#China #BYD #Beijing I travelled to China to find out why it's become the world's biggest EV powerhouse — and what I found completely changed how I see the global car industry. Over six days I visited BYD's R&D centres, toured one of its vast production facilities, tried out its jaw-dropping 5-minute flash charging tech, and attended the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. From the Yangwang U8 that can literally float, to the 1,300hp Yangwang U9 supercar and the luxurious Denza Z9 GT — this wasn't just another car launch, it was a first-hand look at how fast China's auto industry is moving. More importantly, it helped answer a bigger question: why is China moving so quickly, and can Europe keep up? Come take a look at the world's fastest-growing car industry with me, and hear my thoughts on what it all means for drivers, manufacturers, and the future of motoring. I'd love to know what you think — are Chinese car brands genuinely changing the game, or do European manufacturers still hold the upper hand? Let me know in the comments. Filmed in China with BYD. Flights and accommodation were provided by BYD. As always, all opinions are my own. 🎧 Podcast: Driver's Republic Podcast link https://open.spotify.com/show/7IkSuTawDH1q3ML08zXRE2?si=10c5b08316ba470a BuyMeACoffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nobbyoncars - thank you! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/join/NobbyOnCars - Just €1.99 per month! PayPal https://paypal.me/noblemark?locale.x=... chapters; 00:00 Why I Came to China 01:30 First Impressions of China's Car Industry 02:03 Life in China & Why This Trip Matters 03:09 BYD's 5-Minute Charging Breakthrough 04:59 Testing the World's Fastest EV Charger 05:29 The Truth Behind the Charging Demo 06:36 Beijing Motor Show 2026 - It's Huge 07:08 Cars Europe Isn't Getting 07:55 Denza's 1,000hp Convertible 08:26 Why China's EV Industry Feels Years Ahead 09:38 Have Chinese Cars Overtaken Europe? 10:15 Inside BYD's Mega Factory 11:25 The car that can float 13:05 Extreme Engineering for Real Emergencies 14:11 Denza Z9 GT - Germany Should Be Worried? 14:58 Technology That Makes Parking Easy 15:56 Chinese Cars Aren't Knock-Offs Anymore 17:02 Driving BYD's 1,300hp Supercar 18:00 Hybrid 4x4s Built for Real Work 18:36 The Future of BYD in Europe 20:19 Why China Builds Cars So Cheaply 21:19 Can Europe Catch Up? 22:21 My Biggest Takeaway from China Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMKLV2Fehfuw-E3eoXsulDQ/join
ADVERTISEMENT
Google & Facebook weren’t ban, they withdrew from China as they refused to comply with China’s laws which required them to store data in China
No constant honking, quiet, clean streets, no pollution to be seen. Actual high tech products showcase. Thank goodness for that.
I always noticed how Western people keep on emphasizing and saying it with a sarcastic grin that Google and Facebook are banned in China when in fact they are not banned but these companies voluntarily withdraw as they refused to comply with China's laws which required them to store data in China. This was exactly what the US government did to TikTok requesting them to store data in the US otherwise they will either be ban or alternatively they must give up TikTok to US ownership. So i am wondering why western people and media never talked about the banning of TikTok in the US as the US is the center and champion of democracy and freedom of speech.
Makes me sick to think about what we miss out on in Europe. Some of these cars look amazing
I was in China ten years ago and none of this was evident. They’re moving so quickly it’s crazy. Some of those cars look amazing and that battery swapping thing is nuts
Chinese cars are the future.
As soon as you get off the plane and you are waiting for your Didi taxi to arrive and you see EV after EV pick up the passengers and you realise how far we are behind. Almost everything on 2 wheels was powered by electric and in city centres such as Shanghai, EVs seemed to out number ICE cars but less so on the outskirts. EVs were even being sold in a Huwaei phone shop and I must say the cars and their interiors were great. It’s probably too late for some legacy brands as Chinese battery and charging tech is also improving and it’s no longer the case of just catching up as they risk bring to market out-dated tech.
Nobby, I swear the best thing you did this year was getting that vortalex posture corrector 😭 I swear ur posture has improved so much.. just look at ur vids from 2-3 weeks ago huge difference
It's wild how fast BYD and the other Chinese manufacturers are innovating. I hope EU govts will push these companies to also develop the charging infrastructure while opening up the markets, it's a win-win. The flash charging tech is mind-blowing. I wonder how long it'll take European brands to catch up, or if they even can at this rate, they seem to be stuck squeezing customers with optional extras :) Great video, thanks for showcasing it.
i've got a Denza B8 and it is sensational!!
Zero to 100kph in 2 seconds is dangerously fast! 🇨🇦🇨🇦
the charging speed literally looks like the gas pump read out
I'm drinving a 2024 xpeng G6. Very nice car. I think we should stop judging cars based on where they originate, and start judging them on their capabilities.
Incredible setup. Proof that EVs work and are here to stay. Excellent vlog Nobby 👍🏻👍🏻
Left UK for China in 2013. Had three Chinese cars so far, all of them very reliable, solid quality and great value for money. It not just the cars either, this is now one great place to live with things improving across the board at a pace that just takes your breath away.
Chinese system is fundamentally different to Western countries, the government regulates the system and are major share holders in many businesses so that companies truly innovate solutions which benefits the people, society and country with minimal price gouging. Western countries on other hand works to make as much money for share holders as quickly as possible even if it means price gouging and misleading deceptive practices which benefits no one other than themselves. For example, Toyota price gouge it's customers selling outdated design and technology then spends a large amount of it's profits each year lobbying the government against the uptake of EVs so it can maximize it's profits. Tesla dropped the prices substantially when Chinese EVs came into the market showing their willingness to price gouge their customers if they can get away with it.
Great episode. Thank you. Was in China in December 2025. Share the comment of real eye opener: the scale of investment in modernisation was so impressive - fast trains, EVs, air quality, quiet city centres. The other eye opener was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Felt safe traveling alone. Had such a fantastic time experiencing the future, in China. Can't wait to go back, if fortunate enough.
A little over ten years ago China was covered in a light yellow smog and littered garbage everywhere, but president xi turned it around quite quickly and thats pretty impressive
China is leading in practically everything now. EVs, solar panels, nuclear energy & power generation, construction, high speed rail, robotics, air conditioners etc. Even in cancer treatment and in the future...food production. Other nations try in different segments but don't necessarily succeed, China just has a very good strike rate. Is it up to the West to slow China down? Hell no! You can refuse to bring their products in but you have no right to sabotage them. Their "overcapacity" can be instrumental in solving climate change and west has much to learn from China's poverty alleviation programs. The west should study where they can use Chinese knowhow and manufacturing to improve their citizens lives at home instead of playing schoolground politics.
Thanks for watching! After spending a week in China, I’m genuinely interested to hear your thoughts. Do you think European manufacturers can catch up, or has China already taken the lead? I’d love to hear your perspective.