By Alex V 
Chinese electric vehicle makers Leapmotor and Aito hit new monthly highs in May 2025, intensifying the competitive EV price war and shifting market dynamics.
Two of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, Leapmotor and Aito, reported record-high delivery figures for May 2025, highlighting both rising consumer demand and the intensifying price war reshaping the world’s largest EV market.
EV Makers Reach All-Time Highs in May Deliveries
Leapmotor, a prominent Hangzhou-based EV startup, announced a new monthly delivery record of 18,139 vehicles in May, according to company statements cited by CNBC. Meanwhile, Aito—backed by Chinese tech giant Huawei and operated by Seres—delivered a remarkable 38,164 units, surpassing its previous highs. Both companies attributed their performance to aggressive pricing strategies and the launch of new, competitively priced models.
“We are fully committed to bringing intelligent and affordable electric vehicles to Chinese consumers,” Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming said in a statement to the press. “Our record growth this month shows the strong appeal of high-quality but cost-effective EVs.”
China’s EV Price War Intensifies
The impressive delivery numbers come amid a fierce “price war” sweeping China’s EV sector. Manufacturers, from established giants like BYD and Tesla to emerging startups, are slashing prices to attract buyers and gain market share. The rapid increase in deliveries underscores how companies are leveraging competitive pricing to stimulate demand following recent signs of market saturation and weakening sales growth.
Aito, with its tech-forward partnership with Huawei, has emerged as a powerful new contender. Its success reflects changing consumer preferences for integrated smart features and competitive price points. According to Seres’ spokesperson, “Aito’s innovations in connectivity and affordability directly address what Chinese customers want now.”
Competitive Landscape: Market Leaders Respond
BYD continues to lead in volume, but newcomers like Leapmotor and Aito are quickly gaining ground. Industry analysts note that even global players such as Tesla have been compelled to lower prices and introduce special offers to stay competitive.
“Chinese consumers have plenty of choices, and EV makers can’t afford to rest on their laurels,” said Joanne Zhu, an automotive industry analyst at SinoAuto Insights. “Price, tech features, and brand reputation are all critical in this environment.”
April and May data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) show a clear uptick in EV sales after sluggish growth earlier in the year, indicating that price cuts are effective in jumpstarting demand. However, the resulting squeeze on profit margins has raised concerns about the sustainability of aggressive discounting long-term.
Broader Implications: Technology, Exports, and Policy
Beyond pricing, the surge in deliveries reflects broader trends:
Innovation race: As companies vie to outdo each other, smart features, longer range, and faster charging times are standardizing rapidly.
Export push: Several leading Chinese EV makers, including Leapmotor, are looking outside China. Joint ventures—like Leapmotor’s deal with Stellantis—signal intentions to capture global market share.
Policy tailwinds: Local and national government incentives, combined with enhanced EV charging infrastructure investment, are continuing to boost domestic adoption despite subsidy rollbacks.
“China’s domestic EV competition is acting as a proving ground for the global transition to electric mobility,” noted Dr. Lin Hao, professor of automotive engineering at Tsinghua University. “It’s a high-stakes battle that’s setting the pace and the prices worldwide.”
Risks: Margin Pressure and Market Consolidation
Despite record deliveries, risks remain for both established and emerging manufacturers. The price war is compressing margins across the sector, prompting investor concern over profitability. Market watchers warn of possible consolidation if weaker players cannot weather the storm, while others might pivot to global markets or premium segments to sustain growth.
“Not all EV startups will survive this cycle,” said Michael Dunne, CEO of automotive consultancy Dunne Insights. “Chinese buyers are big beneficiaries now, but the real test will come in the next year or two as competitive and economic pressures play out.”
As China’s electric vehicle revolution accelerates, May 2025’s record results for Leapmotor and Aito mark a pivotal moment. With relentless competition driving innovation—and price cuts making EVs more accessible to millions—the Chinese market continues to shape the trajectory of the global electric vehicle industry.
Sources Used:
- CNBC: Leapmotor and Aito report record-high deliveries in May amid price war
- China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) monthly sales data, April–May 2025
- Company press releases (Leapmotor, Aito)
- Automotive industry analysis from SinoAuto Insights, Dunne Insights
- Academic commentary from Tsinghua University automotive department
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