Chinese carmakers are loading vehicles with screens and AI. But is anyone actually asking for this?
The country's EV makers have embraced dashboard displays with a zeal American consumers have largely rejected. Multiple screens spanning the cockpit, AI voice assistants, and autonomous driving features are now standard in most Chinese domestic models. BYD, NIO, and Xpeng all pitch their vehicles as rolling software platforms as much as transportation.
This approach reflects a different philosophy: cars as computing devices first, vehicles second. Chinese buyers — particularly younger ones — have shown willingness to embrace this. But Western markets have been cooler. The backlash against excessive touchscreens in Tesla and other brands suggests buyers don't want to feel like they're operating a tablet while driving.
The real test is whether any of this AI actually works. Voice assistants that misunderstand accents and autonomous features that require constant supervision aren't compelling selling points. If the technology matures, Chinese EVs could set the standard for in-car intelligence. If it's mostly marketing, it'll join the long list of features nobody asked for.