With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.
BYD unveils second-generation Blade Battery, set to expand to mainstream models by 2026
On March 5, 2026, BYD held a major event in Shenzhen, marking the official launch of its highly anticipated second-generation Blade Battery. The event focused on showcasing production technologies and highlighted a significant milestone in BYD's evolution in the power battery sector.
According to the company's official announcement, the new Blade Battery utilizes a lithium manganese iron phosphate chemistry system, with a notable increase in energy density, now ranging from 190 to 210 Wh/kg—an approximate 40% improvement over the previous generation. This material upgrade also allows vehicles equipped with the battery to achieve a CLTC range of over 1,000 kilometers on a full charge.
Addressing common industry concerns over reduced range in cold weather, the new Blade Battery performs admirably in extreme conditions. Even in -20°C environments, the battery retains more than 85% of its capacity, greatly enhancing the driving experience in low temperatures. The battery also boasts impressive charging speeds: it can go from 10% to 70% in just 5 minutes, and from 10% to 97% in 9 minutes. Even in subzero conditions, the battery maintains excellent performance, with a charge from 20% to 97% taking only 12 minutes at -30°C.
Looking ahead, BYD plans to make this second-generation Blade Battery, along with its associated technologies, accessible to a wider range of consumers. By the end of 2026, the new battery will be featured in mainstream vehicles priced between 100,000 yuan and 200,000 yuan, bringing cutting-edge technology to more affordable models.
Chery's premium brand Exeed hikes ET5 price, becoming first automaker to raise prices in 2026
After nearly two years of intense price competition in China's automotive market, Chery's premium brand Exeed has decided to take a different path. On March 5, 2026, Exeed announced an official price increase for its ET5 model, making it the first automaker in 2026 to publicly declare a price hike.
The adjustment mainly affects the higher-spec versions of the ET5. The official retail price of the Exeed ET5 210 Laser Radar Supreme Edition has been raised by 5,000 yuan, bringing the new price to 164,900 yuan, with a trade-in price set at 154,900 yuan.
SAIC Volkswagen begins production of ID. ERA 9X as NEV push gathers pace
The opening phase of an ambitious product rollout has begun for SAIC Volkswagen as the joint venture accelerates its electrification strategy. On March 5, the company officially launched mass production of the ID. ERA 9X at its Ningbo manufacturing plant.
The model adopts a range-extended electric drivetrain built around the EA211 engine acting as a generator, paired with a 65.2-kWh battery supplied by CATL. Under China's CLTC testing cycle, the vehicle is expected to deliver more than 400 kilometers of battery-powered driving range.
