Interviews
Conversations with industry leaders, researchers and engineers.
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.
Maextro 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.
How Chinese EV Speed Is Reshaping Qualcomm's Automotive Roadmap
At the 2026 Qualcomm Automotive Technology and Partnership Summit, executives stated that China's rapid vehicle iteration cycles and aggressive cost targets are forcing Qualcomm to accelerate its chip development and adopt cockpit-driving fusion architectures.
Li Auto CTO Xie Yan Details MACH M100 Chip Development, Aims for Apple-Style Vertical Integration
In a detailed interview with 42HOW Auto, Li Auto CTO Xie Yan outlines the development of the company's self-developed MACH M100 autonomous driving chip. He explains how the dataflow architecture aims to deliver three times the effective compute of NVIDIA's Thor U at a lower cost, enabling Li Auto to pursue vertical integration similar to Apple.
NVIDIA’s Wu Xinzhou on His Long-Term Commitment to Autonomous Driving
In an interview, NVIDIA Global Vice President Wu Xinzhou discusses his transition from XPENG to NVIDIA, the company's software-revenue partnership with Mercedes-Benz, and its strategic pivot toward L4 autonomous driving.
Talking to Li Auto Owners: Does It Really Matter Whether You Choose Range-Extended or Pure Electric? | 42Talk Vol.34 Transcript
In a 42HOW Auto discussion, Li Auto L6 and i6 owners share their experiences with range-extended and pure electric vehicles, revealing that daily usage needs and charging convenience often outweigh powertrain preferences in purchase decisions.
48:4942Talk Vol. 34: Do Li Auto Owners Really Care About Range-Extended vs. Pure Electric?
In the latest episode of 42Talk, we speak with Li Auto owners to explore whether the choice between range-extended and pure electric powertrains truly matters in their daily driving experience.
From Critic to Owner: Why the NIO ES8 Won Fans | 42Talk Vol.33 Transcript
Two NIO ES8 owners discuss how competitive pricing, battery-as-a-service options, and practical features like the frunk drove their purchase decisions.
39:52Why Did a Mercedes-Benz Owner Insist on Switching to a Li i8? | 42Talk Vol.32
Why Did a Mercedes-Benz Owner Insist on Switching to a Li i8? | 42Talk Vol.32
27:04What Does This Buyer Need Most in a Six-Seat SUV? | 42Talk Vol.31
42HOW Auto's 42Talk Vol.31 examines the specific priorities and essential features for consumers considering a six-seat sport utility vehicle in the new energy market.