[Domestic News] Ministry of Industry and Information Technology: China's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Sales Have Ranked First Globally for Ten Consecutive Years

The State Council Information Office held a press conference series on "China's High-Quality Economic Development Achievements" to introduce the situation regarding "Vigorously Promoting New-type Industrialization and Advancing High-Quality Economic Development." Zhang Yunming, member of the leading party group and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), provided an overview of hot topics such as the development of the NEV industry and answered questions from reporters.

General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the development of NEVs. During his inspection of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation in 2014, he emphasized that the development of NEVs is the necessary path for China to transition from being a big automotive country to a powerful one. Over the past decade, China's annual production and sales of NEVs have surged from the ten-thousand unit range to the ten-million unit range, with products exported to more than 70 countries and regions, accounting for over 60% of the global market share, and becoming a "bright business card" for Made in China. In 2024, the new achievements in the development of China's NEV industry can be summarized as "one breakthrough and three improvements."

"One breakthrough" refers to the annual production and sales of NEVs surpassing the ten-million unit mark, reaching 12.888 million and 12.866 million units respectively, with NEV sales accounting for 40.9% of total new vehicle sales, ranking first globally for ten consecutive years.

"Three improvements" pertain to further enhancements in product performance, the industrial system, and ease of use. In terms of product performance, the average driving range of vehicles is close to 500 kilometers. Rapid advancements in intelligent assisted driving and human-machine interaction technologies have made driving more relaxing and enjoyable. Configurations such as active suspensions and smart lighting systems have become more prevalent, moving from high-end vehicles to mass-market cars, making NEVs the "preferred choice" for an increasing number of consumers when purchasing vehicles. In terms of the industrial system, a comprehensive and efficient industrial chain covering basic materials, components, complete vehicles, and manufacturing equipment has been established, supplying 70% of battery materials and 60% of power batteries globally. In terms of ease of use, taking charging services as an example, China has built 128.18 million charging piles and 4,443 battery swapping stations, forming the largest charging network in the world, with 80% fast-charging technology achieving mass production and application within 15 minutes.

Currently, the NEV industry faces new challenges such as intensifying domestic competition and high international trade barriers. Moving forward, MIIT will focus on promoting high-quality development, take targeted measures, and strive to maintain the positive momentum of NEV industry development.

Firstly, it will strengthen enterprise technological innovation by deeply implementing national key research and development programs and accelerating breakthroughs in key core technologies such as new battery systems.

Secondly, it will intensify market promotion efforts by implementing preferential policies such as trade-ins for old cars and reductions or exemptions in vehicle purchase taxes for NEVs, actively expanding NEV consumption. It will formulate guiding opinions to promote the development of battery swapping models, vigorously advance pilot projects for the comprehensive electrification of vehicles in public sectors, and deepen their application in key areas.

Thirdly, it will enhance green development levels by optimizing the "dual-credit" management policy, exploring the implementation of carbon emissions management for automobiles and carbon footprint management for automotive power batteries, and promoting international mutual recognition of accounting standards and results.

Fourthly, it will strive to optimize the industrial ecology by studying and carrying out corporate group management for complete vehicle enterprises, supporting advantageous enterprises to improve quality, efficiency, and become stronger. It will regulate market competition order and continuously optimize the industrial ecology.