Karaoke in the car? China’s new wave of gadget-laden electric vehicles

China’s electric vehicles (EVs) already lead the way in terms of battery and autonomous driving technologies. Now, the country’s auto brands are adding a new dimension to the notion of intelligent cars: turning them into full-scale entertainment centres.

A new wave of Chinese-developed EVs is hitting the market equipped with everything from voice-activated artificial intelligence (AI) assistants, to headlights that double up as film projectors and karaoke systems. Some even feature immersive digital cockpits with integrated virtual reality technology.

The gadget-laden vehicles are designed to appeal to a younger generation of Chinese drivers, as the country’s EV makers seek to innovate their way out of a sales downturn in the domestic market.

“Intelligent features are propelling sales because of young Chinese drivers’ willingness to embrace new technologies,” said Zhao Zhen, a sales director at Shanghai-based dealer Wan Zhuo Auto.

“More importantly, Chinese carmakers, technology firms and auto component suppliers are able to respond to market demand quickly and their in-vehicle entertainment facilities are becoming more affordable to consumers.”

The Chinese auto industry’s collective effort to create more autonomous, intelligent EVs has helped China’s brands stand out from their global competitors, according to consultancy AlixPartners.