I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of electric vehicles (EVs), and the more I look at what’s happening in China, the more I’m convinced that Chinese EV brands are taking the smarter approach. Unlike Tesla, which seems caught up in a design paradox, Chinese brands are leaning into a future where cars are more than just machines for driving — they’re mobile living spaces.
Here’s what I mean.
On one hand, Tesla is going all-in on Full Self-Driving (FSD), with the goal of making cars that drive themselves. But on the other hand, they continue to build cars with a hyper-minimalist, driver-focused interior — a space that prioritises the driver’s role. Think of the single centre screen, the lack of buttons, and the idea that “less is more.” It looks futuristic, sure. But here’s the problem: When cars become fully autonomous, the least important thing about them will be ‘driving’.
This is where I think Chinese EVs have the upper hand.
The Tesla Paradox: Driving Experience vs. Living Experience
Tesla’s approach is undeniably bold, but it’s also contradictory. If you’re investing so much into FSD — a world where no one drives — then why does the interior of your car look like a futuristic cockpit? When you’re not driving, the things you’ll care about most are comfort, entertainment, and functionality. This is where Tesla’s “ultra-minimalist” design feels disconnected from the future it claims to be building.
Imagine sitting in a Tesla with FSD engaged. You’re technically a passenger, yet you’re stuck staring at a plain dashboard with a single screen. No place to stretch out, no personal space to relax or work comfortably. It’s more like being in a waiting room than a lounge.
Now compare that to what Chinese brands like Li Auto, Denza(BYD) and Nio are doing. They’ve realised that if driving is no longer the focus, then the entire cabin experience must change. And they’re acting on it.
How Chinese EVs Are Building for the Right Future
Instead of chasing this “driver-centric” ideal, Chinese EVs are leaning into something much smarter: the lifestyle experience. It’s no longer about 0-60 times or Nürburgring lap records — it’s about making sure people feel at home while moving from A to B.
A great example is the recently released Li Auto MEGA, which has been getting attention from big names like MKBHD (Marques Brownlee) and even Fully Charged Show. From what I’ve seen, the buzz is clear: Li MEGA is a mobile living room on wheels.
What makes it so special? It’s not just the space — it’s the purpose. Second-row reclining VIP seats with massage and climate control, large interactive screens for entertainment, and even features like fold-out workspaces. Instead of making the second-row seats feel like an “add-on,” like Tesla does, these cars make it feel like you’re sitting in business class on a long-haul flight.
The Shift From Driving to Living
There’s a bigger shift happening in the EV world right now, and I think China sees it more clearly than anyone else. When nobody need to drive in the future, “performance” will no longer matter.
Once autonomy becomes the norm, what we’ll care about most is comfort, convenience, and connection. If you’re not driving, you’ll want to stretch out, watch a film, or catch up on emails. The battle will shift from driving performance to lifestyle performance — and that’s where Chinese EVs are already prepared and this is why I believe Chinese EVs are on the right path. They’re not building for the world as it is — they’re building for the world as it will be.
