The first half of 2025 has already brought a wave of electrifying new EVs to the Chinese market. Among these, the much anticipated Tesla Model Y refresh, codenamed "Juniper," kickstarted year 2025 on January 10, ahead of its US release.

The new Model Y brought incremental updates to the world's already best-selling EV model. Beyond established players like Tesla, Chinese domestic brands are also launching exceptional vehicles, redefining our expectations of performance, luxury, and efficiency in an all-electric car.

Notably, BYD introduced on March 17 the new Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, both of which are capable of megawatt (1,000 kW) charging (also coined as flash charging), drastically reducing EV charging times.

With the first half of 2025 behind us now, here are five of the most exciting Chinese electric vehicles set to shake the new energy vehicle market again in the second half.

5. ZEEKR 9X

Source: Zeekr

The ZEEKR 9X, unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, represents a bold step into the luxury plug-in hybrid SUV segment. The 9X is set for a global launch in the third quarter of 2025, with pre-sales commencing at the end of August.

Measuring a commanding 5239 mm long, 2029 mm wide, and 1819 mm high, with a 3169 mm wheelbase, and a curb weight around 3100 kg, the ZEEKR 9X is indeed massive.

Despite its size, it boasts incredible performance, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of 660 kW (898 Ps).

This enables a staggering 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.1 seconds and a max speed of 240 km/h, making it one of the fastest large SUVs on the market.

What makes the ZEEKR 9X truly exciting is its "Super Hybrid System" with a class-leading 400 km (CLTC-rated) pure electric range, and a total driving range of up to 1,500 km. It supports ultra-fast 6C charging, allowing a 20%-80% recharge in 9 minutes.

The vehicle is also equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, featuring dual Nvidia Thor chips and five LiDAR units, alongside a luxurious interior with a 17.3-inch 3K central screen, 21.6-inch AR-HUD, and a 32-speaker Yamaha surround sound system. Its "land yacht" design language and comparison to Rolls-Royce further underscore its luxurious intent.

4. Li Auto i8

Source: Li Auto

Li Auto, a brand known for its range-extended EVs, has its pure electric Li Auto i8 SUV planned for launch on July 29, 2025 with an expected price range between 350,000 - 400,000 RMB (c. $48,800 - c. $55,700 USD)

The vehicle measures 5085 mm long, 1960 mm wide, and 1740 mm high, with a 3050 mm wheelbase, emphasizing an aerodynamic design similar to its MEGA MPV model.

Available in two main variants—the 670KM and 720KM —both feature a 5-door, 6-seat SUV configuration and a top speed of 180 km/h.

The Li Auto i8 is powered by a dual-motor, front+rear layout, delivering a total output of 400 kW (544 Ps), with the front motor contributing 150 kW and the rear 250 kW.

The 670KM variant offers a 670 km CLTC range with an energy consumption of 14.6 kWh/100km and a curb weight of 2580 kg, equipped with a 90.1 kWh ternary lithium battery.

The 720KM Basic model extends the range to 720 km CLTC, with a slightly higher energy consumption of 14.8 kWh/100km, a curb weight of 2610 kg, and a larger 97.8 kWh ternary lithium battery.

Both trims support 5C fast charging, positioning the i8 as a highly competitive all-electric large SUV with a clear focus on energy efficiency.

3. Onvo L90

Source: Onvo

NIO's sub-brand Onvo introduced the Onvo L90 SUV, with presales beginning on July 10, 2025, and an official launch scheduled for July 31, 2025.

Its pre-order price is 279,900 RMB (c. $39,000 USD), which can be reduced to 193,900 RMB (c. $27,000 USD) under its Battery as a Service (BaaS) plan.

It has also been confirmed that the L90 can be optioned with a smaller 60 kWh battery, which is likely to bring the starting price down by 25,000 - 30,000 RMB (c. $3,500 - c. $4,200 USD).

The Onvo L90 measures 5145 mm long, 1998 mm wide, and 1766 mm high, with a 3110 mm wheelbase. It is available in 5-door, 6-seat SUV configurations.

