Summary of Key Points
Recently, the state plans to revise three national standards for new energy vehicles, raising the reliability test mileage requirements for pure electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles from below the standards for conventional gasoline vehicles (for example, pure electric vehicles previously only needed to cover 15,000 kilometers) to the same 30,000 kilometers as gasoline vehicles. Additional detailed requirements have also been introduced: pure electric vehicles must use fast charging during 90% of the test distance; hybrid vehicles must drive 10,000 kilometers in pure electric mode; and fuel cell vehicles must complete the entire test in hybrid drive mode. This represents an important implementation of the "equal rights for gasoline and electric vehicles" policy, signaling that the new energy vehicle industry is transitioning from a period of support and cultivation to one of maturity and regulation, with far-reaching implications for manufacturers, component suppliers, and consumers.
I. What exactly does "equal rights for gasoline and electric vehicles" mean?
The core of these revisions is the alignment of testing criteria, which includes three key points:
1. Unified mileage requirement: All new energy vehicles, whether pure electric, hybrid, or fuel cell, must undergo a 30,000-kilometer reliability test before market release, which is the same as for gasoline vehicles (previously, pure electric vehicles only needed to meet 50% of the gasoline vehicle requirement, i.e., 15,000 kilometers).
2. Specific requirements:
- Pure electric vehicles: 90% of the test distance must be covered using fast charging (27,000 kilometers), which is more in line with daily usage patterns.
- Hybrid vehicles: In addition to the total 30,000-kilometer requirement, they must also drive 10,000 kilometers in pure electric mode to test the reliability of the electric system; hybrid vehicles must also comply with the latest safety standards for electric vehicles (such as one-button power-off features, battery fire and explosion prevention, and bottom protection).
- Fuel cell vehicles: They must complete the entire 30,000-kilometer test in hybrid drive mode to ensure the stability of the power system.
3. Consistent regulatory standards: The testing rules and failure criteria are the same as those for gasoline vehicles, with no longer any special considerations given to new energy vehicles.
II. Why are the testing standards being raised now?
There are two main reasons for this change:
1. Industry maturity: The proportion of new energy vehicles in the market is increasing year by year, and they have become a major force (for example, in 2023, new energy vehicle sales accounted for over 30% of the total market). It is no longer appropriate to use lower standards that were designed during the initial stages of development. The reduction in the required mileage was a form of support during the cultivation phase; now, it is time for fair competition with gasoline vehicles.
2. Need to address long-term issues: A 30,000-kilometer test allows for a more thorough evaluation of the long-term performance of the vehicle's electronic systems (battery, motor, and control electronics) and chassis components (such as battery degradation, motor noise, and chassis wear). This helps to identify and resolve potential issues before the vehicles are sold to consumers.
III. What impacts will these changes have on manufacturers and the industry?
1. Increased costs and elimination of lower-end capacity: The doubled testing distance will increase R&D and testing costs for manufacturers (for example, covering an additional 15,000 kilometers requires more time, facilities, and personnel). Small manufacturers that rely on rapid product launches and low-price strategies may not be able to sustain this and could be eliminated, leading to greater industry consolidation.
2. Pressure for component upgrades: Components such as batteries and chassis must become more durable to pass the 30,000-kilometer test. This will drive technological advancements among suppliers.
3. Shift towards long-term R&D: Manufacturers will need to invest more time in genuine research and development rather than relying on shortcuts to quickly launch new products. This will lead to improved overall quality of new energy vehicles.
4. Beneficial for exports: The new standards align with international requirements, reducing the need for additional testing and lowering compliance costs for manufacturers exporting to overseas markets.
IV. What benefits will consumers enjoy?
1. Greater reliability: Vehicles that have undergone a 30,000-kilometer test are less likely to experience long-term issues (such as significant battery degradation or motor malfunctions after two to three years of use), providing consumers with greater peace of mind.
2. Reduced concerns about reliability: With stricter testing standards, consumers' fears about potential problems with electric vehicles over time will be alleviated.
3. Improved resale value: As the reliability of new energy vehicles increases, their resale value is likely to improve, making them more attractive to buyers.
V. The policy signals a transition for the new energy vehicle industry
These revisions indicate that the new energy vehicle industry is moving from a phase of state-supported development to one of independent growth. Supportive policies (such as lower testing requirements) are being phased out in favor of fair competition and higher quality standards. In the future, the competitiveness of new energy vehicles will rely on technology, quality, and reliability rather than policy incentives. This marks a critical step towards shifting from quantitative growth to qualitative improvement for the entire industry.
In summary, although the change seems minor (just an additional 15,000 kilometers in testing), it signifies the maturation of the new energy vehicle industry, providing greater comfort for consumers and promoting higher-quality development.