Chinese EV brands Li Auto and Zeekr report record September deliveries [Video]

BEIJING — Chinese new energy vehicle brands Li Auto and Zeekr each delivered a record number of cars in September, according to company data released Tuesday.

New energy vehicles include hybrids and those powered only by battery. The category accounted for more than half of new passenger cars sold in China in July and August, according to industry data.

Li Auto reported 53,709 deliveries in September, setting a record more than 5% above a prior high reached in July. The company’s cars come with a fuel tank for extending the battery’s driving range.

Geely-owned electric car company Zeekr also delivered a record of 21,333 vehicles in September.

Nio, BYD, Xiaomi and Aito, co-developed by Huawei, had yet to release September deliveries as of Tuesday afternoon.

Mainland China and Hong Kong markets were closed Tuesday for a holiday. Hong Kong’s are set to reopen Wednesday, while the mainland markets aren’t due to resume trading until Oct. …