The base 605km RWD standard version offers 340 kW (462 Ps) of motor power, a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.9 seconds, a top speed of 200 km/h, and an energy consumption of 14.5 kWh/100km.

All-wheel-drive variants provide 440 kW (599 Ps) and a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.7 seconds, with an energy consumption of 15.4 kWh/100km.

Its curb weight for the RWD model is 2250 kg, while AWD models are 2360 kg. A standout practical feature of the Onvo L90 is its massive 240L front trunk (frunk), making it the largest EV frunk of any vehicles sold in China, complemented by a rear trunk volume ranging from 430-1214 L.

2. Tesla Model YL

Source: MIIT

Tesla is set to expand its SUV lineup in China with the introduction of the Model YL, projected to launch between September and October 2025.

While official pricing is still pending, this new variant is anticipated to be priced around 400,000 CNY (c. $55,700 USD). This positions it higher than the current 5-seat Model Y variants, which start from 263,500 RMB (c. $36,700 USD) for the 593km RWD model and 313,500 RMB (c. $43,700 USD) for the 750km Long Range AWD model.

The Model YL's key differentiator is its expanded interior, specifically designed to offer a six-seat arrangement, a significant departure from the 5-seat configuration of the standard Model Y.

To accommodate this, the Model YL is notably larger, measuring 4976 mm long (compared to Model Y's 4797 mm), 1920 mm wide, and 1668 mm high (vs 1624 mm). It also features a substantially longer 3040 mm wheelbase (vs 2890 mm), contributing to enhanced passenger space.

Powering the Model YL is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system (featuring front induction asynchronous and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors), delivering a total output of 340 kW (462 Ps).

This is a slight increase compared to the 5-seat Model Y Long Range AWD's 331 kW (450 Ps), which boasts ranges of up to 750 km and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, with energy consumption around 12.2 kWh/100km.

Like all Model Y variants, the Model YL shares a max speed of 201 km/h. Its curb weight of 2088 kg is heavier than the 5-seat Model Y AWD (1992 kg) and RWD (1921 kg) due to its larger size.

The Model YL's front trunk is expected to be similar to the Model Y's 117 L frunk while the trunk space is expected to suffer as the rear seat takes some of that space.

1. Xiaomi YU7

Source: Xiaomi

Following the immense success of its SU7 sedan, which has been outselling the Tesla Model 3 in China, Xiaomi launched its first SUV, the Xiaomi YU7.

Exterior images were revealed in December 2024, followed by its debut on May 22, 2025, with official sales commencing on June 26, 2025.

The YU7 has garnered a "frenzied" reception, securing over 200,000 pre-orders in the first three minutes and reportedly selling out production capacity until early 2027.

The Xiaomi YU7 boasts a stunning design, with some resemblance to the Ferrari Purosangue, sharing similar aggressive proportions and a low-slung, high-performance SUV stance.

It features the largest clamshell aluminum hood on a mass-produced vehicle and a practical 141 L electric front trunk.

The YU7 is available in three variants. The YU7 Standard (RWD) is priced at 253,500 RMB (c. $35,300 USD) and offers an 835 km CLTC range, 235 kW (320 Ps) of power, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.88 seconds.

For those seeking more power, the YU7 Pro (AWD) is available at 279,900 RMB (c. $39,000 USD), providing a 770 km CLTC range, a total power output of 365 kW (496 Ps), and a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.27 seconds.

Finally, the YU7 Max (AWD), priced at 329,900 RMB (c. $46,000 USD), features a 760 km CLTC range, a powerful 508 kW (690 Ps) total output, and a blistering 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.23 seconds, reaching a top speed of 253 km/h.

All variants benefit from an 800V electrical system for ultra-fast charging (10-80% in 12-21 minutes) and an impressive 1.1-meter wide 'HyperVision' panoramic head-up display.

The YU7's blend of high performance, cutting-edge technology, and aspirational design makes it a true highlight of China's 2025 EV market.

Conversion rate: 1 USD = 7.1788 CNY as of July 28, 2025