New Chinese rules require greater energy efficiency from electric vehicles and may impact models of major automakers
Fuel-economy regulations have shaped the global auto industry for decades, but in the electric vehicle segment, there were still no established standards. This scenario is beginning to change in China, which is preparing to implement a new set of laws aimed at the energy consumption of electric vehicles.
The standards set maximum consumption limits based on the weight of the vehicle. In the case of an electric passenger car weighing about two tons, consumption cannot exceed 15.1 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers.
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The new requirements will be about 11% stricter than the previous recommendations. Chinese authorities estimate that the adoption of these standards will result in an average increase of approximately 7% in the range of electric vehicles. The objective of the regulation is to prevent automakers from extending autonomy only through larger batteries, prioritizing improvements in the efficiency of systems and vehicle design.
According to the technology publication IT Home, this will be the first mandatory regulation of energy consumption for electric vehicles in the world. The law is expected to come into force on January 1, 2026.
The development of the standards has been going on for several months. In July, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the State Administration for Market Regulation met to set both efficiency limits and new guidelines for battery recycling.
Some electric vehicles from manufacturers such as BYD and Geely already meet the new parameters. Models that are not in compliance may undergo updates or be withdrawn from production until they meet the established requirements.
