42HOW Auto — China EV, autonomous driving and road tests
Baidu's ApolloWorld Trains Apollo Go Robotaxis in a Virtual Environment
Baidu has introduced ApolloWorld, a world model that generates camera and LiDAR imagery and alters traffic environments to train and validate its Apollo Go robotaxis. Wang Liang, chief architect of Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group (IDG), described the model as an "examiner" for verifying autonomous driving safety.
Porsche Is Cool, but Tesla Can Fly!
Tesla unveiled the second-generation Roadster with cold-gas thrusters, fan-generated downforce and a 2028 production target, positioning its flight-capable Rocket variant against Porsche’s conventional supercar design philosophy.
Li i6 Gets a “Major” Update: Can It Have It All?
A first-look static review of the 2026 Li i6, asking whether its “major” update can deliver it all.
5:13NIO and Geely Holding Group Announce Strategic Charging and Battery Swap Partnership
On September 28, 2026, NIO and Geely Holding Group announced a comprehensive strategic partnership in the charging and battery swap sector. Geely will acquire a 30% stake in NIO Energy through equity and cash investment, while NIO will take a 10% stake in Haohan Energy, with both parties agreeing to interconnect their charging resources and develop unified standards for consumer-facing battery swap services.
New Cars & Market Signals
All New Cars →NEW CARS & MARKET SIGNALSPorsche Is Cool, but Tesla Can Fly!
Tesla unveiled the second-generation Roadster with cold-gas thrusters, fan-generated downforce and a 2028 production target, positioning its flight-capable Rocket variant against Porsche’s conventional supercar design philosophy.
NEW CARS & MARKET SIGNALS▶ 5:13Li i6 Gets a “Major” Update: Can It Have It All?
A first-look static review of the 2026 Li i6, asking whether its “major” update can deliver it all.
NEW CARS & MARKET SIGNALSMaextro V680 and V800 Launch: First Owners Define New Standards for Ultra-Luxury MPVs
Following the August 5 launch of the Maextro V680 and V800, 42HOW Auto’s research into first owners reveals a shift in ultra-luxury MPV expectations. Buyers prioritize comprehensive capabilities—autonomous driving, ride quality, and privacy—over traditional brand prestige, with many making rapid purchase decisions without competitor comparison.
Video & Road Tests
Watch on YouTube →
VIDEO & ROAD TESTS▶ 7:57Li Auto Releases OTA 8.6 Update: Can Older Models Continue to Improve Autonomous Driving?
Li Auto has released its OTA 8.6 software update, raising questions about whether older vehicle models can continue to enhance their autonomous driving capabilities through over-the-air updates.
VIDEO & ROAD TESTS▶ 4:46Testing Momenta's R7 on the New Nissan N7 in Chongqing
42HOW Auto tests the new Nissan N7 equipped with Momenta's R7 autonomous driving system in Chongqing to evaluate its performance under high-intensity and complex driving conditions.
VIDEO & ROAD TESTS▶ 10:34VOYAH Zhuiguang S Review: Is Standard Quad-LiDAR Worth the Price?
42HOW Auto examines whether the VOYAH Zhuiguang S's standard quad-lidar configuration justifies its cost for buyers seeking advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
China EV
All China EV →
NIO and Geely Holding Group Announce Strategic Charging and Battery Swap Partnership
On September 28, 2026, NIO and Geely Holding Group announced a comprehensive strategic partnership in the charging and battery swap sector. Geely will acquire a 30% stake in NIO Energy through equity and cash investment, while NIO will take a 10% stake in Haohan Energy, with both parties agreeing to interconnect their charging resources and develop unified standards for consumer-facing battery swap services.
Li Auto says self-developed battery strategy is not a backup plan
Li Auto executives told 42HOW Auto that the company's in-house battery development is a core strategic direction, not a contingency. The automaker claims its current 5C battery products match supplier quality while offering deeper vehicle integration and data control.
Horizon Robotics CEO Yu Kai: After 15 Million Chips, the Goal Is to Be an Open Computing Platform
Following the shipment of its 15 millionth autonomous driving chip, Horizon Robotics founder and CEO Yu Kai outlined a vision for the industry's endgame, predicting that only two or three core technology suppliers will remain globally. He detailed the company's dual business model of selling chips and licensing IP, while noting its rising market share in China's domestic ADAS sector.
Autonomous Driving
Deep dives & road tests →AUTONOMOUS DRIVINGBaidu's ApolloWorld Trains Apollo Go Robotaxis in a Virtual Environment
Baidu has introduced ApolloWorld, a world model that generates camera and LiDAR imagery and alters traffic environments to train and validate its Apollo Go robotaxis. Wang Liang, chief architect of Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group (IDG), described the model as an "examiner" for verifying autonomous driving safety.
AUTONOMOUS DRIVING▶ 9:25Changan's In-House Autonomous Driving System Interprets Text-Based Waiting Zones
Changan has developed a proprietary autonomous driving system capable of recognizing and responding to text-based road markings, such as waiting zones, demonstrating its self-reliant technological approach.
AUTONOMOUS DRIVING▶ 7:57Li Auto Releases OTA 8.6 Update: Can Older Models Continue to Improve Autonomous Driving?
Li Auto has released its OTA 8.6 software update, raising questions about whether older vehicle models can continue to enhance their autonomous driving capabilities through over-the-air updates.
Interviews
All interviews →NIO and Geely Holding Group Announce Strategic Charging and Battery Swap Partnership
On September 28, 2026, NIO and Geely Holding Group announced a comprehensive strategic partnership in the charging and battery swap sector. Geely will acquire a 30% stake in NIO Energy through equity and cash investment, while NIO will take a 10% stake in Haohan Energy, with both parties agreeing to interconnect their charging resources and develop unified standards for consumer-facing battery swap services.
Li Auto says self-developed battery strategy is not a backup plan
Li Auto executives told 42HOW Auto that the company's in-house battery development is a core strategic direction, not a contingency. The automaker claims its current 5C battery products match supplier quality while offering deeper vehicle integration and data control.