Episode 128 - Bumping in to Frank Wu, BYD gets to 5 Million, Doubling Down on Hydrogen

Lei kicks off the podcast with how he randomly bumped into Frank Wu at the Jidu, now JiYue Experience Center in Beijing. Tu believes that after seeing the features on their first vehicle, that if executed properly - could push the entire sector into the smartification phase of the EV transition. Tu moves the conversation over to Zeekr’s price cut while Lei then talks about their recent subscription service. Tu stops the podcast to congratulate BYD on building their 5 millionth NEV. Both Tu and Lei marvel at the speed at which they got to the last from 1 million to 5 million units. Lei broadens out the discussion to talk about China recently hitting 20 million NEVs built in China and what a massive accomplishment that was. Tu addresses the BYD haters by pointing to the fact that Toyota, widely considered one of the best in the biz, is using BYD tech for the China market. They wouldn’t be doing that if they thought BYD product were inferior. Lei updates about some recent news about Huawei and Tu talks about a recent announcement by the Chinese govt effectively doubling down on hydrogen technology as a viable powertrain option and how till now, very few OEMs besides one or two Japanese OEMs seem to be committed to it. Tu and Lei close out the podcast with an announcement about their latest MAX episode with Philipp Sayler von Amende, Co-founder & CEO of carwow Germany which will drop the week of IAA Mobility Munich.The Best Pizza Franchise OpportunityAnthony & Luca's Pizza Kitchen is the hottest new Cheesesteak & NY Pizza Franchise.Support the show