO L90, and the Zeekr 007GT are making headline appearances. Below is a roundup of the key NEV models on display.

BEVs

Li L8

Marking Li Auto's entry into the pure electric SUV segment, the Li i8 will debut at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025 and officially hit the market in July this year.

The mid-to-large six-seat family SUV combines the sleek front fascia of the Li MEGA with the wraparound taillight design of the L series. 

It rides on an 800V high-voltage platform and supports 5C ultra-fast charging, enabling a 500-km range boost in just 12 minutes. Other highlights include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, air suspension, and advanced driver assistance system powered by LiDAR.

Li MEGA Home Special Edition

Li Auto is also unveiling a family-focused "MEGA Home Special Edition" at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025.

While the exterior maintains the current MEGA design language, it adds a smaller LiDAR sensor, upgraded smart driving chip, and family-friendly features like swivel seats and a stowable tray table. Powered by dual motors (155 kW front, 245 kW rear) on an 800V platform and equipped with a 102.7 kWh CATL ternary lithium battery, the vehicle delivers a WLTC-rated range of 575 km.

XPENG P7+ Super-long Range Max Flagship

XPENG Chairman He Xiaopeng recently announced that the company will officially put the XPENG P7+ Super-long Range Max Flagship onto the market at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025.

A key highlight is the new model's 5C ultra-fast charging AI battery, capable of delivering a month's worth of commuting range with just 10 minutes of charging.

While further range details have yet to be disclosed, XPENG has revealed that the vehicle is equipped with its self-developed next-generation hybrid silicon carbide coaxial electric drive system, which achieves a CLTC electric drive efficiency of 93.5%.

Zeekr 007 GT

Officially hitting the market on April 15, the Zeekr 007 GT—billed as a “tech-infused shooting brake sedan”—comes in three versions: RWD Smart Driving, Long-range RWD Smart Driving, and AWD Smart Driving, priced at 202,900 yuan, 222,900 yuan, and 232,900 yuan, respectively. Nationwide deliveries have begun, and all variants are on display at the AUTO SHANGHAI.

The Zeekr 007 GT model shares its front-end styling with the Zeekr 007 sedan version, featuring a closed-off grille and a dramatic full-width light panel that integrates intelligent lighting effects, DRLs, a glowing logo, and flattened headlamps, all with customizable lighting animations.

Powering the Zeekr 007 GT is a single 310 kW motor for the RWD version, while the AWD version features front and rear motors rated at 165 kW and 310 kW, delivering a combined 475 kW. Battery options include 75 kWh and 100 kWh packs, supporting CLTC-rated ranges of 585 km, 650 km, 730 km, and 825 km.

ONVO L90

NIO Founder, Chairman, and CEO William Bin Li confirmed that the company's new flagship SUV under its sub-brand ONVO—the ONVO L90—will make its debut at AUTO SHANGHAI 2025, presented in Cloud Gold and Ridge Brown color options.

Targeted at family users, the ONVO L90 is a full-size pure electric SUV comparable in size to the Li L9, measuring over 5.2 meters long with a wheelbase in the 3-meter class. A short front overhang and long rear overhang maximize interior space, and the model offers both 6- and 7-seat configurations.

The ONVO L90 rides on the NT3.0 platform and supports battery swapping. It is available with 60 kWh or 85 kWh battery packs and comes in single- or dual-motor variants, delivering a CLTC-rated range of approximately 500–650 km. The vehicle also features air suspension and CDC dampers, with a vision-only driver assistance system (no LiDAR).

FIREFLY

On April 19, NIO's new brand FIREFLY released its first model—also named FIREFLY—onto the market, which is about to be on display at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025. The model is offered in two versions: the "Zizai" (Freedom) and "Faguang" (Glowing), priced at 119,800 yuan and 125,800 yuan, respectively.

Designed with biomimicry in mind, the car features three circular "halo" headlights forming a striking front-light trio. It runs on a long-life 42.1 kWh battery with a CLTC-rated range of 420 km. With a drag coefficient of just 0.287Cd, FIREFLY boasts the lowest in its class. Its in-house developed six-in-one electric drive system achieves a 90% efficiency rate and energy consumption of only 10.9 kWh per 100 km. All models are compatible with NIO's charging and battery swap network.

AUDI E5 Sportback

SAIC Audi has revealed that the first model under its new AUDI sub-brand will be the Audi E5 Sportback, which will be showcased at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025. Marketed as a fusion of Audi's century-long manufacturing heritage and cutting-edge digital intelligence, the E5 Sportback is expected to carry forward the design of its concept predecessor.

Early images show a closed front grille, integrated ring-like headlights, and aerodynamic vents in the lower fascia. A roof-mounted LiDAR sensor hints at an advanced driver assistance system.

Built on an 800V architecture, the model reportedly delivers up to 765 kW of dual-motor output, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. A 100 kWh battery enables a CLTC-rated range of up to 700 km.

Volkswagen ID. EVO Concept

Volkswagen has officially named its new all-electric, fully connected full-size SUV concept the ID. EVO, which will make its global debut at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025.

The model marks the brand's application of its new China-centric design language and a showcase of next-generation intelligent technologies.

According to official images, the ID. EVO embraces a bold and futuristic aesthetic. The front end features sleek, narrow integrated headlights, while the rear mirrors the sharp design theme with similarly slender taillights, creating a cohesive, modern look.

PHEVs & REEVs

AITO M8

The AITO M8 will be displayed at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025 following its market launch on April 16, priced between 359,800 yuan and 449,800 yuan.

The new model adopts the design language of the AITO M9, featuring a closed-off grille, full-width LED light bar, and large air intakes for a futuristic and commanding appearance.

Technologically, the AITO M8 is equipped with Huawei's advanced Qiankun ADS driver assistance system as standard across the range. The system includes a 192-line LiDAR, five 4D millimeter-wave radars, and twelve cameras, delivering up to 400 TOPS of computing power. It supports high-level features such as urban and highway Navigate Cruise Assist (NCA) and valet parking, with hardware ready for future OTA upgrades.

Powering the REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) version is a 1.5T engine producing 118 kW, paired with dual electric motors rated at 165 kW (front) and 227 kW (rear), for a total system output of 392 kW. The vehicle delivers an battery-powered range of 310 km and a combined range of up to 1,526 km.

YANGWANG U8L

YANGWANG will officially unveil the U8L at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025, positioning it as a premium extended version of its flagship U8. The model brings upgrades in both configuration and design, underlining its ultra-luxury positioning.

The U8L features a two-tone exterior with a black-and-gold palette, delivering a stately presence. Distinctive from the rugged U8, the U8L sports Maybach-style turbine wheels, signaling a shift toward refinement over off-road aggression.

The vehicle is powered by a 2.0T range extender paired with a quad-motor system that delivers a combined output of 880 kW and 1,280 Nm of torque. Two versions are offered, with CLTC battery-powered ranges of 120 km and 180 km respectively, and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds and 3.6 seconds. The SUV boasts maximum fording depths of 1.4 and 1 meter, respectively. Key tech highlights include the e4 Platform, DiSus-P suspension, and the advanced "God's Eye" driver assistance suite.

Zeekr 9X

The Zeekr 9X, the brand's first PHEV model, is also set to premiere at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025, ahead of its official launch in the third quarter. Positioned to rival the Li L9 and AITO M9, the 9X blends premium aesthetics with next-gen electrification.

Its front end adopts the chrome-heavy styling of the Zeekr 009 Grand, enhanced with split-type headlamps and bold character lines across the hood for a muscular presence. A seamlessly integrated, ultra-thin roof-mounted LiDAR adds both functionality and a sleek silhouette.

The model debuts Zeekr's Super Electric Hybrid system, which integrates high-performance motors with a large-capacity battery for a balance of power and range. A BEV version will also be offered, supporting 800V ultra-fast charging technology.

AVATR 06

The AVATR 06, a smart and stylish luxury sedan, has made its debut at the show following its market launch on April 19. Offered in five configurations spanning both BEV and REEV powertrains, the model is priced from 209,900 yuan.

Design-wise, the front features distinctive dual "7"-shaped daytime running lights, with vertically integrated headlights on each side of the bumper. A roof-mounted "Halo" interaction screen supports eight customizable scenarios. The BEV and REEV variants share a similar fascia, though the BEV version adds an active grille.

Power options include a single-motor BEV delivering 252 kW and a dual-motor variant with front and rear outputs of 188 kW and 252 kW, respectively. CLTC battery-powered ranges are rated at 650 km and 600 km.

The REEV pairs a 1.5T engine (115 kW) with a 231 kW electric motor, offering battery-powered ranges of 170 km and 240 km. The car is also equipped with an advanced suspension setup featuring air suspension, continuous damping control (CDC), and hydraulic bushings.